park · Guaraqueçaba, PR
Parque Nacional do Superagui
Created in 1989 and managed by ICMBio, it protects islands, bays, mangroves and coastal scrub and is part of the World Natural Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 1999. It is home to the black-faced lion tamarin, and its Praia Deserta (beach) stretches for about 38 kilometers of sand.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Nacional do Superagui
The Parque Nacional do Superagui (national park) protects a group of islands, bays, channels, mangroves and coastal scrub on the northern coast of Paraná, in Guaraqueçaba, near the border with São Paulo. It was created in 1989, expanded in 1997, and is managed by ICMBio. It covers Ilha do Superagui, Ilha das Peças, the Pinheiro and Pinheirinho islands, the Rio dos Patos valley and the Canal do Varadouro.
The area is part of the Atlantic Forest recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site in 1999. It is the main refuge of the black-faced lion tamarin, an endangered primate, and is also home to the red-tailed amazon parrot, which gathers at dusk on the Pinheiro islands. Dolphins are often seen in the bays.
The gateway is the village of Barra do Superagui, a fishing community with no cars, sandy streets, simple pousadas (inns), campsites and an ICMBio base. From there, trails through the coastal scrub lead to Praia Deserta, a strip of sand about 38 kilometers long, with no buildings, good for long walks or bike rides.
The park also has the Trilha do Ararapira, about 15 kilometers long, with suspension bridges and a walkway over wetlands, for hikers and cyclists. It is a destination for people who accept basic facilities in exchange for unspoiled nature: access is only by boat, and you get around on foot, by bike or by boat.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A day trip by boat is tiring; ideally, spend at least two nights in Barra do Superagui to walk Praia Deserta and take a boat trip around the islands.
Best time
March to May and spring, with less rain than in summer and good light for walking; late afternoon is the best time to see the parrots flocking. In very rainy periods, stretches of trail flood.
How to get there
It is in Guaraqueçaba, on the northern coast of Paraná, and can only be reached by boat. Scheduled boats and speedboats leave from Paranaguá, Guaraqueçaba and Ilha do Mel; from Paranaguá, the crossing on a scheduled boat takes about three hours to Barra do Superagui.
Tip
Bring cash, insect repellent and a flashlight: facilities in the village are basic. Arrange your return boat time in advance.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Nacional do Superagui in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional do Superagui
How do I get to the Parque Nacional do Superagui?
Only by boat. Scheduled boats and speedboats leave from Paranaguá, Guaraqueçaba and Ilha do Mel for Barra do Superagui, the park's gateway.
How long is the boat ride from Paranaguá to Superagui?
About three hours on a scheduled boat. A speedboat is faster but costs more.
How long is Praia Deserta?
About 38 kilometers of sand, with no buildings. You can walk or cycle stretches of it from Barra do Superagui.
Where can I see the black-faced lion tamarin?
Superagui is the species' main refuge, but it lives in the forest and is hard to spot. Hire local guides and don't feed the animals.
Is there somewhere to stay in Superagui?
Yes. The village of Barra do Superagui has simple pousadas (inns) and campsites; book ahead, especially in summer and on holidays.