Grão Pará

Grão Pará National Park protects 78,656 hectares of Serra do Espinhaço mountain range ecosystems in south-central Minas Gerais, Brazil. The park encompasses dramatic rocky peaks, deep valleys, waterfalls, and extensive campos rupestres—unique rocky grassland ecosystems found only in Brazil's highlands. Elevations range from 900 to 1,720 meters, creating diverse habitats and spectacular landscapes. The campos rupestres support exceptional plant endemism, with thousands of species restricted to these mountaintop environments, many found nowhere else on Earth. Crystalline streams and rivers cascade through the mountains, creating numerous waterfalls popular with visitors. The park protects headwaters supplying water to surrounding regions and supports threatened species including jaguars, maned wolves, and endemic birds. Rocky outcrops offer panoramic views across multiple mountain ranges. Grão Pará was established in 2002 as part of Brazil's expansion of protected areas in the biodiverse Serra do Espinhaço region. The park is increasingly recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and opportunities for ecotourism including hiking, rock climbing, and nature photography.