Cabo Orange National Park

Cabo Orange Overview

Cabo Orange National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional do Cabo Orange, is located in the northeastern corner of the Brazilian state of Amapá. This remote park borders French Guiana and stretches along the Atlantic coast, encompassing approximately 2,570 square miles or 6,650 square kilometers.

It is the only national park in Brazil that protects a coastal mangrove ecosystem in the Amazon biome, making it a distinctive and essential conservation area. The park forms part of the Guiana Shield and lies within the broader Amazon rainforest region, offering a rare blend of coastal, marine, and rainforest environments in one protected area.

The terrain of Cabo Orange National Park is a complex mosaic of habitats, featuring dense tropical rainforest, sprawling mangrove forests, swamps, flooded grasslands, and tidal rivers. This diversity is shaped by the interplay of ocean tides and river flows, creating ever-changing landscapes throughout the year.

The park is home to the Oyapock River, which marks the border between Brazil and French Guiana, and includes the unique Caiena lowlands, where dense canopy forests meet coastal marshes. The vegetation varies with the terrain, ranging from towering emergent trees and thick understories to salt-tolerant mangroves and seasonally flooded savannas.

The biodiversity in Cabo Orange is exceptional, as it shelters species from both Amazonian and coastal environments. Among the most iconic mammals found in the park are jaguars, giant anteaters, capybaras, and the endangered manatee.

The park is also one of the few places in the region where visitors may catch a glimpse of the elusive puma and howler monkeys. Birdlife is particularly rich, with species such as the scarlet ibis, harpy eagle, and various herons and kingfishers commonly spotted. The park’s wetlands and estuaries also support migratory bird populations and are vital breeding grounds for several fish and crustacean species.

Cabo Orange National Park is best known for its unspoiled natural landscapes and relative isolation. Popular features include the coastal mangroves, oxbow lakes, and the chance to explore the estuarine labyrinths by boat. The Oyapock River is a highlight, offering both scenic beauty and rich biodiversity.

While visitation is limited due to its remote location and lack of extensive infrastructure, adventurous travelers and researchers value its pristine condition. Activities such as birdwatching, guided boat tours, and nature photography are among the most rewarding ways to engage with the park.

Access to the park is mainly via river routes or small aircraft, and visits typically require coordination with local guides or environmental agencies. This remoteness has helped shield the park from large-scale human impact, but it also presents conservation challenges.

Threats include illegal fishing, poaching, and potential pressures from nearby development. However, Cabo Orange has seen conservation successes through its protected status and collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and NGOs working to preserve its ecosystems and monitor biodiversity.

Environmental education programs and increased research efforts are helping strengthen long-term conservation strategies while promoting sustainable tourism.

Park Map

Cabo Orange National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Cabo Orange National Park, located in the northern reaches of Brazil along the Atlantic coast and the border with French Guiana, is a unique blend of Amazonian rainforest and coastal ecosystems. This remote and relatively untouched area is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, with several rare and iconic species found nowhere else in such coastal environments.

Jaguar
The apex predator of the region, the jaguar is a symbol of Amazonian wilderness. In Cabo Orange, they roam freely through mangroves, forests, and savannas, preying on caimans, capybaras, and other animals. Their elusive nature makes sightings rare but unforgettable.

Giant Otter
These highly social and intelligent creatures inhabit the park’s rivers and lagoons. They are known for their playful behavior and loud vocalizations, and their presence is a sign of healthy aquatic ecosystems.

West Indian Manatee
Occasionally found in the park’s coastal estuaries and slow-moving rivers, the West Indian manatee is a gentle, herbivorous marine mammal that is vulnerable due to habitat destruction and boat traffic.

Red-handed Howler Monkey
These monkeys are often heard before they are seen, thanks to their distinctive and far-reaching howls. They move through the forest canopy in small troops, feeding on fruits and leaves.

Green Iguana
A common but charismatic reptile, green iguanas bask on branches or slip silently into the water when disturbed. They are excellent swimmers and an important part of the food web.

Amazonian Tapir
The largest land mammal in South America, the Amazonian tapir plays a crucial role in seed dispersal. It is shy and mostly nocturnal, found in dense forest near water sources.

Puma
Also known as the mountain lion or cougar, the puma shares its territory with the jaguar but tends to avoid direct competition. It is a stealthy predator with a wide range across the Americas.

Black Caiman
This large predator inhabits the park’s wetlands and rivers, where it lies in wait for fish, birds, and mammals. Unlike the more common spectacled caiman, the black caiman can grow to massive sizes.

Capybara
The world’s largest rodent, the capybara lives in groups along riverbanks. These social animals are semi-aquatic and often seen lounging in the water to escape the heat and predators.

South American Coati
These curious and intelligent mammals travel in bands and forage for fruits, insects, and small animals. Recognizable by their long snouts and ringed tails, they are agile climbers and active during the day.

Birds

Cabo Orange National Park is a haven for bird lovers, offering a mix of Amazonian and coastal avian life. The blend of forest, mangrove, and wetland habitats supports an exceptional diversity of species, some of which are rare or endemic to this remote region.

Scarlet Ibis
These striking birds are unmistakable with their vivid red plumage, especially when seen in flocks against the green backdrop of the mangroves. They feed in shallow waters, probing for crustaceans and small invertebrates.

Harpy Eagle
One of the most powerful raptors in the world, the harpy eagle is a rare but awe-inspiring sight in the park’s canopy. It hunts monkeys and sloths with astonishing precision and strength.

Hoatzin
This prehistoric-looking bird is known for its noisy calls and unusual digestive system, which ferments vegetation much like a cow’s stomach. Found in swampy areas, the hoatzin is often called the “stinkbird.”

Blue-and-yellow Macaw
A loud and colorful presence in the treetops, these parrots mate for life and are known for their intelligence and strong beaks, which they use to crack open nuts and seeds.

Black-collared Hawk
Often seen soaring over rivers and lakes, this raptor specializes in catching fish. Its distinctive plumage and piercing eyes make it a standout among the park’s birds of prey.

Amazon Kingfisher
Perched above the water on low branches, this agile bird dives swiftly to catch small fish. Its glossy green feathers and white breast make it easy to identify.

Capped Heron
A graceful and rare heron with a striking black cap and creamy plumage, the capped heron prefers quiet backwaters and is often seen standing still in wait for prey.

Guianan Cock-of-the-rock
With its bright orange plumage and unique half-moon crest, the male cock-of-the-rock performs elaborate courtship displays to attract females. It inhabits rocky forested areas within the park.

Toco Toucan
Easily recognized by its enormous orange beak, the toco toucan feeds on fruit and occasionally small animals. Its vibrant appearance and loud calls add color and sound to the canopy.

Greater Ani
These glossy, dark birds live in cooperative groups and are often seen in mangrove areas. They are known for communal nesting and produce a variety of gurgling calls.