Located in the mountainous region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Desengano State Park is a hidden treasure that shines in the sunlight and, even more so, under the starry sky. In 2021, it became the first park in Latin America to receive the Dark Sky Park seal, an international accolade that recognizes the best places in the world for stargazing and astrophotography. Far from the light pollution of large cities, the Desengano sky offers a rare nighttime spectacle, where the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye and constellations seem to float above the treetops.

The park encompasses the municipalities of Santa Maria Madalena, Campos dos Goytacazes, and São Fidélis, protecting the last large continuous remnants of the Atlantic Forest in the region. More than just a nature reserve, Desengano is a sanctuary for over 490 recorded bird species and rare animals such as the southern muriqui – the largest primate in the Americas – as well as being the source of rivers and springs that supply municipalities in the region. Today, it represents the resilience of the forest and a commitment to environmental education, offering activities that encourage awareness and responsible tourism.

Experiences in the Desengano State Park cater to everyone from those seeking light hikes to experienced adventurers. Trails such as the Poço do Padre and Mina trails lead through preserved sections of the Atlantic Forest, among rivers and crystal-clear pools. More challenging routes, such as the Waterfall Circuit, the trails to the Tombo d’Água and Maracanã waterfalls, or the climb to the imposing Pedra do Desengano (1,761 m high), reveal magnificent landscapes, natural pools, and viewpoints with breathtaking views. All updated information can be found in the Desengano State Park Trail Guide (in Portuguese), an essential tool for planning your visit safely and consciously.

In Desengano, each step brings the visitor closer to nature in its purest form, and to a sky that reminds us that connection with the world can begin by looking up.