Guaricana National Park

Guaricana Overview

Guaricana National Park, or Parque Nacional Guaricana in Portuguese, is a protected area located in the southern region of Brazil, within the state of Paraná.

Encompassing approximately 167 square miles (433 square kilometers), the park was established in 2014 as part of Brazil’s broader conservation efforts in the Atlantic Forest biome, one of the most endangered tropical forests in the world.

It lies near the coastal mountain range known as Serra do Mar, with its borders stretching across the municipalities of Guaratuba, Morretes, and São José dos Pinhais. The park forms part of a larger ecological corridor that connects several conservation units and helps preserve critical remnants of Atlantic rainforest.

The terrain of Guaricana National Park is dominated by steep hills, deep valleys, and highland plateaus that create a visually striking and ecologically rich environment. The lush vegetation primarily consists of dense Atlantic Forest, characterized by an abundance of hardwood trees, epiphytes, ferns, and palms.

Elevation changes bring variations in plant life, from lowland tropical forests to cloud forests and high-altitude grasslands. The park is home to several small rivers and cascading waterfalls, such as Cachoeira do Arado, that add to the region’s visual and ecological diversity. Its proximity to the Serra do Mar mountains also makes it an important source of freshwater for surrounding communities and habitats.

Wildlife is one of Guaricana’s most compelling features. The park supports a wide variety of animal species, many of which are endemic or threatened. Notable mammals include the endangered southern muriqui, Brazil’s largest primate, as well as the margay, ocelot, and tapir.

Birdlife is especially vibrant, with over 300 recorded species, including the rare red-breasted toucan, bare-throated bellbird, and solitary tinamou. These animals thrive within the relatively undisturbed forest, benefiting from the park’s role as a biodiversity refuge amid growing urbanization and agricultural development in the surrounding regions.

Visitors to Guaricana National Park can experience the park’s offerings through a growing number of eco-tourism opportunities, although the park is still relatively undeveloped compared to more famous destinations. Hiking is one of the most popular ways to engage with the park, particularly along trails that lead through forested landscapes to scenic lookouts and hidden waterfalls.

Birdwatching is another common activity, drawing enthusiasts eager to spot some of the rare avian species in their natural habitat. Due to its status as a relatively new and protected area, much of Guaricana remains pristine, offering visitors a sense of immersion in untouched nature.

The park faces several conservation challenges, primarily due to illegal hunting, logging, and land encroachment. However, the creation of Guaricana National Park has been a significant step forward in protecting what remains of the Atlantic Forest in this part of Brazil.

Ongoing efforts by Brazil’s environmental agencies aim to improve infrastructure, expand scientific research, and engage local communities in sustainable tourism and conservation activities. By linking with other nearby protected areas, Guaricana also contributes to a broader ecological network that enhances genetic flow and ecosystem resilience across southeastern Brazil.

Park Map

Guaricana National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Guaricana National Park, located in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil, protects a vital portion of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most biodiverse and threatened biomes in the world. The park’s rugged terrain, waterfalls, and dense rainforest harbor a rich variety of fauna, including several endangered and iconic species.

Puma (Mountain Lion)
This stealthy and powerful predator is one of the top carnivores in the Atlantic Forest. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating prey populations and is known for its adaptability across diverse environments.

South American Coati
Easily recognized by its long snout and banded tail, the coati is a social mammal often seen foraging in groups. It feeds on fruit, insects, and small vertebrates, using its sharp claws to dig into logs and soil.

Southern Woolly Spider Monkey (Muriqui)
One of the rarest primates in the world, the muriqui is critically endangered and endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Known for its peaceful behavior and long prehensile tail, it travels in large groups through the upper canopy.

Tayra
This sleek, dark-furred member of the weasel family is agile and curious. Active during the day, the tayra preys on small animals and birds, often using trees as its preferred hunting grounds.

Azara’s Agouti
A shy and solitary rodent, the agouti helps regenerate the forest by burying seeds, many of which sprout into new plants. Its keen hearing and quick reflexes help it evade predators.

Collared Peccary
These pig-like mammals live in tight-knit groups and forage the forest floor for fruits, roots, and small animals. They are essential for seed dispersal and ecosystem health.

Crab-eating Fox
With its grizzled fur and bushy tail, the crab-eating fox thrives in forest edges and open areas. It has a varied diet and is often seen trotting along trails or forest roads at dusk.

Ocelot
This beautifully spotted wild cat is a secretive nocturnal predator that hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles. It is an important part of the forest’s predator-prey balance.

South American Tapir
As the largest land mammal in South America, the tapir is a key seed disperser. Its prehensile snout helps it browse on fruits and vegetation, mostly in riparian zones.

Black Capuchin Monkey
Highly intelligent and adaptable, black capuchins use tools and have complex social structures. They move through the canopy in search of fruits, nuts, and small animals.

Birds

Guaricana National Park offers outstanding birdwatching opportunities, with dense forests and varied altitudes that support a wealth of avian diversity, including several species unique to the Atlantic Forest.

Red-breasted Toucan
This toucan species is striking with its red chest and colorful bill. It thrives in the forest canopy, feeding on fruits and helping to disperse seeds throughout the park.

Solitary Tinamou
A ground-dwelling bird with a soft, mournful call, the solitary tinamou is elusive but widespread. It feeds on seeds, insects, and fallen fruit among the forest undergrowth.

Saffron Toucanet
A brilliant yellow toucan-like bird, the saffron toucanet is a rare and sought-after species in the Atlantic Forest. Its role in seed dispersal makes it ecologically valuable.

Surucua Trogon
This vividly colored trogon is typically seen perched quietly in the mid-story of the forest. Its diet consists mainly of insects and fruit, and it is known for its soft, low calls.

White-throated Hummingbird
Tiny and fast, this hummingbird flashes iridescent green and white as it zips between flowers. It pollinates a variety of native plants, supporting the forest’s biodiversity.

Spot-winged Wood-Quail
A shy, ground-dwelling bird that moves in small coveys, this wood-quail feeds on seeds and insects. Its presence is more often heard through whistled calls than seen.

Brazilian Ruby
This striking hummingbird glows with deep green and ruby-red hues. Males display spectacular aerial courtship flights, and the species thrives in both forest interiors and clearings.

Bare-throated Bellbird
Known for its extraordinarily loud, metallic call, the male bellbird has a stark white body and bare greenish throat. It perches in high trees and contributes to seed dispersal.

Planalto Woodcreeper
A slender bird that climbs tree trunks in search of insects, it uses its curved bill to probe bark and moss. Its behavior is similar to that of woodpeckers, though it doesn’t excavate holes.

Green-headed Tanager
A dazzling songbird with a turquoise-green head and multicolored body, this tanager is highly active and social. It frequents fruiting trees and is a favorite among birdwatchers.