national park · São Joaquim, SC
Parque Nacional de São Joaquim
A protected area that preserves high-altitude grasslands, araucaria forests and stretches of canyons in the coldest part of Brazil. It has trails and some of the highest viewpoints in southern Brazil.
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 de São Joaquim
The Parque Nacional de São Joaquim (national park) protects one of the highest and coldest landscapes in southern Brazil, in the Serra Catarinense. It was created in 1961 and is managed by ICMBio (the federal parks agency). It holds high-altitude grasslands, araucaria forests, cloud forests and canyons that plunge from the edge of the Serra Geral.
The highest point is Morro da Igreja, at 1,822 meters, in Urubici, home to the Pedra Furada viewpoint. It is the park's best-known attraction, but not the only one. There are also trails in Rio do Bispo, such as Morro Comprido and Paredão das Abelhas, and at Recanto Santa Bárbara, with the Trilha dos Xaxins Gigantes (Giant Tree Fern Trail) and a small waterfall.
On the Bom Jardim da Serra side is Cânion das Laranjeiras (canyon), with cliffs that stretch for kilometers, waterfalls and grasslands dotted with araucaria pines. Access is through private farms, with hiking trails across the grasslands to the canyon rim.
Most outings involve some walking, sometimes long and over uneven ground. Cold and fog roll in fast, even in summer. If you don't want to walk much, the Morro da Igreja viewpoint is the easiest spot, because you can drive right up close to it.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow at least a full day to see one or two areas of the park, since the entrances are far apart.
Best time
Fall and winter, April to August, are best, when skies tend to be clearer; set out early, because fog tends to block the view as the day goes on.
How to get there
The park is not in downtown São Joaquim: the headquarters and Morro da Igreja are in Urubici, and Cânion das Laranjeiras is reached through Bom Jardim da Serra. Go by car; some of the access roads are dirt.
Tip
Visiting Morro da Igreja requires advance booking and picking up your permit at the park headquarters in Urubici; take care of this before you go up.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Nacional de São Joaquim 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 Nacional de São Joaquim
Is there an entrance fee at the Parque Nacional de São Joaquim?
Visiting the park areas is free. Access to Cânion das Laranjeiras, however, is through private farms, which charge admission.
Do I need to book a visit to Morro da Igreja?
Yes. Visiting Morro da Igreja and the Pedra Furada requires advance booking and picking up your permit at the park headquarters in Urubici.
Can I bring a dog to the Parque Nacional de São Joaquim?
No. The park does not allow pets or drones.
Where is the Parque Nacional de São Joaquim?
In the Serra Catarinense. The headquarters and Morro da Igreja are in Urubici, and Cânion das Laranjeiras is reached through Bom Jardim da Serra. You need a car.
What are the park's main attractions?
The Pedra Furada viewpoint, on Morro da Igreja, Cânion das Laranjeiras and the trails of Rio do Bispo and Recanto Santa Bárbara, such as the Xaxins Gigantes (Giant Tree Ferns) trail.