UNESCO World Heritage Site

 CHOOSING THE AREA
The area for the Preserve was chosen for being a significant remnant of the Atlantic Forest, with its rivers, plants, animals and beautiful scenery. The Salto Morato Natural Preserve is located in an area critical to the conservation of the Atlantic Forest. The environmentally Protecteds area of Guaraqueçaba is located here, created by the State and Federal Governments. This area encompasses the entire Guaraqueçaba municipality and parts of Paranaguá, Antonina and Campina Grande do Sul. Besides these (APAs - Environmental Protection Areas), the National Park of Superagüi, the Guaraqueçaba Ecological Station and the area of Lagamar are located in the same region. This entire vast region of Paraná was acknowledged by Unesco as a Biosphere Reserve.

 GREEN POWER
The characteristic vegetation of the Atlantic Forest area is the Dense Ombróphila Forest, one of the richest of the world in terms of species, composed of a succession of stages, each one highly dependent upon the other for the survival of the whole group. Notable among the typical species are: guapuruvu, oak, canjerana, cabela-branca, cinnamon-fire, palm heart, jerivá, xaxim, massaranduba, along with several types of figs. In the lower lands, before its acquisition by the Fundação O Boticário, there was deforestation to make room for pastures. In this area you can now observe the formation of native grasses which, with time, will undergo a transformation into secondary forests similar to the original.

 THE WATERS OF LIFE
Within its limits, the Preserve also protects the following hydrographic basins: Rio Engenho, Rio Piranga, Rio Bracinho and the Rio Morato basin, which, in this region, are characterized by the presence of small waterfalls and high-speed rapids with a variety of widths and depths.

 ANIMAL PARADISE
Maintained, recovered, Protecteds and well cared for, the Preserve is the ideal environment for a significant, free-roaming fauna population. You'll be happy to know that, among the animals already registered, it is possible to find:

 Mammals It is estimated that there exists 8 orders, 25 families, 59 genus and 83 species of mammals, some of which are the jaguar, puma, ocelot, collared peccary, paca, armadillo, anteater and tapir.

 Birds
328 species exist, some of which are the red-topped parrot, tucan, blue jay and black-fronted piping-guan, one of the rarest birds of Brazil.

 Reptiles and Amphibians
29 species of reptiles exist in the reserve, or 20% of the total listed in Paraná. They are predominantly serpents, with some species of amphibians, the majority of which are associated with existing wells and pools in the grasslands and forests.

 Visit the Salto Morato Natural Preserve
Take full advantage of your visit, but don't forget that the objective of the Preserve is to conserve all forms of life within its boundaries. You too can help protect the Preserve. It's easy: simply adhere to a few rules and instructions listed below. Other instructions will be given by the Preserve employees and by information signs and panels within the Preserve.

A. Park Entrance and Regulation
B. Camping
C. Snack Bar
D. Kiosks with Barbecue Grill
E. Visitors Center
F. Suspended Bridge
G. Fig Tree Trail
H. Natural Aquarium
I. Research Center
J. Training Center

 TRAILS: THE ROAD TO ENCHANTMENT
Access to the interior of the Preserve is through small trails, where you can observe plants, flowers, birds and other animals. It is important to explore this area carefully, avoiding accidents and not menacing the environment in any way. Remember that you are inside of a forest preserve and may find snakes and spiders of several species along the way, including some poisonous ones. Take a good look at the ground where you are walking. Don't leave the designated trails, avoid leaning on tress and choose well the place where you sit down to rest. Don't kill any creatures, because most are indispensable to the ecosystem. If there is some accident, find a park ranger, because he is trained to help in those situations.

 NATURAL AQUARIUM: A REVELATION IN THE FOREST
When you are on the trail to Salto Morato, prepare yourself for a rare gift of nature: a natural aquarium, in which you can dive and observe fish up close in the transparent water.

THE MAJESTY OF SALTO MORATO
Suddenly, you find yourself before a fantastic, crystalline waterfall, 130 meters high, surrounded by dense vegetation. This is Salto Morato, a magic, energizing place that you will want to remember forever.

 THE FIG: A MIRACLE OF NATURE
Imagine a tree that throws its roots six meters across a river forming a "live" bridge. This is what you´ll see with your own eyes when visiting the Fig Tree of Rio do Engenho, a tree that would be impressive even without this wondrous characteristic. Observing the century-old tree carefully, you can see first hand the co-existence of species: several species of plants and animals thrive inside and around this tree. To avoid compromising such a perfect ecosystem, don't play on the tree or remove mosses, liquens, branches or leaves.

 A true case of love for nature
Welcome to the Salto Morato Natural Preserve, a place where you can feel the power of the nature's life. The Fundação O Boticário de Proteção à Natureza is very happy to have you here, knowing that because of this experience, that unites passion and knowledge, you will gain an understanding of life in all its rich and varied ways of expression.

 TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF YOUR VISIT
In the Salto Morato Natural Preserve, you can enjoy a natural environment and its diverse species of fauna and native flora, including some species already extinct in other areas. In addition to the biodiversity, many other important tourist attractions exist within the Preserve's 2,340 hectares, among them Salto Morato, a 130-meter-high waterfall, and the Fig Tree of Rio do Engenho (Mill River), whose roots form a type of "live bridge" spanning six meters across the river.

To get an idea of the biodiversity Protecteds by the Preserve, take a look at the species that have already been registered:

328 species of birds.

83 species of mammals.

29 species of reptiles.

19 species of amphibians.

38 species of fish.

 It's always good to know:

 PARK ENTRANCE AND REGULATION
The park ranger is there to provide basic information about the Preserve and the activities allowed in your camping area - everything to make your stay as safe and pleasant as possible.

 ENTRANCE FEE
The objective of the entrance fee is not to obtain profit, but to generate resources to aid in the protection of the Preserve and to maintain the proper functioning of its infrastructure.

 INFORMATION PANELS
They contain important advice, data and information about the surrounding area and what you'll see in them, making your passage as enjoyable as possible.

 SIGNAGE
You will see signs on all the trails for hiking. For your safety, don't venture beyond the trails and enter the forest. You could have a serious accident or get lost.

 KIOSKS
In the kiosks you can have a barbecue or a picnic, always taking the necessary care to not compromise the surrounding environment.

 TRASH
There are trash containers distributed over the Preserve. Help keep the Preserve clean by correctly disposing of all your trash and separating the recyclable materials from the organic products. Never bury your trash.

 RESTROOMS
Use the public restrooms, always taking care to keep them clean, assuring hygienic conditions and comfort for you and the rest of the visitors.

 CAMPING
If you intend to stay overnight in Salto Morato, be sure to go to the Visitor's Center and get permission. This way you'll be able to use the camping area, which is the only area in the Preserve in which visitors are authorized to spend the night.

 FIRES
They are not permitted on the Preserve as pose a serious risk to the quality of the area.

 PROTECT THE WATER
Under no circumstances are visitors allowed to throw trash on the ground in the Preserve. Using the trash receptacles will avoid contamination of waterways, which are fundamental to the maintenance of the ecosystems.

 BATHING
Try this for a delicious experience: take a bath in the river. But be careful: only in areas where it is permitted!

 A WORD TO SMOKERS
Ask for ashtrays in the Visitors Center.

 SNACK BAR
A nice little place to have a quick snack and talk with friends.

 REMEMBER TO BRING:

:: A change of clothes in case it rains.

:: Two pairs of shoes, appropriate for hiking.

:: Insect repellant.

:: Sun block lotion.

:: Hat or cap.

:: Swimming suit.

:: Food

 ADVICE FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY CORRECT BEHAVIOR:

:: Don't bring domestic animals.

:: Stop by the Visitors Center first, and respect the 25 km/hr speed limit.

:: No loud noise or music between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.; please respect the noise rules.

:: Do not go near any animals.

:: Leave rocks, flowers, animals and plants exactly where they are.

:: When taking a bath in the river, don't use soap, shampoo or any such items.

:: Don't feed the animals, including the fish in the Natural Aquarium.