Morro da Igreja is recognized as the highest point in the state of Santa Catarina and one of the highest in Brazil accessible by road.
The park protects the 'Pedra Furada,' a natural rock arch formed by intense weathering processes.
It is one of the few places in Brazil where snow occurs with some regularity during the austral winter.
The park contains endemic plant species adapted to the harsh conditions of high-altitude rocky soils.
The region experiences some of the coldest temperature records in Brazil due to the combination of altitude and southern polar air masses.
São Joaquim National Park is an expansive protected area in the Southern Brazilian Highlands, primarily known for its high-altitude grasslands and araucaria forests. The park covers approximately 49,300 hectares across the municipalities of Urubici, Bom Jardim da Serra, Orleans, Grão-Pará, and São Joaquim. It contains the Morro da Igreja, which at 1,822 meters is one of the highest points in Southern Brazil. The landscape features deep canyons and dramatic rock formations shaped by the Serra Geral escarpment. Visitors find significant temperature drops due to the high elevation, with occasional snowfall during the winter months. The park serves as a refuge for the endangered vinaceous-breasted amazon parrot and the brown howler monkey. Vegetation shifts from dense Atlantic Forest on the lower slopes to high-altitude fields above 1,200 meters. The park functions under the administration of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). Access to certain sectors, particularly the Morro da Igreja, is controlled by restricted visitation quotas.
The viewing platform at Morro da Igreja looking toward the Pedra Furada rock formation.
Book your entry permit for the Morro da Igreja sector online in advance, as slots are limited.
Wear thermal layers regardless of the season, as high-altitude winds create significant wind-chill effects.
Check weather conditions via satellite imagery before departing, as thick fog frequently obscures canyon views.
Attempting to visit the park during peak summer afternoons when visibility is often compromised by rapid cloud formation and mist.
Visits to the Morro da Igreja sector require prior online scheduling via the ICMBio portal; operations may be suspended during extreme high-wind events.
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile endemic flora; do not feed wildlife; strictly follow the 'leave no trace' principle.
