Fontes do Ipiranga Biological Reserve

Fontes do Ipiranga is a protected reserve with about 357 hectares of Atlantic Forest that lies within São Paulo city limits. The site features natural water sources, research facilities, and maintained walking paths that connect different sections of the woodland.

Protection of this area began with an 1893 decree that set aside the Ipiranga River basin to safeguard the city's water supply. The site became an official biological reserve in 1969 to permanently protect what remained of the original forest.

The name comes from the Ipiranga spring, which has been central to the city's water needs for generations. Walking through the reserve, you notice how the protection of these water sources shaped the entire landscape.

The best way to explore the site is on foot using clearly marked trails that wind through different forest sections without disturbing habitats. Plan for slow pacing so you can observe the plants and wildlife, especially during early morning or late afternoon hours.

Part of the grounds houses the São Paulo Botanical Garden, where research spaces blend with protected forest areas. This setup lets visitors see scientific work and wild woodland side by side.