São Joaquim National Park

São Joaquim Overview

São Joaquim National Park, or Parque Nacional de São Joaquim in Portuguese, is a protected area in the southern region of Brazil. Covering approximately 188 square miles (488 square kilometers), the park is located in the state of Santa Catarina and encompasses parts of the municipalities of Urubici, Bom Jardim da Serra, and Orleans.

It was established in 1961 to preserve the unique biodiversity and striking landscapes of the Atlantic Forest and highland ecosystems found in this region. The park is situated within the Serra Geral mountain range, with elevations that rise dramatically, creating breathtaking vistas and rugged terrain.

The terrain of São Joaquim National Park is characterized by towering escarpments, deep valleys, and expansive plateaus covered in lush forests and high-altitude grasslands. One of the most notable features is Morro da Igreja, which stands at 5,978 feet (1,822 meters) and is considered one of the coldest places in Brazil.

The rock formations in the park add to its scenic beauty, including the iconic Pedra Furada, a large naturally sculpted stone arch that has become a symbol of the park. Waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, including the impressive Véu de Noiva waterfall, which adds to the park’s dramatic landscape. Due to its high elevation, the park experiences frequent mist and frost, with occasional snowfall during the winter months, a rarity in Brazil.

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many species that are endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome. Among the mammals found here are the elusive puma, the maned wolf, and the brown howler monkey, which can often be heard calling from the treetops. Smaller mammals such as the ocelot and the South American coati also inhabit the dense forest.

The birdlife in São Joaquim National Park is particularly notable, with over 200 species recorded, including the vibrant azure jay and the red-spectacled amazon, both of which are emblematic of the region. Raptors such as the black-chested buzzard-eagle soar over the cliffs, and hummingbirds are commonly seen flitting among the flowers.

One of the most popular features of the park is Morro da Igreja, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Pedra Furada is another must-see attraction, drawing visitors who marvel at its impressive natural arch.

The park’s waterfalls, such as Véu de Noiva and Cachoeira do Avencal, offer stunning scenery and are favorite spots for photography and relaxation. The park’s high-altitude landscapes are also a major draw for those seeking to experience Brazil’s rare cold-weather conditions.

Visitors to São Joaquim National Park can engage in a variety of activities, from hiking and wildlife watching to photography and nature exploration. The trails leading to Morro da Igreja and Pedra Furada are among the most popular, providing both a moderate challenge and rewarding views.

The park is also known for its unique climatic conditions, which make it an interesting destination for those who want to witness snow in Brazil. Birdwatching is another key activity, with dedicated enthusiasts traveling here to observe the rare and colorful species that inhabit the park.

Conservation efforts in São Joaquim National Park have focused on protecting the fragile Atlantic Forest and highland ecosystems from deforestation and human encroachment. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, particularly due to illegal logging and agricultural expansion in the surrounding areas.

However, park management has successfully implemented preservation programs and visitor education initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of conserving this unique environment.

Ecotourism also plays a role in the park’s sustainability, providing an economic incentive for conservation while allowing people to experience its natural beauty responsibly.

Park Map

São Joaquim National Park Highlights

Wildlife

São Joaquim National Park, located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, is a breathtaking mountainous region known for its lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and cold temperatures. This park is one of the few places in Brazil where snowfall occurs in winter, creating a unique habitat for a mix of Atlantic Forest and highland species. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including some species that are endemic to the southern Brazilian highlands.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
The maned wolf is one of the most iconic mammals of São Joaquim National Park. With its long legs and reddish coat, this solitary canid roams the open grasslands, feeding on small mammals, birds, and fruits like the lobeira.

Puma (Puma concolor)
Also known as the mountain lion, the puma is the top predator of the park. It is highly adaptable and preys on deer, rodents, and even livestock in surrounding areas, using stealth and agility to hunt.

South American Coati (Nasua nasua)
This raccoon-like mammal is a common sight in the park’s forests. Coatis are social animals that forage in groups, using their long snouts to search for insects, fruits, and small vertebrates in the undergrowth.

Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana)
A small and elusive deer, the red brocket deer prefers the dense forest understory, where it feeds on leaves, fruits, and fungi. It is most active at dusk and dawn.

Azara’s Agouti (Dasyprocta azarae)
A large, rodent-like mammal, the Azara’s agouti plays an essential role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds. It feeds on fruits and nuts, often burying them for later consumption, inadvertently helping plant growth.

Brazilian Gray Fox (Lycalopex vetulus)
A small, nocturnal canid, the Brazilian gray fox is well adapted to the colder climate of São Joaquim. It hunts rodents, birds, and insects, supplementing its diet with fruits and berries.

Bush Dog (Speothos venaticus)
A rare and highly elusive carnivore, the bush dog is a small, social predator that hunts in packs. It preys on rodents and small mammals, using teamwork to take down larger prey.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A beautifully patterned wild cat, the ocelot is a skilled nocturnal hunter that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is rarely seen due to its secretive nature.

Tayra (Eira barbara)
A member of the weasel family, the tayra is an agile predator and scavenger found in São Joaquim’s forests. It feeds on a mix of fruits, small mammals, and birds, often hunting during the day.

Jararaca Pit Viper (Bothrops jararaca)
A venomous snake native to the Atlantic Forest, the jararaca is a well-camouflaged ambush predator that feeds on rodents, frogs, and birds. While its venom is potent, it plays a vital role in controlling small mammal populations.

Birds

São Joaquim National Park is also a prime location for birdwatchers, with its mix of high-altitude forests, rocky cliffs, and grasslands providing habitat for a wide variety of bird species, some of which are endemic to southern Brazil.

Red-spectacled Amazon (Amazona pretrei)
An endangered and strikingly beautiful parrot, the red-spectacled Amazon is found in the park’s high-altitude forests. It feeds primarily on fruits and seeds and is often seen in small flocks.

Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea)
A small but agile bird of prey, the plumbeous kite is frequently seen soaring over the park’s forests and river valleys, hunting insects and small vertebrates in midair.

White-throated Hummingbird (Leucochloris albicollis)
One of the many hummingbird species found in São Joaquim, the white-throated hummingbird is a tiny but energetic bird that flits between flowers, feeding on nectar with its specialized tongue.

Rusty-barred Owl (Strix hylophila)
A nocturnal predator, the rusty-barred owl is commonly found in the dense forests of the park. It hunts rodents, birds, and insects, using its silent flight to ambush prey.

Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
A powerful raptor, the black-and-white hawk-eagle is often seen soaring over the park’s mountainous terrain, scanning for prey. It primarily hunts birds and small mammals.

Vinaceous-breasted Amazon (Amazona vinacea)
An endangered parrot species, the vinaceous-breasted Amazon is known for its deep green plumage and reddish breast. It is found in the Atlantic Forest regions of the park, feeding on fruits and seeds.

Long-tailed Cinclodes (Cinclodes pabsti)
A species endemic to Brazil’s highlands, the long-tailed cinclodes is often seen foraging on rocky outcrops, searching for insects and small invertebrates.

Azure Jay (Cyanocorax caeruleus)
A striking blue bird with a loud, varied call, the azure jay is a social species commonly seen in the park’s forests. It is known for caching food, such as acorns and seeds, for later consumption.

Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (Lochmias nematura)
A secretive bird that thrives along São Joaquim’s rivers and waterfalls, the sharp-tailed streamcreeper is known for its agility, hopping among rocks and branches to catch insects.

Blue-billed Black-Tyrant (Knipolegus cyanirostris)
A small but striking bird, the blue-billed black-tyrant is often found perched on exposed branches in open areas of the park. It feeds on insects, catching them in midair with precision.

São Joaquim National Park is a truly unique destination within Brazil, offering a mix of highland and Atlantic Forest species in a stunning mountainous setting. Whether hiking its rugged landscapes, spotting rare birds, or tracking elusive mammals, visitors to this park experience one of the most diverse and breathtaking ecosystems in southern Brazil.