The refuge was created in 1984 as an environmental mitigation measure during the construction of the Itaipu hydroelectric plant.
It contains a nursery that produces over 200,000 tree seedlings annually for forest recovery projects in the region.
The sanctuary is one of the few places in Brazil that successfully maintains a breeding program for the harpy eagle, one of the world's largest birds of prey.
The refuge protects a critical portion of the Santa Maria River watershed.
It hosts an automated monitoring system to track the movement and health of local wild species.
The Itaipu Biological Refuge (Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista) serves as a protected environmental corridor established by the Itaipu Binational Dam to compensate for the ecological impact of the reservoir's creation. The refuge encompasses approximately 1,920 hectares of native forest and provides a sanctuary for rescued wildlife native to the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest. It functions as a research facility, focusing on the breeding and reintroduction of endangered species including the harpy eagle and the jaguar. Visitors explore the site through guided educational tours that highlight reforestation efforts and biodiversity conservation. The reserve houses a dedicated veterinary hospital and nutrition center for animal rehabilitation. Its location within the Itaipu complex integrates heavy industrial infrastructure with intensive environmental preservation initiatives.
The animal observation enclosures and the forest canopy lookout platforms.
Advance booking for guided tours is mandatory, as access is restricted to official vehicles.
Apply insect repellent before starting the tour, as the dense forest environment attracts mosquitoes.
Wear light, breathable clothing and closed-toe walking shoes suitable for gravel paths.
Do not attempt to arrive without a pre-reserved ticket, as walk-ins are not accommodated; do not wander off designated trails.
Closed on Mondays for facility maintenance.
Do not feed or touch the animals; remain with the guided group at all times; maintain a quiet volume to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
