Aparados da Serra

Aparados da Serra harbors a rich diversity of wildlife, including several endangered species. Notable mammals include the puma (Puma concolor), maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), and the endangered red-spectacled amazon parrot (Amazona pretrei). The park is also home to numerous bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Black-and-white hawk-eagles, vinaceous-breasted parrots, and the endangered red-spectacled parrot can be spotted here. The region also supports various amphibians and reptiles, many of which are endemic to the southern Brazilian highlands.

The park's vegetation is characterized by a diverse mix of ecosystems, including Araucaria moist forests, Atlantic rainforest, and high-altitude grasslands (campos de cima da serra). The iconic Araucaria angustifolia (Brazilian Pine) dominates higher elevations, while the canyon slopes support dense Atlantic forest vegetation. The park hosts numerous endemic species and rare orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. The grasslands feature a rich variety of native grasses and small shrubs adapted to the harsh highland conditions. Several endangered plant species find refuge within the park's boundaries, making it a crucial conservation area.

The park's most striking geological features are its dramatic canyons, formed over millions of years through the erosion of basaltic rock layers deposited during massive volcanic events approximately 132 million years ago. The Itaimbezinho Canyon, the park's most famous feature, reaches depths of up to 720 meters and extends for about 5.8 kilometers. The canyon walls exhibit distinct horizontal layers of basalt, created by successive lava flows during the Cretaceous period. The region's unique geology represents one of the world's largest examples of escarpment formation, where the ancient Serra Geral Formation meets the coastal plain.

Aparados da Serra experiences a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers (December-February) are mild to warm with temperatures between 20-25°C, while winters (June-August) can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to near freezing and occasional snow at higher elevations. The park receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with annual precipitation averaging 1,500-2,000mm. Fog is common, particularly in the morning hours, creating dramatic views but sometimes limiting visibility. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, as the park's unique geography can create microclimates that vary significantly between the canyon rim and valley floor.

Established in 1959, Aparados da Serra National Park was created to protect the remarkable canyon formations and unique ecosystem of the region. The area has historical significance to indigenous peoples, particularly the Kaingang and Xokleng tribes, who inhabited these lands for centuries before European colonization. The park's name 'Aparados' refers to the sheer cliff faces that appear to have been 'cut' from the landscape. In 1972, the park's boundaries were expanded to better protect the canyon systems, and it now encompasses approximately 10,250 hectares. The area gained international recognition in the late 20th century for its spectacular landscapes and biodiversity.

The park's crown jewel is the Itaimbezinho Canyon, one of Brazil's most spectacular natural formations. Two main waterfalls, Andorinhas and Véu de Noiva, cascade dramatically down the canyon walls. The park offers several well-marked hiking trails, including the Vértice Trail and Cotovelo Trail, providing stunning viewpoints of the canyons. The Visitor Center provides educational exhibits and information about the park's ecology and geology. The nearby Serra Geral National Park, which shares boundaries with Aparados da Serra, offers additional hiking opportunities and viewpoints, including the equally impressive Fortaleza Canyon.