Parque Juréia-Itatins

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Parque Jureia-Itatins Description

Parue Juréia-Itatins

The Juréia-Itatins Park, which has been under the protection of the government of São Paulo since 1987, is one of the last mata atlântica reserves in that state. With an area of almost 85,000 hectares/212,500 acres, it has 40km/25mi of quiet, clean beaches, rivers and waterfalls. In the west of the part of the Serra dos Itatins which faces the Atlantic, with its hundreds of rushing streams and waterfalls and unspoiled and luxuriant mata atlântica, there are great expanses of hardwood trees, medicinal plants and palms.

At the foot of the Juréia massif which rears up along the coast, covering an area of 3300 hectares/8250 acres, the soils are mainly sandy and clayey, with low-growing vegetation; higher up

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is highland steppe country, with vegetation characteristic of an arid climate such as orchids. Where fresh water and seawater meet there are great forests of mangroves. Throughout the nature reserve live various endangered species such as jaguars, monoscarvoeiros (the largest American species of monkey), anteaters and otters. Over 130 species of birds have been recorded. In order to protect the fauna and the various eco-systems the number of visitors to the park is restricted; permits must be obtained in advance from the office of the Juréia-Itatins Nature Reserve, Sema (Environmental Secretariat), in São Paulo.

Situation

The Nature Reserve lies between the towns of Peruíbe and Iguape. To reach it, take SP 55 to Peruíbe, then a road which runs 10km/6mi south to the village of Guaraú and through it to the Rio Guaraú, which bounds the park. There is then the choice between crossing the river to the beach of Guarauzinho on the official Sema boat or trusting to one of the "unofficial" boats or canoes. From the south end of the beach a path leads to the Praia do Arpoador, which is popular with surfers.

Alternatively it is possible to take an unsurfaced road from Guaraú which runs south, crosses a number of streams and comes in 22km/13.5mi to the Praia da Barra do Una, near a village on the coast. On the way there the road passes Perequà or Salto do Tarzan, where a river of clear water forms a basin suitable for bathing. Beyond the Forest Police post a road runs 10km/6mi to the Cachoeira do Paraíso (Paradise Falls), whose smooth and slippery stones form a natural slide. From Barra do Una a road runs left to Caramboré beach and another right to the broad Una beach. It is forbidden to go any farther than this.

By way of accommodation in this area there are only modest pousadas and chalets in Peruíba and Guaraú, plus the possibility of renting a house through one of the local agencies.

The Juréia Park can also be reached from the south, coming from Iguape (209km/130mi from São Paulo). From Barra da Ribeira in Iguape there is a road to Juréia beach, and from there a trail, the Trilha do Imperador, running through the nature reserve.

Hobbies & Activities category: Provincial or municipal park