Safari in Southeast Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro & Espírito Santo)
Explore the lush Atlantic Forest and stunning coastline of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, offering a blend of urban nature and pristine beaches.
Southeast Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro & Espírito Santo) Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Southeast Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro & Espírito Santo)
Southeast Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro & Espírito Santo) Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Southeast Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro & Espírito Santo)
Estação Ecológica Mata dos Ausentes
Estação Ecológica Mata dos Ausentes is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Ecológico Cultural do Sahy
Parque Ecológico Cultural do Sahy is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Ecolôgico do Paredão
Parque Ecolôgico do Paredão is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Cunhambebe
Parque Estadual Cunhambebe is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Cachoeira da Fumaça
Parque Estadual da Cachoeira da Fumaça is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Chacrinha
Parque Estadual da Chacrinha is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Costa do Sol
Parque Estadual da Costa do Sol is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Fonte Grande
Parque Estadual da Fonte Grande is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Ilha Anchieta
Parque Estadual da Ilha Anchieta is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca
Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra da Boa Esperança
Parque Estadual da Serra da Boa Esperança is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra da Concórdia
Parque Estadual da Serra da Concórdia is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo Cunha
Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo Cunha is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo Picinguaba
Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo Picinguaba is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo Santa Virgínia
Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo Santa Virgínia is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo São Sebastião
Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo São Sebastião is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra do Ouro Branco
Parque Estadual da Serra do Ouro Branco is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola-Moça
Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola-Moça is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual da Serra Negra
Parque Estadual da Serra Negra is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Campos do Jordão
Parque Estadual de Campos do Jordão is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Forno Grande
Parque Estadual de Forno Grande is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Ibitipoca
Parque Estadual de Ibitipoca is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Ilhabela
Parque Estadual de Ilhabela is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Itaúnas
Parque Estadual de Itaúnas is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Mata das Flores
Parque Estadual de Mata das Flores is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Pedra Azul
Parque Estadual de Pedra Azul is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual de Sete Salões
Parque Estadual de Sete Salões is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual do Biribiri
Parque Estadual do Biribiri is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual do Grajaú
Parque Estadual do Grajaú is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual do Mendanha
Parque Estadual do Mendanha is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual do Pico do Itambé
Parque Estadual do Pico do Itambé is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual do Rio Doce
Parque Estadual do Rio Doce is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual do Rio Preto
Parque Estadual do Rio Preto is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual dos Mananciais de Campos do Jordão
Parque Estadual dos Mananciais de Campos do Jordão is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual dos Três Picos
Parque Estadual dos Três Picos is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual do Sumidouro
Parque Estadual do Sumidouro is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Paulo César Vinha
Parque Estadual Paulo César Vinha is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Serra do Brigadeiro
Parque Estadual Serra do Brigadeiro is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Estadual Serra do Intendente
Parque Estadual Serra do Intendente is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Municipal da Serra do Axixá
Parque Municipal da Serra do Axixá is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Municipal das Paineiras
Parque Municipal das Paineiras is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Municipal da Taquara
Parque Municipal da Taquara is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Municipal do Curió de Paracambi
Parque Municipal do Curió de Paracambi is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba
Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina
Spanning coastal Atlantic Forest and high-altitude plateaus, this park offers a wide range of ecosystems and wildlife. It's a great place for birdwatching and spotting various primates, sloths, and even jaguars, though they are elusive.
Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra
Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional da Serra das Lontras
Parque Nacional da Serra das Lontras is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó
Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional da Serra do Gandarela
Parque Nacional da Serra do Gandarela is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional da Serra dos Orgãos
Located near Rio de Janeiro, this park is famous for its dramatic granite peaks, including the 'God's Finger' formation, and its Atlantic Forest biodiversity. It offers excellent hiking and birdwatching opportunities, with chances to see various primates and small mammals.
Parque Nacional da Tijuca
Parque Nacional da Tijuca is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional do Alto Cariri
Parque Nacional do Alto Cariri is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional do Caparaó
Parque Nacional do Caparaó is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional do Descobrimento
Parque Nacional do Descobrimento is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional do Itatiaia
Brazil's oldest national park, situated in the Mantiqueira Mountains, offering diverse altitudinal ecosystems from Atlantic Forest to high-altitude grasslands. It's a renowned birdwatching destination and home to various mammals like howler monkeys, sloths, and pumas.
Parque Nacional do Pau Brasil
Parque Nacional do Pau Brasil is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional e Histórico do Monte Pascoal
Parque Nacional e Histórico do Monte Pascoal is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos
While primarily marine, this park is crucial for wildlife tourism due to its importance as a breeding ground for humpback whales (July to November). Visitors can also observe diverse coral reefs, sea turtles, and various seabirds on its islands, making it a significant nature tourism spot.
Parque Natural Municipal Barão de Maua
Parque Natural Municipal Barão de Maua is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Bosque da Barra
Parque Natural Municipal Bosque da Barra is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Bosque da Freguesia
Parque Natural Municipal Bosque da Freguesia is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Chico Mendes
Parque Natural Municipal Chico Mendes is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal da Barra da Tijuca Nelson Mandela
Parque Natural Municipal da Barra da Tijuca Nelson Mandela is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal da Caixa d'Água
Parque Natural Municipal da Caixa d'Água is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal da Catacumba
Parque Natural Municipal da Catacumba is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal da Cidade
Parque Natural Municipal da Cidade is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal da Nascente do Jaibi
Parque Natural Municipal da Nascente do Jaibi is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal da Pedra do Urubu
Parque Natural Municipal da Pedra do Urubu is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal da Prainha
Parque Natural Municipal da Prainha is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Darke de Mattos
Parque Natural Municipal Darke de Mattos is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal das Águas de Guapimirim
Parque Natural Municipal das Águas de Guapimirim is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal da Serra da Capoeira Grande
Parque Natural Municipal da Serra da Capoeira Grande is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal da Serra de Muriqui
Parque Natural Municipal da Serra de Muriqui is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal da Serra do Mendanha
Parque Natural Municipal da Serra do Mendanha is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal de Grumari
Parque Natural Municipal de Grumari is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal de Jacarenema
Parque Natural Municipal de Jacarenema is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal de Japeri
Parque Natural Municipal de Japeri is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal de Mesquita
Parque Natural Municipal de Mesquita is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal de Nova Iguaçu
Parque Natural Municipal de Nova Iguaçu is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal de Sao Gonçalo
Parque Natural Municipal de Sao Gonçalo is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal de Tabuazeiro
Parque Natural Municipal de Tabuazeiro is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal do Gericinó
Parque Natural Municipal do Gericinó is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal do Jardim do Carmo
Parque Natural Municipal do Jardim do Carmo is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal do Manguezal de Itanguá
Parque Natural Municipal do Manguezal de Itanguá is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal do Monte Mochuara
Parque Natural Municipal do Monte Mochuara is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal do Penhasco Dois Irmãos
Parque Natural Municipal do Penhasco Dois Irmãos is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Emiliana Marques
Parque Natural Municipal Emiliana Marques is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Fonte da Saudade
Parque Natural Municipal Fonte da Saudade is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Goiapaba-Açu
Parque Natural Municipal Goiapaba-Açu is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Gruta da Onça
Parque Natural Municipal Gruta da Onça is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Jardim Jurema
Parque Natural Municipal Jardim Jurema is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal José Guilherme Merquior
Parque Natural Municipal José Guilherme Merquior is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Morro da Baleia
Parque Natural Municipal Morro da Baleia is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Morro da Pescaria
Parque Natural Municipal Morro da Pescaria is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Morro da Torre Onça Feliz
Parque Natural Municipal Morro da Torre Onça Feliz is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Paisagem Carioca
Parque Natural Municipal Paisagem Carioca is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Pedra dos Olhos
Parque Natural Municipal Pedra dos Olhos is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Serra do Barbosão
Parque Natural Municipal Serra do Barbosão is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Sítio Branco
Parque Natural Municipal Sítio Branco is a protected area in Brazil.
Parque Natural Municipal Vale do Mulembá
Parque Natural Municipal Vale do Mulembá is a protected area in Brazil.
PNM Atalaia
PNM Atalaia is a protected area in Brazil.
Compare Parks in Southeast Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro & Espírito Santo)
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Southeast Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro & Espírito Santo)
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parque Nacional da Serra dos Orgãos | - | 531 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-2709 (22km) |
| Parque Nacional do Itatiaia | - | 466 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | REZ (23km) |
| Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos | - | 78 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | CRQ (48km) |
| Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina | - | 443 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | JPY (21km) |
| Estação Ecológica Mata dos Ausentes | - | 168 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-2791 (33km) |
| Parque Ecológico Cultural do Sahy | - | 348 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SDPA (8km) |
| Parque Ecolôgico do Paredão | - | 133 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-0402 (9km) |
| Parque Estadual Cunhambebe | - | 443 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SDCZ (4km) |
| Parque Estadual da Cachoeira da Fumaça | - | 298 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SIZC (44km) |
| Parque Estadual da Chacrinha | - | 347 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SDU (6km) |
| Parque Estadual da Costa do Sol | - | 274 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SBES (7km) |
| Parque Estadual da Fonte Grande | - | 416 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | VIX (8km) |
163 species recorded in Southeast Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro & Espírito Santo)16 threatened
We love the sheer drama of the Southeast Atlantic Forest, where emerald mountains plunge directly into the turquoise ocean. The air here is thick with humidity and the scent of damp earth and blossoms. We recommend venturing into the cloud forests for a truly immersive experience; the mist clinging to ancient trees feels magical. The sheer density of life, from chattering monkeys to jewel-toned birds, is astounding and a testament to the resilience of this precious ecosystem.
Terrain & Altitude
The terrain is characterized by steep, heavily forested mountains and rolling hills that descend dramatically to a rugged coastline.
Sea level to 2,000m above sea level
Vegetation
Dense, humid evergreen broadleaf forests dominate, with a rich understory of ferns, bromeliads, and orchids.
Water Sources
Numerous fast-flowing rivers and streams cascade down the mountains, feeding into the Atlantic Ocean, with some coastal lagoons and mangrove systems.
Unique Features
This region is a biodiversity hotspot, renowned for its incredibly high endemism within the fragmented Atlantic Forest biome, clinging to steep slopes and coastal plains.
While flying into Rio de Janeiro or Vitória is the most practical, we strongly recommend renting a car for flexibility. The coastal roads are often stunning, and having your own wheels allows for spontaneous stops at hidden beaches and small fishing villages. Don't underestimate the charm of exploring this region at your own pace.
Nearest Airports
Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (GIG)
150km / 2hr drive
Extensive international and domestic connections
Vitória da Conquista Airport (VDC)
400km / 5hr drive
Domestic flights from major Brazilian hubs
Driving Routes
From Rio de Janeiro City
Excellent paved roads, straightforward drive along the coast. We love the scenic coastal highway for this approach.
From Belo Horizonte
Good quality roads, a longer but still manageable drive inland before heading towards the coast. Best to break this journey if possible.
Temperature
23.9°C
75°F
Rainfall
232.1 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
81%
Sunshine
9.7 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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