Intervales State Park São Paulo
Explore thousands of hectares of Atlantic Forest, discover diverse birdlife, and find the original APE geocache.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for birdwatching
Intervales State Park São Paulo
Best Time
Best for birdwatching
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore thousands of hectares of Atlantic Forest, discover diverse birdlife, and find the original APE geocache.
"Fantastic birds and guides here; one of the best birding spots in southeast Brazil."
🎯 Book Ahead (If Possible)
Online booking and phone contact can be challenging. Arrive early or be prepared to book upon arrival.
🦟 Tick & Insect Repellent
Essential for exploring the trails. Ticks are particularly prevalent in the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Birdwatching Paradise
Feeding stations and forest trails
Discover a vast array of bird species, many of which are not shy. Excellent feeding stations and knowledgeable guides enhance the experience.
The APE Cache
Geocaching location
A must-visit for geocachers, this park is home to the original and only remaining APE cache.
Atlantic Forest Trails
Various park trails
Explore thousands of hectares of lush Atlantic Forest with trails leading to caves and small waterfalls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Booking & Access Challenges
Wildlife & Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Jungle Recommendations in South East Brazil (besides Manaus)
🎯 Book Ahead (If Possible)
Online booking and phone contact can be challenging. Arrive early or be prepared to book upon arrival.
🦟 Tick & Insect Repellent
Essential for exploring the trails. Ticks are particularly prevalent in the park.
🦉 Early Bird Catches Wildlife
Mornings offer the best chances for wildlife sightings, especially birds.
📸 Camera Ready for Birds
Bring your camera, but be aware that small, restless birds can be tricky to photograph.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead (If Possible)
Online booking and phone contact can be challenging. Arrive early or be prepared to book upon arrival.
🦟 Tick & Insect Repellent
Essential for exploring the trails. Ticks are particularly prevalent in the park.
🦉 Early Bird Catches Wildlife
Mornings offer the best chances for wildlife sightings, especially birds.
📸 Camera Ready for Birds
Bring your camera, but be aware that small, restless birds can be tricky to photograph.
🛏️ Lodge Amenities
Rooms are decent but basic. Expect no Wi-Fi in rooms and limited evening activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Intervales State Park for its incredible birdwatching opportunities and the knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience. The vast Atlantic Forest and its natural features like caves and waterfalls are also highlights. However, significant challenges exist with booking services online or by phone, often requiring visitors to arrive without reservations.
"I wished I could have granted a five star review because I’m such a nature person and especially love the rain forest habitat and biodiversity.
So why only 2 stars?
There are a few reasons:
1/ it was impossible to book a tour or a lodging online
2/ it was impossible to get anyone to pickup the phone despite countless attempts at any time of the day and night
3/ I had to drive nearly 4hrs from São Paulo without a reservation and without knowing if someone would be there upon arrival —it was a wild bet, but no tours could be planned for the afternoon or the evening only for the next morning.
4/ I forgot in the Parque’s lodge my wallet with my identity cards, credit cards and a lot of cash and only realized it while in São Paulo before my departure & return to the US… And it was impossible to get anyone to pickup the phone or to respond to my emails.
5/ While the forest is vast, the wild life is sadly scarce… Nothing compared to what I used to see decades ago, which proves how much humanity has endangered other species.
So why would I have loved to give a 5 star rating?
Because we need to preserve such wildness before it’s too late.
Because we also need to encourage the locals who live in the area to remain such nice, warm hearted people welcoming eco-friendly tourists.
Because the tour guide was just a gem."
Jérôme
"Wow, fantastic birds and guides here. The area has a large number of birds, and very good feeding station set up. We saw a large species and numerous birds of each species. The lodge area where we stayed has decent rooms, fairly standard for birding lodges. The restaurant is fine and has very nice bird feeding station set up.
The birds are not shy, in general, and quite plentiful right around the area. The walking is good and the guys are very knowledgeable of local nests, hideouts, and regular haunts. There are many fruiting trees around and we had excellent long periods with many of the desired colorful species. Out of about 5 spots we visited in southeast Brazil this is certainly one of the two best and just excellent birding."
Nina Hale
"Great for observing birds.
I guess most people come for the caves, but I came for the birds. Most trails are accessible with guides only. The mirante and a small trail around some lakes/ponds are walks you can do by yourself. The park is well laid out, with several pousadas/lodges. There is a natural pool close to the entrance and a restaurant that serves buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pretty good value for money and it tasted good as well.
Gerson, my guide, met me at 6 am and we watched birds pretty much the whole day.
Even though I did not come in the best season to do so, I saw plenty of birds. As it is a forest and most of the birds are small and restless it was a bit tricky to get good pictures of all of them. We waited until it started to get dark and saw some Owl and a Tapir, just outside the park.
As nature is the attraction, besides the restaurant there is nothing to do when it gets dark, no Wifi in the rooms."
Reinier Denekamp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Intervales State Park is approximately a 4-hour drive from São Paulo. While there isn't extensive public transport directly to the park, driving is the most common method. Consider renting a car for flexibility.
The park is well-laid out, and the entrance should be clearly marked. However, due to its remote location, using GPS or a reliable map is recommended.
While possible, rideshare availability might be limited in the more remote areas surrounding the park. It's advisable to confirm this before your trip.
Organized tours from São Paulo are not widely advertised. Most visitors travel independently and arrange guides locally within the park.
If you don't have a car, consider joining a birdwatching tour group that might offer transportation, or research local bus routes to nearby towns and then arrange local transport to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Booking online or by phone can be very difficult. Many visitors report success by arriving at the park and arranging tours and lodging in person.
Operating hours can vary, and it's best to confirm upon arrival. Tours are often scheduled for mornings and afternoons.
While specific fee information can be hard to find online, it's common for state parks to have a modest entrance fee. Be prepared for potential costs for tours and lodging as well.
Some areas, like the mirante and trails around lakes, can be explored independently. However, most trails, caves, and waterfalls require a guide.
The APE cache is a famous geocache. If you're a geocacher, you'll need to use a GPS device and the geocaching app to locate it within the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails through the Atlantic Forest, leading to caves, small waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. Some trails require guides.
The park is known for its birdlife, with many species present. You might also spot other animals, though sightings can be scarce. Owls and tapirs have been seen outside the park.
Yes, Intervales State Park features several caves and small waterfalls that are accessible via guided trails.
The park has lodges with decent, fairly standard rooms for birding. They are clean and cozy, offering a basic but comfortable stay.
Wi-Fi is generally not available in the rooms, and cell service can be spotty. It's a place to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a restaurant on-site that serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is generally considered good value and tasty.
While not explicitly stated, bringing some snacks and water is always a good idea, especially for longer hikes. The park's restaurant is the primary dining option.
The buffet-style restaurant likely offers a variety of dishes. It's best to inquire about specific dietary options upon arrival.
Designated picnic areas are not commonly mentioned, but enjoying a packed lunch on a trail or at a scenic spot might be possible.
The restaurant is described as offering good value for money, suggesting reasonable prices for the meals provided.
📸 📸 Photography
The bird feeding stations, scenic trails, caves, and waterfalls offer excellent photographic opportunities. Early mornings are ideal for light.
Photographing birds can be challenging due to their small size and quick movements. Patience and a good zoom lens are recommended.
A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing birds. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscapes and trails.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography on wildlife if it disturbs them.
Drone usage policies can vary greatly. It's advisable to check with park authorities upon arrival regarding any regulations on drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as dining options might be limited to the park's restaurant. Ensure everyone has insect repellent, especially for ticks, to ensure a comfortable experience. Consider booking a guide for easier navigation of trails and to make the forest more engaging for kids with interesting facts.
🐦 Birdwatchers & Nature Enthusiasts
Beyond birds, the Atlantic Forest ecosystem itself is a marvel. Explore the trails, discover hidden caves, and enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings. Even if wildlife sightings are less frequent than hoped, the immersive forest experience is deeply rewarding.
🗺️ Geocachers
Be prepared for the terrain and bring your GPS device. Remember to also pack insect repellent, as the park's natural environment can be home to ticks and other insects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Birdwatching at Intervales
While the birds are generally not shy, capturing clear photos can still be a challenge due to their small size and restless nature. Patience is key, and early mornings often provide the best light and activity. The park's guides can help position you for the best viewing and photographic opportunities.
Key takeaway: If birdwatching is your priority, dedicate ample time to the feeding stations and guided walks, especially during the early morning hours.
Navigating Park Access and Services
This lack of accessible booking systems means that visitors should be prepared for a more spontaneous approach. Arriving early in the day might increase your chances of securing a tour for the afternoon or the following morning. Similarly, lodging within the park's lodges is best arranged upon arrival.
Despite these logistical hurdles, the park staff, including office workers, guides, and maintenance personnel, are often praised for their valuable and professional information and warm hospitality. The accommodation facilities are described as clean and cozy, offering a comfortable base for exploring the park.
Exploring the Natural Wonders
While the park's biodiversity is a major attraction, some visitors note that wildlife sightings can be scarce compared to past decades, highlighting the impact of human activity on endangered species. However, with knowledgeable guides, there's still a good chance of encountering various forms of wildlife, including owls and tapirs spotted just outside the park boundaries.
For those interested in unique park features, Intervales is also a celebrated spot for geocaching, being home to the original and only remaining APE cache. This adds an extra layer of adventure for enthusiasts of the activity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit