Itatiaia National Park, Brazil’s first national park, kicked off themountain season last month, which runs annually through September. The Upper Region of the park features a special program that attracts hikers and ecotourism enthusiasts.
Created in 1937 during the Getúlio Vargas administration, the park protects the biodiversity of the Mantiqueira Mountains. It is renowned for its vegetation and natural landscapes. Initially, it covered an area of 12,000 hectares, but it has been expanded over the years.
Today, in addition to São Paulo, the park covers areas in neighboring states, such as Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. It stands out for its Atlantic Forest, species typical of the region, and its rock formations.
Mountain season in Itatiaia National Park
The season was designed to be a tourist attraction during the time of year when the climate is drier and temperatures are mild. This allows visitors to stay overnight within the park in camping areas, RV sites, and glamping sites ( ), as well as in shelters on the mountain itself.
With variations in altitude and a variety of outdoor activities, this type of climate is ideal for practicing sports in nature. Every year, this is the season when the park sees the highest demand from hikers and visitors.
During this period, the park hosts an official opening event. The event usually includes a ceremony, with talks about trails and presentations by local guides. Additionally, there are paragliding flights, featuring takeoffs from the Couto ramp for visitors to watch.
The rest of the season includes common ecotourism activities in the park, such as guided hikes and summit climbs. With itineraries designed for a wide range of difficulty levels. Here, Pico das Agulhas Negras and the Cinco Lagos Circuit are major highlights.
Meanwhile, the Lower Part of the park offers more leisurely activities such as birdwatching, stargazing, and classes on conservation and hiking. In addition to technical workshops on climbing, safety during the activity, knots, and self-rescue. Afterward, visitors can put everything they’ve learned into practice.
The mountain season also includes cultural events such as craft fairs, film screenings, food trucks, musical performances, and community-led activities.
How to plan your trip?
In general, Itatiaia National Park has admission tickets starting at R$23. The Lower Section is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Upper Section is open every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Visconde de Mauá sector is open every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Due to the high season, there is an increase in demand for tickets to the Upper Part of the park. It is recommended to purchase them in advance through the online store, as spots are limited.
If you plan to spend the night in the region, check the local rules regarding equipment. In addition to verifying what you need to bring, check the number of people per tent and arrival times. If you plan to engage in more extreme activities, choose accredited companies.