Caparaó National Park

The National Park Caparaó (Portuguese Parque Nacional do Caparaó ) is located in the Serra do Caparaó, a mountain range in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo. It is located between 20 ° 19 'and 20 ° 37' South and between 41 ° 43 'and 41 ° 53' West.

The Pico da Bandeira with 2892 meters is the third highest mountain in Brazil. Other important mountains are Pico do Cristal ( 2770 m), Pico do Calçado ( 2766 m), Pico do Cruzeiro and Pico dos Cabritos, which are very popular with mountain climbers and hikers.

The mountain is located about 300 km horizons away from the capital cities Vitoria and Belo. The national park is accessible via Dores do Rio Preto or Alto Caparaó, the bus with Manhumirim has.

History

In 1859 the Emperor Dom Pedro II gave the order on the supposedly highest mountain in the country to set up a flag, hence the name.

The National Park 318.53 km ² with Caparaó, which is 79% in Espírito Santo, was founded on May 24, 1961, the then President Jânio Quadros.

The Serra do Caparaó was 1966/1967 scene of fighting between the guerrillas of Caparaó military personnel who did not support the coup to the long years of military dictatorship, and the regular armed forces. Supported by Leonel Brizola guerrillas hid in the National Park, the military pursued them from the surrounding villages.

National park

The National Park is home to an important part of the original Brazilian coastal forest of the Mata Atlântica.

It extends across the territory of the municipalities Ibitirama, Iúna, Divino de São Lourenço, Dores do Rio Preto and Espírito Santo and Irupi in Alto Caparaó, Espera Feliz, Alto Jequitibá and Caparaó in Minas Gerais.

In addition to the alpine mountains and the woods there are many waterfalls. From the visitor centers and campgrounds they can be reached on trails. Beautiful valleys Vale Encantado and Vale Verde.

Climate

The area is, with temperatures around 20 degrees rather cool. In June and July there may be at higher altitudes frost. Most of the rain falls from November to January. Between May and September, it is relatively dry and therefore most suitable for visits.