forest · São Francisco de Paula, RS
Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula
Created in 1968, this federal protected area covers about 1,600 hectares, with araucaria forest and areas of planted species. It has signposted trails, a grove of centuries-old araucarias and more than 200 bird species; visits require an appointment.
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 Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula
The Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula, known as Flona, is a federal protected area managed by ICMBio, covering just over 1,600 hectares in the Campos de Cima da Serra highlands. It protects one of the important remnants of araucaria forest, within the Atlantic Forest biome.
The area began as a forest park of the former Instituto Nacional do Pinho (National Pine Institute), created in 1941, and was named a National Forest in 1968. That's why, besides native forest, there are planted stands of araucaria, pine and eucalyptus, used for research and management.
You walk trails through the forest, with centuries-old araucarias, wetlands and canyons with waterfalls. The forest is home to endangered species, such as the vinaceous-breasted parrot and the red-spectacled parrot, and is popular with birdwatchers.
Visits must be booked in advance with the park administration, and there's an entrance fee. The hikes are long, a few hours round trip, but without major technical difficulty. It's a relaxed outing for those who enjoy forest and silence, and is widely used by schools and researchers.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day, since each trail takes about two and a half hours round trip.
Best time
In spring and fall, in the morning, when the weather is more stable, the forest is cooler and the birds are more active; in winter the mountains are very cold and damp.
How to get there
It's outside the urban area of São Francisco de Paula, with the entrance on the RS-484 highway; access is by car.
Tip
Book through the email address listed on the ICMBio website, giving the date, time and number of people, and arrive at the agreed time, because the gate is closed otherwise.
Official website
A look at the place
Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula 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 Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula
Do I need to book a visit to the São Francisco de Paula Flona?
Yes. Visits must be booked in advance by email with the park administration; the contact is on the ICMBio website.
Is there an entrance fee for the Floresta Nacional?
Yes, there's an entrance fee. Check rates and hours on the ICMBio website.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed to enter or stay in the Flona.
How long is the trail?
The main trails take about two and a half hours round trip.
Can I stay overnight in the Flona?
The park has houses and lodges, used mainly by researchers and groups; reservations are also made with the administration.