The granite rock shows clear 'striations' or grooves carved by the base of a glacier during the Permocarboniferous glaciation.
The park contains a full-scale replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and other prehistoric creatures to engage younger visitors.
The name 'Moutonnée' refers to the rock's shape, which resembles the back of a sheep (mouton) when smoothed by glacial movement.
It is one of the few sites in South America where evidence of glacial movement from the Gondwana continent era is clearly visible.
The site was officially declared a protected geological monument in 1990.
The park is situated along the banks of the Tietê River, providing a look at the landscape's geological history near the water's edge.
Parque da Rocha Moutonnée is an open-air geological park centered around a massive granitic block with glacial striations dating back 270 million years to the Carboniferous period. This specific geological formation serves as physical evidence of the movement of ancient glaciers over the Brazilian landscape during the Paleozoic era. The site is recognized as a National Geological Monument by the Brazilian Heritage Institute (IPHAN). Beyond the geological feature, the park features a life-sized dinosaur trail designed to educate visitors on the timeline of prehistoric Earth. Pedestrian pathways wind through a preserved ecological area featuring local flora and fauna. Informational signage explains the process of glacial erosion and the plate tectonics that shaped this specific rock formation. The park is integrated into the tourist circuit of Salto, emphasizing educational and historical significance.
The elevated observation deck directly overlooking the main glacial rock formation.
Wear comfortable, non-slip sneakers as the path surrounding the granite formation can be uneven.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the geological monument area has limited overhead natural canopy.
Visit during the weekday to avoid high crowd levels on the walking trails.
Avoid visiting during heavy rain, as the outdoor pathways and rocky areas become slippery and visibility of the markings decreases.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Do not climb or touch the protected glacial rock surface to prevent further erosion of the geological markings.
