Parque E - Senderos latinoamericanos

Desengano State Park
Created in 1970, the Desengano State Park is the oldest and the least known
conservation unit of the state. It is included in the category of “full protection
conservation units” and has 22,400 hectares (55,350 acres).
The park is managed by the State Institute of Environment – Inea and consists
of a property for common use by the population. Its main purpose is the
preservation of the ecosystems and their ecological features, allowing different
uses of its land: environmental education, scientific research, and touristic
activities. Within its boundaries, springs are protected, fauna, flora, and the
ecological processes that form the ecosystems are conserved, thus ensuring
the preservation of its natural resources.
It is located in a region formerly known as Serra do Rio Preto (Rio Preto Range),
at the final slopes of the Serra do Mar mountain range, next to the Paraíba do
Sul River. It remained unexplored until around 1913. It has exceptional natural
features and barely modified ecosystems, representing the last significant
Atlantic Forest forested area in the North of Rio de Janeiro state.
The Park is characterized by steep rock outcroppings. Its West-East ridgeline
holds altitudes ranging between 1,200 and 1,600m (3,900 and 5,250 ft), with
peaks reaching 1,800m (5,900 ft), representing an important area of
geological interest in the state. The Desengano Rock, with 1,761m (5,778 ft) of
altitude, the crests of the Serra Itacolomi and of Serra da Malhada Branca
mountain ranges with average altitudes of about 1,600m (5,250 ft), and the
São Mateus Peak in the Cinco Pontas group, at 1,580m (5,183 ft), are a few
highlights.
Due to its terrain and drainages systems, the park holds an excellent water
source that serves the populations of the North of Rio de Janeiro state. It offers
easy road access that ensures entrance to all economic tiers of society that
can enjoy its attractions.
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