park · Lages, SC
Parque Natural Municipal João José Theodoro da Costa Neto
It protects 234 hectares of Atlantic Forest with araucaria pines, where 168 bird species have been recorded. Revitalized with restored trails, it was the first place in the town recognized as a Sala Verde (Green Room) by Brazil's Ministry of the Environment.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parque Natural Municipal João José Theodoro da Costa Neto
The Parque Natural Municipal João José Theodoro da Costa Neto, which everyone in Lages calls Parnamul, protects 234 hectares of Atlantic Forest with araucaria pines in the São Paulo neighborhood, beside the BR-116. It is a strictly protected conservation area, with dense forest very close to the city.
The name honors the former owner of the land. Today the park is also a center for environmental education: it was the first place in the town recognized as a Sala Verde (Green Room) by Brazil's Ministry of the Environment, and it hosts many school groups.
You explore it on five self-guided trails, color-coded: Xaxim, Cachoeira, Bracatinga, Araucária and Bugio. Each is a few hundred meters long, and together they total about 2.5 km. Along the way, signs with QR codes give information about trees and animals. More than 160 bird species have been recorded, along with howler monkeys, pacas and agoutis, and there are more than 90 species of native trees.
The trails are short and vary in difficulty, so you can choose a route to suit your group's stamina. It is a good outing for birdwatching and for anyone who wants a bit of forest without leaving the city. Swimming in the waterfall is not allowed.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours lets you walk all five trails at a relaxed pace.
Best time
Year-round. Early morning is the quietest time for birdwatching, and dry days leave the trails firmer; after heavy rain, the ground gets slippery.
How to get there
It is on Rua Carlos de Mesquita, in the São Paulo neighborhood, next to the BR-116, near downtown Lages. The easiest way is by car or ride-hailing app.
Tip
Wear sneakers with good grip and bring a charged phone to read the QR codes on the trails. Large groups must book their visit in advance.
A look at the place
Parque Natural Municipal João José Theodoro da Costa Neto in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Natural Municipal João José Theodoro da Costa Neto
Is there an entrance fee at the Lages Natural Park?
No. Admission to Parnamul is free.
How long does it take to walk the trails?
The five trails total about 2.5 km, and you can do them all in one to two hours.
Can I bring a dog to the Lages Natural Park?
No. Pets are not allowed.
Can you swim in the waterfall at the park?
No. Swimming in the waterfall is prohibited by the visitor rules.
What are the Lages Natural Park's opening hours?
The park is open every day, with different hours on weekdays and weekends. Check the hours on the park's official profile (@parnamul) before you go; large groups must book.