A protected sanctuary of Atlantic Forest on a coastal island, where mangrove marshes shelter marine breeding grounds and inland trails lead to waterfalls and pools.
At a glance
Ilha do Cardoso State Park preserves a vast expanse of Atlantic Forest along São Paulo’s coast. The park encompasses both the island’s pristine interior and its vital coastal wetlands—mangrove marshes and salt marshes that sustain diverse marine life.
History
Established as a state park to protect the ecological integrity of Ilha do Cardoso and its waters, the park represents Brazil’s commitment to conserving the Atlantic Forest biome, one of the world’s most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems.
What you see
The landscape shifts dramatically across the island. Mangroves and marshes dominate the coastal margins, their root systems creating intricate channels where fish and crustaceans breed. Inland, the Atlantic Forest canopy rises steeply. Trails wind through this vegetation to reveal cascading waterfalls and natural pools fed by forest streams.
Cultural significance
The park stands as a refuge for Atlantic Forest biodiversity at a time when the biome has been reduced to fragments of its original range. Its protected marshes and mangroves sustain commercial and subsistence fisheries while allowing marine species to complete their life cycles undisturbed.
Key facts
- Location: Ilha do Cardoso, São Paulo, Brazil
- Coordinates: -25.133, -47.963
- Ecosystem: Atlantic Forest, mangrove marshes, coastal wetlands
- Features: Beaches, trails, waterfalls, natural pools
Practical information & getting there
Access is by boat from the mainland. Accommodation is available in island villages. Visitors can explore beaches or venture into the interior on foot. Swimming and wildlife observation are popular activities.
Sources & resources
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