Pacaás Novos National Park

Pacaás Novos Overview

Pacaás Novos National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional de Pacaás Novos, is a vast and ecologically rich protected area located in the state of Rondônia, in the northwestern part of Brazil.

Encompassing approximately 2,289 square miles, or around 5,928 square kilometers, this national park is one of the largest conservation units in the western Amazon. It was established in 1979 and lies within a transitional zone between the Amazon Rainforest and the Brazilian Cerrado, making it uniquely biodiverse and geologically diverse.

The terrain of Pacaás Novos is a dramatic mix of rugged highlands, deep valleys, dense forest, and expansive river systems. One of its most prominent features is the Serra dos Pacaás Novos, a mountainous escarpment that reaches elevations of over 3,600 feet (about 1,100 meters), offering panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest.

These highlands are often shrouded in mist, lending an almost mythical quality to the park’s atmosphere. The park is also the source of numerous rivers, including the Pacaás Novos River and the Ouro Preto River, which wind through the thick rainforest and contribute to the park’s abundant water resources.

The vegetation is richly varied, with dense Amazonian rainforest covering much of the lower regions and montane forest, savanna, and rocky fields occupying the higher elevations. Epiphytes, orchids, and bromeliads thrive in this humid, shaded environment.

The wildlife of Pacaás Novos National Park reflects its varied habitats and rich ecological zones. Among the mammals that may be encountered are jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and the South American tapir. The park also provides shelter to various species of monkeys, including howler monkeys and the endangered white-nosed saki.

Birdlife is equally impressive, with over 300 species recorded, including harpy eagles, toucans, and scarlet macaws. The park’s bird diversity makes it an important destination for ornithologists and birdwatching enthusiasts. The complex web of flora and fauna supports a high degree of endemism and plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological integrity of the region.

Popular features of the park include its scenic hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, observation points atop the Serra dos Pacaás Novos, and stretches of untouched rainforest that feel truly remote.

While infrastructure remains minimal due to conservation efforts and the park’s remoteness, adventurous travelers and researchers are drawn to its pristine conditions and the chance to study or witness a part of the Amazon still relatively undisturbed by human development.

Visitors can experience Pacaás Novos through regulated ecotourism activities, guided hikes, river excursions, and birdwatching tours. Scientific research is also a significant focus within the park, with many biologists studying its rare and endemic species.

Access to the park often begins in the nearby city of Guajará-Mirim, from where guided trips can be arranged, though the terrain and logistics require a spirit of adventure.

Conservation efforts have seen mixed success. While the park was created to protect an ecotonal region of immense biodiversity, illegal logging, land grabbing, and pressures from expanding agriculture still pose significant threats.

However, ongoing partnerships between government agencies and environmental organizations have led to increased monitoring and the promotion of sustainable tourism. Pacaás Novos stands as both a sanctuary of natural beauty and a frontier of Brazil’s conservation challenges and triumphs.

Park Map

Pacaás Novos National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Pacaás Novos National Park, located in the state of Rondônia in western Brazil, lies within the biodiverse Amazon rainforest and serves as a stronghold for both lowland and mountainous species. Its combination of rainforest, rivers, and highland terrain provides habitat for an impressive range of rare and iconic mammals.

Jaguar
The top predator of the Amazon, the jaguar prowls the forest in search of peccaries, deer, and other prey. Solitary and powerful, it plays a vital ecological role in keeping prey populations in balance.

Giant Otter
Endangered and highly social, the giant otter thrives in the park’s clean rivers and oxbow lakes. Living in family groups, it is known for its strong group bonds and loud vocalizations.

South American Tapir
This large herbivore frequents riverbanks and forest clearings, feeding on leaves, shoots, and fruit. It is an excellent swimmer and a key seed disperser in tropical ecosystems.

White-lipped Peccary
These pig-like mammals travel in large, noisy herds, disturbing the forest floor as they forage. Their presence influences plant regeneration and predator movements.

Ocelot
With its sleek, spotted coat, the ocelot is a nocturnal hunter of rodents, birds, and reptiles. It thrives in dense vegetation and uses stealth to stalk its prey.

Red-handed Howler Monkey
Easily heard in the forest canopy, these monkeys emit deep, resonating calls to mark their territory. They live in family groups and feed mostly on leaves and fruit.

Tayra
This long, slender mammal from the weasel family is a skilled climber and active during the day. Tayras forage widely for fruit, insects, and small animals.

Paca
A nocturnal rodent with white body spots, the paca is found near rivers and prefers to stay under cover. It helps maintain forest diversity through its seed-spreading habits.

Southern Two-toed Sloth
This slow-moving, tree-dwelling mammal is rarely seen but well adapted to life in the canopy. It feeds on leaves and is active mostly at night.

Nine-banded Armadillo
With its tough, protective shell and strong claws, this armadillo digs for insects in the forest floor. It is solitary and typically emerges at dusk to forage.

Birds

The park’s rich Amazonian birdlife is enhanced by its elevation gradient, offering habitat for both lowland rainforest birds and montane forest specialists, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

Harpy Eagle
This massive raptor is one of the most powerful in the world, capable of hunting monkeys and sloths in the canopy. It requires vast undisturbed forest to thrive and is a symbol of Amazonian wilderness.

Scarlet Macaw
Bright red with yellow and blue wings, the scarlet macaw is a spectacular sight. It mates for life and plays a key role in seed dispersal across the rainforest.

White-throated Toucan
Known for its oversized yellow bill and deep croaking call, this toucan helps disperse fruit seeds and is often seen high in the canopy in pairs or small groups.

Amazonian Umbrellabird
This large black bird has a flamboyant crest and a booming voice. It’s typically found in dense rainforest canopy, especially during the breeding season.

Dusky-billed Parrotlet
A small green parrot often seen in flocks, it feeds on fruit and seeds in the forest canopy and is especially active during early morning hours.

Razor-billed Curassow
This large ground-dwelling bird with glossy black feathers and a distinctive red bill base is often spotted near rivers. It is important for spreading large forest seeds.

Hoatzin
A unique, leaf-eating bird found in swamps and river edges, the hoatzin is notable for its spiky crest, blue face, and unusual digestive system, which ferments plant matter like a cow.

Spix’s Guan
This turkey-sized frugivore lives in the canopy and helps disperse seeds of forest trees. It is usually seen gliding between trees in the early morning.

Cream-colored Woodpecker
With its pale plumage and strong bill, this woodpecker taps on tree trunks for insects. It is active and vocal, often seen working up and down branches in pairs.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw
This large parrot is commonly found along rivers and forest edges. With its vibrant plumage and loud calls, it is both a visual and auditory presence in the forest canopy.