Serra Geral National Park

Serra Geral Overview

Serra Geral National Park, or Parque Nacional de Serra Geral in Portuguese, is a striking protected area located in southern Brazil, spanning the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.

This national park covers approximately 712 square kilometers, which is around 275 square miles, and is adjacent to the better-known Aparados da Serra National Park. It forms part of a vital ecological corridor along the Serra Geral mountain range. This protected area is a continuation of the highland escarpments that dramatically drop toward the Atlantic Ocean, forming steep canyons, lush forests, and windswept plateaus.

The terrain within Serra Geral National Park is defined by rugged escarpments and dramatic canyons, most notably the Fortaleza Canyon, which cuts deep into the plateau with cliffs that rise hundreds of meters above the canyon floor.

These formations are remnants of ancient volcanic activity and subsequent erosion, giving the park a unique geological character. The landscapes transition from subtropical Atlantic forest to higher elevation grasslands, dotted with araucaria trees—an iconic species native to southern Brazil.

Waterfalls cascade down the canyon walls, including the spectacular Cachoeira do Tigre Preto, which flows over multiple rock tiers and adds to the grandeur of the park’s scenery. The higher elevations are often blanketed in mist, giving the park a mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere.

Wildlife thrives in this preserved landscape, though many species remain elusive due to the terrain and vegetation. Key mammals include the puma and the maned wolf, both of which are shy and rarely seen but play vital roles in the ecosystem.

Other mammals such as armadillos and capuchin monkeys may be spotted by attentive visitors. The park is also a haven for birdlife, attracting ornithologists and birdwatchers alike. Visitors can expect to see species such as the red-spectacled amazon parrot, a vulnerable species, and the colorful toucan. Raptors, including hawks and caracaras, soar on thermals rising from the canyon walls.

Visitors are drawn to Serra Geral National Park for its dramatic landscapes and the opportunity for immersive nature experiences. Hiking is one of the most popular ways to explore the park, with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints over the Fortaleza Canyon and along forested ridges.

Horseback riding is also available in some areas, offering a traditional way to experience the open grasslands. Photography and birdwatching are common pursuits, with the rugged backdrops and rich biodiversity providing ample inspiration. Though infrastructure is more limited than in other Brazilian parks, its relative remoteness adds to the appeal for those seeking a less crowded, more raw connection with nature.

Conservation remains a central challenge and mission of the park. Illegal hunting, encroachment from agriculture, and climate pressures have posed threats in the past. However, collaborative efforts between federal agencies and local communities have led to improved park boundaries and greater environmental awareness.

The proximity to Aparados da Serra has allowed joint management strategies that enhance the preservation of endemic species and ensure that the ecosystem remains connected and functional.

Successes include increased monitoring of vulnerable species and improved trail systems that help guide visitors while minimizing ecological impact. Continued conservation work is essential to ensure that Serra Geral’s striking canyons, rare wildlife, and rich forests endure for future generations.

Park Map

Serra Geral National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Serra Geral National Park, located along the border between Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina in southern Brazil, is known for its dramatic escarpments, deep canyons, grasslands, and stretches of Araucaria forest. This transition between highland forest and open campos shelters a fascinating mix of mammals adapted to cool, misty, and often rugged environments.

Puma (Mountain Lion)
As the top predator in the park, the puma ranges across forested slopes and open highlands. It hunts deer, armadillos, and rodents, playing a critical role in maintaining ecological balance.

South American Coati
This highly adaptable mammal uses its long snout and sharp claws to forage for insects, fruit, and small animals. It is active during the day and frequently travels in social groups.

Azara’s Agouti
This diurnal rodent is a key seed disperser in the park’s mixed forests. It is often seen darting across clearings or foraging beneath the canopy for nuts and fruit.

Nine-banded Armadillo
Well-suited to the park’s varied terrain, this burrowing mammal emerges at night to dig for insects and worms. Its tough armor protects it from predators.

Pampas Deer
Graceful and alert, the Pampas deer thrives in the park’s grassland and scrub habitats. It feeds on herbs and grasses and is best seen in open fields at dawn or dusk.

Collared Peccary
These stout, social mammals move in small herds, foraging along forest edges for roots, fruit, and small animals. They are often heard grunting or rustling in the underbrush.

Ocelot
A solitary and stealthy predator, the ocelot uses its striking coat to blend into forest shadows. It preys on small mammals and birds, especially in densely vegetated areas.

Tayra
This curious and agile carnivore from the weasel family is often active during the day. It moves easily through both trees and the forest floor, foraging on fruit, eggs, and small prey.

Southern Long-nosed Armadillo
Smaller and faster than other armadillo species, it prefers the park’s grassy areas and is often seen digging or foraging in the early evening.

Gray Brocket Deer
This shy and solitary deer browses in forest understories and near water sources. It is elusive but vital to the park’s herbivore community.

Birds

Serra Geral National Park is a refuge for birds of highland forests, grasslands, and canyon ecosystems. Its elevation and habitat diversity attract a range of rare and localized bird species, including many that depend on the cool, humid climate of southern Brazil.

Red-spectacled Amazon
An endangered parrot with green plumage and red markings around its eyes, this species depends on Araucaria forests for food and nesting. It is often seen in small, vocal flocks.

Araucaria Tit-Spinetail
Endemic to southern Brazil’s Araucaria forests, this small, active bird forages in the canopy for insects and seeds. It is often found near mature conifer stands.

Black-and-white Monjita
A striking bird of open fields and grasslands, it perches visibly on shrubs and fences. It hunts insects in flight and is often seen near canyon edges and high meadows.

Scissor-tailed Nightjar
This crepuscular bird is best spotted at dawn or dusk as it flies low over open areas. Males display long, flowing tail feathers during courtship flights.

Red-legged Seriema
A tall, ground-dwelling bird with a shaggy crest and loud, echoing call. It hunts lizards, insects, and small mammals while stalking through grassy and rocky terrain.

Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper
Found near fast-moving forest streams, this bird climbs rocks and logs in search of aquatic insects. Its presence indicates clean, unpolluted waterways.

Plush-crested Jay
Intelligent and social, this blue-and-black jay travels in noisy groups through forest edges and clearings. It feeds on fruit, insects, and occasionally raids nests.

White-throated Hummingbird
This feisty nectar-feeder defends flower patches and pollinates a wide variety of plants. It is commonly seen flitting through clearings and forest edges.

Long-tailed Cinclodes
Adapted to rocky highlands, this brown songbird uses its long bill to forage for insects among stones and low vegetation. It is often found near exposed cliffs and ledges.

Chestnut-backed Tanager
A vibrant forest-dwelling tanager with chestnut and blue-green plumage, it feeds on fruit and insects in the canopy and is often spotted in mixed-species feeding flocks.