Parque Estadual do Pau Furado

Parque Estadual do Pau Furado is a protected area in Brazil.

Parque Estadual do Pau Furado at a Glance

Location
Central Cerrado & Highlands, Brazil, Central & South America
Coordinates
-18.806936, -48.160880
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Estadual do Pau Furado

Nearest airport: Aeroporto de Uberlândia - Tenente Coronel Aviador César Bombonato (UDI), 11 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeroporto Internacional de Brasília – Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB), 327 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Estadual do Pau Furado

The warmest temperatures in Parque Estadual do Pau Furado occur in September, averaging 27.2°C (up to 34.2°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 21.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.4mm. Average humidity: 50.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.9°C (rainfall: 222.4mm)
  • February: 24.7°C (rainfall: 161.6mm)
  • March: 25.1°C (rainfall: 88.7mm)
  • April: 24.2°C (rainfall: 44.4mm)
  • May: 22.0°C (rainfall: 12.2mm)
  • June: 21.3°C (rainfall: 4.0mm)
  • July: 21.5°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)
  • August: 23.6°C (rainfall: 7.1mm)
  • September: 27.2°C (rainfall: 22.9mm)
  • October: 26.7°C (rainfall: 143.4mm)
  • November: 25.3°C (rainfall: 141.9mm)
  • December: 25.1°C (rainfall: 211.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Estadual do Pau Furado

The best months to visit Parque Estadual do Pau Furado are July, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 24.88°C, rainfall 222.4mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 78.6%
  • February: Good, temperature 24.68°C, rainfall 161.6mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 79.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 25.12°C, rainfall 88.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 73.8%
  • April: Great, temperature 24.24°C, rainfall 44.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 69%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.96°C, rainfall 12.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 62.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 21.3°C, rainfall 4mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 60.8%
  • July: Great, temperature 21.54°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 50.9%
  • August: Great, temperature 23.59°C, rainfall 7.1mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 45%
  • September: Great, temperature 27.23°C, rainfall 22.9mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 41.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 26.68°C, rainfall 143.4mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 62.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 25.3°C, rainfall 141.9mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 69.5%
  • December: Good, temperature 25.14°C, rainfall 211mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 77%

Wildlife in Parque Estadual do Pau Furado

Home to 43 recorded species including 14 waterbirds, 10 iconic birds, 9 tropical birds, 9 birds of prey, 1 small mammals.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Estadual do Pau Furado

Based on average temperature of 24.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 64%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 24°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Central Cerrado & Highlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Brazil

Travel advisory for Brazil

Parque Estadual do Pau Furado FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter at Parque Estadual do Pau Furado, given its biome in Brazil?

Parque Estadual do Pau Furado, situated within Brazil's diverse ecosystems, is home to species like the Maned Wolf, Giant Anteater, and various armadillo species. Birdwatchers can also spot numerous endemic birds, making it a rich destination for observing Brazilian fauna.

When is the optimal time to visit Parque Estadual do Pau Furado for wildlife viewing and comfortable weather?

The dry season, typically from May to September, offers the best conditions for visiting. During this period, wildlife congregates around water sources, making sightings more frequent, and the cooler, drier weather enhances hiking and exploration comfort.

What kind of safari experience does Parque Estadual do Pau Furado offer, distinct from traditional African safaris?

Unlike vehicle-based African safaris, Pau Furado primarily offers guided walking trails and ecological hikes through its diverse landscapes. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Brazilian cerrado and forest environments, focusing on birdwatching and tracking smaller, unique mammals with local guides.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Parque Estadual do Pau Furado, including entrance fees and guide services?

Entrance fees for Parque Estadual do Pau Furado are generally modest, often under R$20-R$30 BRL for non-Brazilians, with discounts for Brazilian citizens. While not mandatory, hiring a local guide is highly recommended for navigating trails safely and enhancing wildlife spotting, with costs varying based on duration and group size.

Beyond the moderate malaria risk, what other specific safety precautions should I take when visiting Parque Estadual do Pau Furado?

Given the park's natural terrain, it's crucial to wear sturdy hiking shoes, carry ample water, and protect yourself from the sun with hats and sunscreen. Always stay on marked trails and consider informing park staff or your guide of your planned route, especially when exploring less-frequented areas.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.