Mata da Estrela Private Natural Heritage Reserve

The reserve stretches across 2,039 hectares near Baía Formosa, containing dense forests, sand dunes, and a dark-colored lagoon called Araraquara.

The reserve was established on March 30, 2000, through an initiative by IBAMA president Marilia Marreco Cerqueira to protect Atlantic Forest remnants.

Indigenous Potiguar tribes inhabited this area before colonization, relying on forest resources for their traditional way of life.

Local guides lead visitors through marked trails to observe native species like pau-brasil trees and rare primates within the protected environment.

The forest earned its name from its original star-shaped formation, which extended through five distinct points across multiple municipalities.

Location: Rio Grande do Norte

Inception: 2000

GPS coordinates: -6.40700,-34.99100

Latest update: April 4, 2025 16:00