In 2019, Serra da Bocaina was internationally recognized for its inestimable value to humanity. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) granted it the title of World Heritage Site to safeguard and preserve it for future generations.
Serra da Bocaina is among the 21 Brazilian World Heritage Sites, with seven being natural and 14 cultural. With international recognition, the region region became the first mixed site in Brazil on the list of sites of exceptional universal value.
With approximately 85% of its native vegetation cover well-preserved, the 106,000-hectare area is the second-largest remaining forest in the Atlantic Forest biome. It is surrounded by four environmental conservation areas.
The Serra da Bocaina National Park (PNSB), with headquarters in São José do Barreiro and a sub-headquarters in Paraty, offers variations in altitude, landscapes, and attractions such as beaches, natural pools, rivers, waterfalls, peaks, viewpoints, as well as the rich flora and fauna provided by the Atlantic Forest.
Among the main attractions in the mountainous part are the Santo Isidro Waterfall, the Posses Waterfall, the Vale do Veado, the Pico do Tira Chapéu, and the Pedra da Macela.
In the coastal area, notable attractions include waterfalls and the natural pool of Trindade, as well as the beaches of Meio and Caixa D'Aço in Paraty.
The historical and cultural attractions are also evident in paths and trails that reflect the time of cattle driving, as well as the country culture in the mountainous portion and the caiçara culture in the coastal strip.
Established in 1987, the he Bananal Ecological Station (EEB) aims to protect remnants of Dense Montana and Alto Montana Ombrophilous Forest, endangered species of flora and fauna, while also facilitating research and environmental education activities. It features two trails: the Sete Quedas Waterfall Trail, and theTrilha do Ouro (Gold Trail), both providing access to unique natural landscapes.
