Parque Natural Municipal Augusto Ruschi
A vital conservation unit preserving Atlantic Forest, dedicated to research and environmental education.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, ideal for research.
Parque Natural Municipal Augusto Ruschi
Best Time
Fewer visitors, ideal for research.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital conservation unit preserving Atlantic Forest, dedicated to research and environmental education.
"A gem for nature lovers and researchers, but check opening status before visiting.
"Confirm Opening Hours
Always check current operating status before visiting, as it can change.
Research Focus
This park is for research & education, not casual recreation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Native Flora and Fauna
Explore vast Atlantic Forest remnants, home to diverse native plants and wildlife. A true ecological gem.
Research and Education Focus
Ideal for researchers and students interested in conservation and environmental studies.
Tranquil Trails
Wander through preserved trails, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Reopening Status
Understand Its Purpose
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Opening Hours
Always check current operating status before visiting, as it can change.
Research Focus
This park is for research & education, not casual recreation.
Nature Immersion
Enjoy the preserved Atlantic Forest and its biodiversity.
Plan Your Visit
Contact the park for specific access or research opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Opening Hours
Always check current operating status before visiting, as it can change.
Research Focus
This park is for research & education, not casual recreation.
Nature Immersion
Enjoy the preserved Atlantic Forest and its biodiversity.
Plan Your Visit
Contact the park for specific access or research opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the park's potential as a vital natural reserve for biodiversity and research, appreciating its role in preserving the Atlantic Forest. However, frequent temporary closures due to renovations and staffing issues have led to significant frustration, with many travelers expressing disappointment at being unable to visit.
"Para os amantes da natureza otima opção ao preservar a vegetação natural da região há decadas, contato com grande biodiversidade. Foi a captação de água (manancial) da cidade em tempos remotos."
Roberto Simao
"Muito bom este Parque, para fazer trilhas, caminhadas e boas pesquisas acadêmicas."
Paulo Fernando Costa
"Carambolas, fechado temporariamente DE NOVO!.
Sacanagem prefeitura.
Opção de se conectar com a pouca natureza da região e nos é negado.
Até quando vai demorar para terminar a organização de curso de formação para monitores ambientais que viabilizem a retomada da visitação/uso público e demais atividades no Parque ?
As obras principais terminaram em dezembro de 2021 e teve início a montagem dos espaços, com aquisição de móveis e equipamentos, revisão de identidade visual para sinalização indicativa e interpretativa das trilhas.
Reabrirá após março/2023 somente quando tiver monitores para acompanhar o público. Não é um parque nos moldes do Parque da Cidade.
Quero muito conhecer quando reabrir. Por isso 3 estrelas por enquanto.
Quem foi Augusto Ruschi : Patrono da Ecologia no Brasil, sendo também um dos ícones mundiais da proteção ao meio ambiente. Agrônomo, ecologista e naturalista Capixaba.
O interesse pelo estudo de plantas e animais, desde a infância, permitiu que conhecesse a fundo diversos ramos da biologia, tornando-se respeitado especialista em beija-flores e orquídeas do Brasil.
Contudo, em anos recentes seus métodos e conclusões têm levantado críticas, sendo acusado de fraude e plágio.
07/2021 Atualmente, o Parque está com a visitação suspensa, em razão do processo de reforma de seus prédios, construídos na década de 70, com implantação de sistema de saneamento nos sanitários de visitantes e melhorias nas instalações, com aquisição de móveis e equipamentos e sinalização das trilhas, para recepção de munícipes, estudantes, pesquisadores e público em geral. Ao final das obras (processo de licitação iniciado em 11/02/2021) serão realizados estudos e parcerias para retomada da visitação/uso público. Informações pelo telefone (12) 3947-8085.
Diferentemente de parques urbanos, como o Vicentina Aranha ou o Santos Dumont, o PNMAR, por ser uma Unidade de Conservação de Proteção Integral, com sua vegetação nativa e fauna silvestre conservados, comporta apenas atividades voltadas para a pesquisa científica, educação ambiental e turismo ecológico ou de contemplação.
Com o encerramento do uso do local para captação e abastecimento público, a PSJC em 1979 transformou-a em Reserva Florestal Boa Vista e inaugurado o Horto Florestal neste mesmo ano.
Para que serve um HORTO FLORESTAL ?
Em 1986 em Reserva Ecológica Augusto Ruschi, em razão de sua importância natural e, em homenagem ao grande estudioso e naturalista brasileiro.
Por fim em 2010 criou o Parque Natural Municipal Augusto Ruschi – PNMAR, com objetivo de preservar seu ecossistema natural, biodiversidade de fauna e flora, estímulo à realização de pesquisas científicas e desenvolvimento de atividades de Educação Ambiental para sensibilização por meio do contato com a natureza. Trata-se da principal Unidade de Conservação de Proteção Integral do Município."
Rbs de Camargo V. Filho
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in São José dos Campos. While specific public transport details can vary, it's generally accessible by car. Travelers recommend checking local transit apps or ride-sharing services for the most up-to-date routes.
Information on dedicated parking facilities is limited, but it's advisable to check with the park administration or local resources for the most current parking arrangements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry requirements can change due to renovations or operational status. Historically, it has been a place for research and education, so casual public access might be limited or require prior arrangement. Always verify current access policies.
The park has experienced temporary closures for renovations and staffing. It's crucial to check the official Prefeitura de São José dos Campos website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening hours and any potential suspensions of visitation.
The park's public access has been inconsistent due to renovations and the need for trained monitors. While it's a protected area, its primary focus is research and environmental education, so public visitation might be restricted or require specific arrangements.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park is primarily for scientific research, environmental education, and ecological tourism. Visitors can explore its native flora and fauna, walk on its trails, and learn about conservation efforts. It's not designed for typical recreational activities like water parks.
The park aims to foster environmental education. Inquiries about guided tours or specific educational programs should be directed to the park administration, especially concerning the availability of trained monitors.
You can expect to see a rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest biome, including native plants and various species of fauna. It's a significant conservation unit preserving the region's natural heritage.
While it's a natural area, its designation as a protected conservation unit means it's geared more towards research and education. Casual visitors should be aware of its specific purpose and potential access limitations.
🎫 🌳 Nature & Conservation
It's São José dos Campos' first Integral Protection Conservation Unit, dedicated to preserving the Atlantic Forest ecosystem, biodiversity, and promoting scientific research and environmental education.
Augusto Ruschi was a renowned Brazilian agronomist, ecologist, and naturalist, considered the patron of ecology in Brazil and a global icon for environmental protection, particularly known for his studies on hummingbirds and orchids.
Originally a water catchment area, it became a Forest Reserve in 1979 and an Ecological Reserve in 1986, named in honor of Augusto Ruschi. In 2010, it was officially established as Parque Natural Municipal Augusto Ruschi to preserve its ecosystem and promote research.
The park spans approximately 2 million square meters of preserved Atlantic Forest, making it a substantial area for conservation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given the park's history of temporary closures and its specific focus, it's essential to confirm its operational status and any specific guidelines for family visits before heading out. If accessible, it offers a unique educational outing, allowing children to discover local biodiversity and the importance of conservation.
🧑🔬 Researchers and Students
Access for research purposes may require specific arrangements with the park administration. It's recommended to contact the park authorities in advance to discuss research proposals, access protocols, and any available facilities or support. The park's designation and its historical significance make it a prime location for ecological and environmental studies.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Park's Purpose
Historically, the area served as a vital water catchment for the city. Its transformation into a protected reserve and later a municipal park reflects a commitment to safeguarding this significant natural resource. The park is named in honor of Augusto Ruschi, a prominent Brazilian ecologist and naturalist, underscoring its importance in environmental conservation.
Due to its conservation status, access and activities within the park are often geared towards researchers, students, and educational groups. While there have been efforts to reopen it for public visitation, this is contingent on having trained environmental monitors to guide visitors and ensure the preservation of the delicate ecosystem. Therefore, planning a visit requires checking current operational status and understanding the park's unique role.
Navigating Access and Visitation
When the park is open for visitation, it's important to note that it operates differently from more recreational parks. The focus remains on research and environmental education. This means that while you can explore its trails and observe the native flora and fauna, the experience is more contemplative and educational. The presence of trained monitors is often a prerequisite for public access, ensuring that visitors are guided and that the park's sensitive environment is protected.
For those interested in conducting academic research or participating in specific educational programs, it's advisable to reach out to the park authorities well in advance. This proactive approach can help in understanding the procedures for access and any specific requirements for researchers or educational groups.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit