The park was established in 1884 by Francisco Barreto Leme de Arruda, owner of the original farm where the woods were preserved.
It remains one of the oldest urban parks in Brazil, serving as a rare example of the Atlantic Forest biomes that once covered the Campinas region.
The park's aquarium holds approximately 60 different species of fish, focusing on those native to Brazilian river basins.
The onsite Museu de História Natural features a collection of over 3,000 items, including taxidermy specimens and archaeological artifacts.
The park's namesake Jequitibá-rosa trees can live for over 500 years and grow to massive proportions.
It functions as a center for environmental education, managing a specialized library on natural sciences.
The park's layout integrates a colonial-era house that serves as a cultural reference point for the city’s history.
Bosque dos Jequitibás is a 10-hectare remnant of the original Atlantic Forest located in the heart of Campinas. It houses a small zoo featuring over 200 animals, including native Brazilian species like the jaguar and scarlet macaw. The park is named after its massive, centuries-old Jequitibá trees, which are protected natural heritage sites. It contains an aquarium, a natural history museum, and a theater for educational performances. Walking trails wind through the dense forest, providing an immersive experience of local biodiversity within the urban sprawl. The park serves as a vital environmental sanctuary and a space for historical reflection on the region's original ecology.
The base of the monumental Jequitibá trees, which provide a sense of scale against the forest canopy.
Bring insect repellent as the dense vegetation attracts mosquitoes.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the unpaved forest trails.
Visit the aquarium and the natural history museum early to avoid afternoon crowds.
Avoid visiting on weekends if you prefer solitude, as the playgrounds and picnic areas become highly populated by families.
Typically closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Feeding the animals is strictly prohibited. Keep to marked paths to protect the forest undergrowth.