The park protects the primary source of the São Francisco River, which travels over 2,800 kilometers to reach the Atlantic Ocean.
The giant anteater population here is among the most studied in the world due to the high visibility of the species in open grasslands.
The Canastra plateau is composed of ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks.
The Casca d'Anta waterfall was famously documented by the naturalist Auguste de Saint-Hilaire in the early 19th century.
The park is home to the pato-mergulhão (Brazilian merganser), one of the rarest waterfowl in the world, which requires pristine, fast-flowing rivers to survive.
The 'Caminho da Canastra' is a notable long-distance trail used for trekking and off-road biking.
Unlike typical tropical jungles, the high altitude creates a microclimate that prevents the growth of dense forest in many central areas, resulting in expansive 'seas of grass'.
The park's geology reveals traces of ancient marine sediment, indicating that the region was submerged under a shallow sea millions of years ago.
Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra is the primary protected area containing the headwaters of the São Francisco River, Brazil's longest river located entirely within national borders. The park encompasses approximately 200,000 hectares of high-altitude grassland (campos rupestres) and Cerrado savanna. Its topography is defined by the Canastra plateau, featuring steep escarpments and canyon systems. The Casca d'Anta waterfall is the park's most prominent geological feature, dropping approximately 186 meters in a single free-fall. The biodiversity includes endangered species such as the giant anteater, giant armadillo, and the maned wolf. The park is accessed primarily through four distinct entrances, with the São Roque de Minas gate serving as the main entry for the central plateau area. Elevations within the park range from approximately 900 to 1,500 meters above sea level. The climate is characterized by mild summers and dry, cold winters. It remains a significant site for both ecological conservation and geological research.
The upper observation deck of the Casca d'Anta waterfall.
Use a 4x4 vehicle for most park roads, as terrain is rugged and weather can turn dirt tracks into mud quickly.
Carry all necessary water and snacks, as there are no food services available inside the park boundaries.
Download offline maps before arrival, as cellular reception is non-existent throughout most of the plateau.
Dress in layers to accommodate the significant temperature drops between midday and sunset.
Attempting to drive across the plateau in a low-clearance sedan during the rainy season; failing to check park access status due to road maintenance.
Access to specific gates may be restricted during the peak of the rainy season due to road conditions; always verify gate status with ICMBio prior to travel.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive grassland vegetation; do not feed wildlife; pack out all trash.
