Nature of Brazil - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Nature of Brazil is unique and incredibly diverse, which is not surprising given its vast territory containing 60% of the Amazon rainforest. Some species of animals and plants inhabiting the territory of Brazil are endemic, which means that they can only be found in this country. These are animals like funny tapirs that look like pigs with long noses, the maned wolf with golden fur, and plants like Hancornia Speciosa, Gomphrena Globosa, etc.

Like many other countries of the world, Brazil has its own nature reserves designed for the protection of the environment as well as local flora and fauna. One of these reserves, Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the southern city of Curitiba. The non-profit sanctuary established in 2003 works for the preservation of nature, its biodiversity, and endangered species, and the rational use of natural resources. Here, more than a thousand species, including endangered animals, are under the constant care of not indifferent nature lovers.

Brazilians are very serious about protecting the natural environment. Protected areas are zones of animate and inanimate nature, which need protection from pollution and extinction. For example, this is the Campos de Manicoré in the state of Amazonas stretching for about 152 thousand hectares. In Rio de Janeiro, there is the Jaceruba Environmental Protection Area. Until recently, here it was allowed to hunt and catch wild animals for sale as exotic pets, and restaurants served their meat. In 2002, this was brought to an end, and today the zone is under strict government control. The Ilha Comprida Environmental Protection Area preserves sand dunes, dense forests, more than 70 kilometers of clean beaches and mangroves. It is home to terrestrial and marine South-Atlantic animals, more than 30 species of migratory birds arrive here every year. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Brazil is also rich in beautiful national parks. Protecting animals and plants, these zones also serve for recreation, tourism and scientific purposes. Itatiaia National Park is the first place of this kind in Brazil. It was founded in 1937. It's a must for all not indifferent to wildlife: this is a tropical forest, a lake, a lot of sparkling waterfalls, comfortable walking paths. Here you can see monkeys jumping on branches and exotic birds. Professional guides are employed to lead tours in the park.

The Jericoacoara National Park in Jijoca de Jericoacoara beckons with a clean lake sparkling between dunes. Here is one of the Brazilian attractions - Pedra Furada or "Pierced Rock". Founded in 2002, the park is known for the "Sunset Dune" where travelers traditionally observe how the suns sets into the ocean waters - the magnificence of this spectacle is unforgettable. One important thing - try not to forget your sunglasses to protect your eyes from flying sand.

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park established in the state of Goiás in 1961 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The plateau on which it lies is almost 2 billion years old. The entrance to the park passes through the village of San Jorge. The park has rocks, a large number of beautiful waterfalls, many footpaths, canyons ideal for climbing, as well as places where you can swim. Orchids grow, pampas deer, jaguars, armadillos, giant anteaters, capybaras, and many other animals live here. The scenery is amazingly beautiful. Guards ensure the safety of visitors and compliance with the rules of conduct in the park. You can book a tour of the park with a private guide. Serra da Canastra is another wonderful park with large waterfalls. It is located in the state of Minas Gerais. The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The park with picturesque views is famous for its landscape consisting of wide grass fields, plateaus, and reservoirs. One of Serra da Canastra's attractions is the "Stone Cattle Pen", which was hand-carved out by stones by muleskinners of the past days. Also, find time to look at Serradao Waterfall, whose height is 186 meters.