Grande Sertão Veredas National Park

Grande Sertão Veredas Overview

Grande Sertão Veredas National Park, or Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas in Portuguese, is located in the northern region of Minas Gerais and the southwestern portion of Bahia in Brazil.

Spanning approximately 899 square miles (2,330 square kilometers), this vast protected area was established in 1989 and is named after the iconic Brazilian novel Grande Sertão: Veredas by João Guimarães Rosa, which romanticized the culture, landscape, and people of the sertão, Brazil’s arid hinterland. The park is part of the Cerrado biome, one of the most biologically rich tropical savannas in the world, and serves as a vital refuge for countless plant and animal species.

The terrain within the park is characterized by an intricate mosaic of savannas, gallery forests, veredas (wetland areas lined with buriti palms), and rocky escarpments. The landscape is both stark and striking, with wide open grasslands interspersed with patches of dense vegetation and watercourses.

Prominent features include the Carinhanha River and numerous springs and streams that originate in the park and feed into the São Francisco River Basin. The veredas are especially important, as these palm-lined wetlands sustain biodiversity and water flow even during dry seasons, making them central to the park’s ecological identity.

Wildlife in Grande Sertão Veredas is diverse and emblematic of the Cerrado. Mammals such as the maned wolf, giant anteater, and Brazilian tapir roam the open savannas, while smaller species like armadillos and various marsupials inhabit the denser patches of forest.

The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species recorded, including the hyacinth macaw, red-legged seriema, and the endangered Brazilian merganser. Reptiles, amphibians, and a wide array of insects contribute to the area’s ecological richness, and many species here are either endemic or threatened due to habitat loss in surrounding areas.

Among the most popular features of the park are the scenic veredas themselves, which offer a distinctive and peaceful experience for visitors. The contrast between the dry savanna and the lush wetlands is dramatic, and these areas are often the focus of guided treks and nature tours.

Hiking trails wind through varied terrain, allowing visitors to explore both elevated viewpoints and cool, shaded water sources. Photography, wildlife observation, and cultural storytelling tied to the legacy of João Guimarães Rosa enhance the visitor experience. The park’s remote and preserved setting makes it ideal for ecotourism and contemplative exploration.

Visitors typically engage with the park through guided hikes, camping, wildlife photography, and educational tours that highlight the Cerrado’s ecological importance. Interpretive centers and local community initiatives also offer insights into sustainable practices and the cultural significance of the region.

Efforts are made to involve nearby communities in tourism and park stewardship, strengthening ties between conservation and livelihoods.

Grande Sertão Veredas National Park faces conservation challenges such as illegal grazing, deforestation, and fire. However, it also represents a stronghold for Cerrado preservation. Successes include habitat restoration, increased scientific research, and community engagement in sustainable tourism.

Managed by ICMBio, the park is a key component in Brazil’s broader strategy to conserve the Cerrado and the watershed ecosystems it supports, making it an essential space for both ecological protection and cultural preservation.

Park Map

Grande Sertão Veredas National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Birdwatchers treasure Grande Sertão Veredas National Park for its rich avifauna. With open savannas, palm swamps, and gallery forests, the park provides a perfect habitat for both resident and migratory birds.

Greater Rhea
The largest bird in South America, the greater rhea is flightless and resembles an ostrich. It roams the park’s open plains in groups and plays a key role in seed dispersion.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw
This colorful parrot with vibrant blue wings and yellow belly is a favorite sight in the treetops. Highly intelligent and social, macaws use loud calls to communicate over long distances.

Toco Toucan
Recognized for its oversized orange bill, the toco toucan is not just visually stunning but also vital in dispersing seeds from fruits it consumes in the forest canopy.

Red-legged Seriema
A tall, long-legged bird known for its loud, piercing call, the seriema hunts snakes and small animals and is often seen striding through grassy fields.

Burrowing Owl
Small and charismatic, this ground-dwelling owl nests in burrows and is active during the day. It feeds on insects and rodents, helping to control pest populations.

Helmeted Manakin
Males of this small, compact bird species are known for their glossy black plumage and brilliant red crown, which they flaunt in elaborate mating dances.

Yellow-faced Parrot
An endangered parrot of the Cerrado, this species has a distinctive yellow face and green body. It is often seen in pairs, feeding on seeds and fruits.

Rufous-winged Antshrike
A secretive bird of scrubby undergrowth, this antshrike has a loud song and helps control insect populations by foraging near the ground.

White-eared Puffbird
With its plump body and short bill, the puffbird perches silently as it waits to snatch insects or small vertebrates. It is well-camouflaged and often motionless.

Curl-crested Jay
Striking with its black crest and blue wings, this intelligent bird moves in noisy groups and is known for mimicking other birds’ calls. It plays a role in seed dispersion and social learning.

Grande Sertão Veredas National Park, located in the northwestern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a sanctuary of Brazil’s Cerrado biome, one of the most biologically rich savannas in the world. The park is famous not only for its unique landscapes of veredas (palm swamps), red sand paths, and plateaus but also for the fascinating animal species that inhabit its territory.

Maned Wolf
This tall, long-legged canid with reddish fur and black legs is the largest wild canine in South America. Known for its solitary and elusive behavior, the maned wolf plays a vital ecological role in seed dispersal and is a symbol of the Brazilian savanna.

Giant Anteater
With its long snout and bushy tail, the giant anteater is an iconic mammal of the Cerrado. It feeds on ants and termites using its sticky tongue and is often seen walking slowly with its claws curled inward.

Brazilian Tapir
This large herbivore with a short, prehensile snout is commonly found near water bodies. Despite its size, it is shy and mostly nocturnal, helping disperse seeds across wide distances as it forages.

Pampas Deer
Slender and graceful, the Pampas deer is well-adapted to grassland and savanna environments. It has a tan coat and is often seen in pairs or small groups, grazing in open areas of the park.

Armadillo (Giant Armadillo)
This armored mammal is nocturnal and rarely seen, but its presence is noted by large burrows. It plays a key role in aerating the soil and controlling insect populations.

Ocelot
A small, spotted wild cat that thrives in diverse habitats, the ocelot is a stealthy predator of small mammals and birds. It is known for its striking coat and secretive nature.

Hoary Fox
A lesser-known fox of the region, the hoary fox has greyish fur and is primarily insectivorous. It is active during twilight and plays a role in controlling pest populations.

Capybara
The world’s largest rodent, capybaras are social, semi-aquatic animals often found near rivers and veredas. Their calm demeanor and affinity for water make them a familiar sight in the park.

Collared Peccary
A sturdy, pig-like mammal that travels in groups, the collared peccary is known for its musk glands and strong social bonds. It forages for roots, fruits, and small animals.

Crab-eating Fox
This adaptable canid feeds on fruits, insects, and small animals. Despite its name, it doesn’t rely on crabs alone and is often active during the night in open areas of the park.