Campos Gerais National Park

Campos Gerais Overview

Campos Gerais National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional dos Campos Gerais, is a protected area located in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil.

Covering approximately 82.74 square miles (214.3 square kilometers), the park lies near the city of Ponta Grossa and represents a unique blend of geological formations, rich biodiversity, and cultural history. It is part of the larger Atlantic Forest biome but also features elements of the Cerrado and southern grasslands, making it a place of ecological transition and significance. Its name, which translates to “General Fields,” reflects the park’s characteristic wide-open plateaus and grassy fields.

The terrain of Campos Gerais is dramatic and diverse, with a mix of sandstone cliffs, rocky outcrops, and deep valleys. The landscape is marked by impressive formations such as the Furnas Grotto, a deep sandstone cavern with a pool of emerald-green water, and the towering sandstone arch known as the Arcos de Vila Velha.

Waterfalls such as Cachoeira da Mariquinha cascade over rock walls into cool pools, offering both visual splendor and a refreshing respite for visitors. Native vegetation includes fields of native grasses interspersed with patches of araucaria pine, bromeliads, orchids, and shrublands. The contrast between the stone formations and the green expanses creates a scenic mosaic unique to the region.

Wildlife is another vital element of Campos Gerais National Park. The park is home to several notable mammals, including the maned wolf, ocelot, and puma, although these are elusive and often spotted through camera traps rather than direct encounters. Smaller mammals such as capybaras, armadillos, and coatis are more frequently seen.

The birdlife is rich and varied, with over 200 recorded species. Highlights include the red-legged seriema, toucans, owls, and the helmeted manakin. Birdwatchers are especially drawn to the park due to its mixture of forest and grassland species in one area.

Popular features of the park include its many hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and geological wonders. Visitors often explore the rock formations and waterfalls while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The park also has archaeological sites with ancient rock art, adding a historical layer to its natural appeal. These features make it a favored destination for hikers, nature photographers, and geologists.

Visitors can engage with Campos Gerais through well-maintained trails suitable for hiking and interpretive walks. Guided tours are available and often led by local experts who explain the area’s ecological and historical significance.

Birdwatching tours are especially popular, as are weekend excursions from nearby cities. Educational programs are sometimes offered for school groups and researchers, promoting a deeper understanding of the park’s biodiversity and conservation value.

Campos Gerais National Park faces ongoing conservation challenges. Urban expansion, agriculture, and illegal hunting have posed threats to the ecosystem. However, successful management efforts include habitat restoration and environmental education initiatives.

Partnerships with local universities and NGOs have helped monitor wildlife and develop sustainable tourism strategies. These steps contribute to preserving the park’s unique biodiversity while allowing public enjoyment and appreciation.

Park Map

Campos Gerais National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Campos Gerais National Park, located in the state of Paraná, Brazil, protects a stunning landscape of rocky cliffs, grasslands, and araucaria forests. The park forms a unique ecological transition zone between Atlantic Forest, cerrado, and southern grassland biomes. This diversity creates a habitat for an array of terrestrial wildlife, many of which are rare or threatened.

Maned Wolf
This tall, fox-like mammal with reddish fur and long legs is adapted to the open grasslands of the park. Despite its appearance, it is not closely related to true wolves and plays a key role in seed dispersal, especially for fruits like the wolf apple.

Puma
Also known as the cougar or mountain lion, the puma is a stealthy predator that uses the rocky outcrops and forests of the park to stalk deer, armadillos, and other prey. It is solitary and highly adaptable.

Giant Anteater
Easily recognizable by its long snout and shaggy tail, the giant anteater roams through open fields in search of ants and termites. It uses its massive claws to dig into nests and can be seen during the day.

Southern Tamandua
A smaller relative of the giant anteater, the tamandua is more arboreal and often seen in trees or climbing among the park’s rocky formations. It feeds on ants, termites, and bees.

Azara’s Agouti
This shy rodent is a seed disperser and forest forager. It plays a vital role in regenerating the forest understory by burying seeds it doesn’t return to eat.

Six-banded Armadillo
This armored mammal forages at night for insects and small invertebrates. It uses its powerful claws to dig burrows and shelter in the dry soils of the park’s grassland and forest edges.

South American Coati
Traveling in bands during the day, these agile mammals use their long noses and sharp claws to search for food in logs and soil. They are very social and often seen near forested areas.

Crab-eating Fox
A nocturnal omnivore, the crab-eating fox is common in the park’s open areas and forest edges. It feeds on fruits, insects, small animals, and carrion.

Brazilian Cavy
This ground-dwelling rodent, similar in appearance to a large guinea pig, is commonly found in the park’s open grassy areas. It feeds on vegetation and is prey for many local predators.

Gray Brocket Deer
A small, elusive forest deer, the gray brocket browses on leaves and fruits. It prefers dense forest cover and is most active at dawn and dusk.

Birds

Campos Gerais is a vibrant destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 recorded bird species. The park’s dramatic cliffs, canyons, and mixed grassland-forest environments attract a rich variety of birds—from cliff-nesting raptors to colorful songbirds and endangered species found only in southern Brazil.

Red-spectacled Amazon
This rare parrot with green plumage and a red face is endemic to southern Brazil and highly dependent on araucaria forests. It feeds on seeds, especially the nuts of the Paraná pine.

Black-fronted Piping Guan
A threatened species due to hunting and habitat loss, this forest bird is vital for seed dispersal. It has dark plumage with white wing patches and is often seen feeding in trees.

Burrowing Owl
These charismatic owls inhabit open grasslands and use abandoned burrows for nesting. They are active during the day and known for their upright posture and curious stares.

Araucaria Tit-Spinetail
Endemic to the Atlantic Forest region, this small, active bird lives exclusively in Paraná pine trees, where it forages for insects and spiders.

Crested Caracara
This bold raptor is often seen walking on the ground or perched on fence posts. It feeds on carrion and small animals and is highly adaptable.

White-tailed Hawk
Often seen soaring over open fields, this large hawk hunts rodents and reptiles. Its contrasting white tail and dark wing patches make it easy to identify in flight.

Toco Toucan
This striking bird with an oversized orange beak is found in forest patches and along forest edges. It feeds on fruits and plays an important role in seed dispersal.

Saffron-cowled Blackbird
An endangered grassland species, the saffron-cowled blackbird has vivid yellow-orange plumage with a black face and wings. It lives in loose flocks in open fields and is threatened by habitat loss.

Blue-winged Macaw
These social, colorful parrots are often seen flying in pairs or flocks. They nest in cliff faces or trees and feed on seeds and fruits in the forested parts of the park.

Green-barred Woodpecker
Common in open woodlands, this woodpecker feeds on ants and insects, often foraging on the ground or tree trunks. Its barred greenish plumage helps it blend into foliage.