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National Parks: Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral

On the borderline region between the state of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul are the Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral national parks. They are like authentic funfairs for nature lovers, where you can admire the flora and fauna of the region as well as adventure through their impressive geographical features.

Aparados da Serra National Park

Its entire area was declared a National Park in 1959 and in 1972 its surface area was extended, currently comprising more than 10,000 hectares.

The biggest attractions of this park are its canyons. These formations were originated by volcanic eruptions and subsequent modifications to the region’s territory 150 million years ago.
One of the most famous of the canyons is the Itaimbezinho Canyon. Its name means “Sharp Stone” in the Tupi-Guarani language. It extends over more than 5.8 km in length and a width that varies from 600 to 2,000 metres. Its steepest part is 720 metres deep.
In a great number of parts, the canyon is covered by lichen that give it a beautiful yellow colour blending with the grey rocks and finally with the lush green of the vegetation at the bottom of the canyon.
Streams and rivers flow through the canyon. Perdices Stream (Arroyo Perdices) stands out amongst these (forming a 200 metre waterfall).

Serra Peral National Park

Bordering with the Aparados da Serra Park, the Serra Geral national park covers an area of almost 17,000 hectares and houses the famous Fortaleza Canyon. Created in 1992, its name derives from the verticality of its walls that reach a height of almost 600 metres that seem to take the shape of an impregnable fortress.
From the canyon’s highest point (at 1,157 metres above sea level) costal areas can be seen, amongst which Torres (a main tourist attraction of the region) stands out as well as breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Flora, Fauna and Climate of the region

Shrubs of araucaria (Brazilian pine) lushly decorate the parks’ areas. Besides these trees, the rest of the vegetation is typical of the ecosystem know as Atlantic Shrubland which is currently one of the most threatened ecosystems of the planet, due to man’s continuous exploitation of its resources.
As far as fauna is concerned, the following species are abundant in the region (although they are not easy to see): the puma, the tufted capuchin, as well as some birds of prey like the grey eagle and the puma hawk.
Some natural symbols associated with the “gaucho” culture can be found in this region. A flower know as the “brinco de princesa” (princess’ earring – fuchsia hybrida) or an odd bird, the “quero-quero” (Southern Lapwing - Vanellus chilensis).
January is the hottest month of the year, reaching maximum temperatures of over 30 degrees centigrade. In winter (the coldest months are June and July); the lowest temperatures can reach 4 – 10 degrees below zero centigrade.
A beautiful meteorological phenomenon known as the “viraçao” (sudden change) occurs when in just a few minutes the entire region is covered by clouds. It’s very common throughout the year. Due to this phenomenon, sudden changes in temperature are common where the mercury can drop from 7 to 10 degrees centigrade even in mid summer.

Know more about:
The Atlantic Forest
Itaimbezinho Canyon