Inside the Morro do Diabo State Park

Located in Teodoro Sampaio, in the far west of São Paulo state, the Morro do Diabo State Park protects 33,845 hectares of Atlantic Forest – the largest continuous remnant of this highly threatened biome in São Paulo's interior. Created in 1941, the reserve is both a biodiversity stronghold and a growing ecotourism destination.

The park is a refuge for jaguars, howler monkeys, anteaters, and most famously, the black lion tamarin. This small primate was thought to be extinct in the 1970s until a population was rediscovered within the park. Today, Morro do Diabo hosts the largest wild population of the species, estimated at around 1,200 individuals, according to park manager Ériqui Inazaqui.

Beyond scientific value, the park welcomes approximately 2,000 visitors per month. Attractions include a 12-metre observation tower at the region's highest point, hiking trails, cycling routes, and rock climbing. Leonardo Nascimento Soares, a geography teacher from Presidente Epitácio, brings his students to experience the endangered ecosystem firsthand, turning the park into an outdoor classroom for environmental awareness.

How the Park Blends Tourism and Conservation

The Black Lion Tamarin's Remarkable Comeback

The black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus) is a flagship species for Atlantic Forest conservation. Once believed lost, its rediscovery at Morro do Diabo turned the park into a globally important site for primate protection. With about 1,200 individuals living freely in the reserve, the park holds a large proportion of the remaining wild population, making its continued protection critical to the species' survival.

Ecotourism as a Conservation Tool

The park's visitor programme is designed to be low-impact and educational. Free entry from Tuesday to Sunday, with mandatory online booking, manages visitor flow while removing cost barriers. Park monitor Gabrielle Vilhena shares local legends of the mountain's name, connecting cultural heritage to the landscape. Visits by school groups, such as those led by teacher Leonardo Nascimento Soares, demonstrate how regulated tourism can directly support the park's mission of environmental education and long-term conservation funding.

Planning Your Visit

  • Park admission is free from Tuesday to Sunday, but online reservation is mandatory. To hike the Morro do Diabo trail, a separate ticket must be purchased online in advance. The school-holiday programme runs until Wednesday, 29 July 2026.