The Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park (PETAR) is located in the south of São Paulo and is one of the largest reserves of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Covering more than 35,000 hectares, it is a sanctuary of waterfalls, forests and caves and is one of the best ecotourism destinations in the state.
The reserve is located between the towns of Apiaí and Iporanga, about 320 kilometers, or six hours by car from the capital. So if you have a few days off and would like to escape the big city to connect with nature, consider a trip there!
Get to know PETAR!
Currently, the Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park is home to 724 plant species, many of them threatened with extinction, as well as hundreds of animal specimens. Among the local inhabitants are jaguars, pumas, hawks and southern muriquis, the largest primate in the Americas.
As well as observing the animals, visitors can go on trails from the simplest to the most experienced, to explore the territory. To do this, you need to be accompanied by an accredited guide, a measure that seeks to guarantee the safety of tourists and the preservation of the natural environment.
Hundreds of caves embellish the landscape
Another highlight of the park are the caves. There are more than 300 of them within the reserve, which has earned it the title “Cave Park”. Of these, 12 are open to visitors, with breathtaking natural landscapes!
PETAR, for example, is home to the Santana Cave , one of the largest in the state of São Paulo. Nine kilometers long, it houses the Taqueopa Hall, whose delicate formations make it one of the most beautiful in the world.
In addition, the Ouro Grosso Cave has impressive internal halls and an internal waterfall, while the Água Suja Cave has a beautiful river right at its entrance! So if you want to explore nature, there are plenty of options at PETAR. Check out more information about the park here!
