It houses the ruins of the first blast furnace installed in Brazil, commissioned by the Portuguese Crown in 1810.
The site was a center for early metallurgical research and iron production during the Imperial period.
The forest covers approximately 5,000 hectares, serving as a biological corridor in the Sorocaba region.
It contains the 'Monumento de Ipanema,' a significant historical structure made of local stone.
The site provided the iron used for the construction of many early railways and infrastructure projects in the state of São Paulo.
The area features specific historical dwellings and administrative buildings preserved from the 19th-century industrial complex.
It is home to several species of native fauna, including rare bird species protected by the conservation status of the Atlantic Forest.
Floresta Nacional de Ipanema is a conservation unit managed by ICMBio, established on the site of the former Real Fábrica de Ferro São João do Ipanema. It features significant remnants of Atlantic Forest biodiversity alongside industrial archaeological ruins from the 19th century. The site includes the historic iron furnace, charcoal sheds, and remnants of the blast furnace used during Brazil's early metallurgical attempts. Trails weave through diverse ecosystems, including Cerrado and Atlantic Forest transition zones. The area serves as both a protected natural habitat and a historical site documenting the region's colonial industrial development. Visitors can explore various historical buildings associated with the iron production era. It is located in the municipality of Araçoiaba da Serra, near Sorocaba. The park is integrated into a larger federal conservation system aimed at both environmental preservation and historical heritage protection.
The front facade of the historic Real Fábrica de Ferro stone ruins.
Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes as paths around the ruins can be uneven.
Bring sun protection and insect repellent, as the trails are largely exposed and wooded.
Carry your own water and snacks, as facilities within the protected interior are limited.
Attempting to enter restricted or fenced-off archaeological areas without a guide or authorization.
Closed to the public on Mondays for maintenance and administrative operations.
Maintain silence near wildlife, do not remove historical stones or artifacts, and keep to marked trails to protect the fragile Atlantic Forest ecosystem.
