The Salto São João State Natural Monument (in Portuguese: Monumento Natural Estadual Salto São João) is located in the municipality of Prudentópolis, in the central region of the state of Paraná, in southern Brazil. The municipality is approximately 200 kilometers away from the state capital, Curitiba.
General information
The Salto São João Natural Monument is located 22 km from the center of Prudentópolis, in an area of 15 alqueires that impresses with its scenic beauty. In the midst of a well-preserved Araucaria forest, a waterfall emerges with a large volume of water, with a drop of 84 meters in height, following the São João River.
The creation of the Salto São João Natural Monument aims to ensure full protection to the remaining Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (Araucaria Forest), flora, fauna, and water resources, especially the waterfall, cliffs, and other protected environmental resources, as well as its surroundings, forming an 84-meter high canyon located on the São João River (Cânion do Rio São João).
The São João River is one of the rivers that make up the Ivaí River Basin, with 56 km of extension within the municipality. It is one of the main rivers of Prudentópolis, and along its course, there are waterfalls and areas used for leisure. The site has parking with a capacity for 54 light vehicles and four buses. There is a 453 square meter visitor center with an amphitheater, bathrooms, cafeteria, and craft shop. The management of the Unit is shared between the Environmental Institute of Paraná and the Municipal Government of Prudentópolis.
When to visit
The Salto São João Natural Monument is open to public year round. It closes every Tuesday. It is open from Wednesday to Monday from 9am to 4pm.
Ticket and price
No ticket is required to sightsee the natural monument. However, a registration must be completed upon arrival at the Conservation Unit headquarter, for visitor safety and for management to prepare statistics on activities, access, origin, age group, etc.
Group bookings for more than 10 people: (42) 99102-2476.
How to get there
The main accesses to Prudentópolis, the municipality where the headquarters are located, are through the highways BR 277 and BR 373. From the municipality’s headquarters, there are three paths leading to the monument, with sections paved or cobblestone and others on dirt roads.
Main Attractions
Salto São João waterfall
Prudentópolis city is known as the land of giant waterfalls. There are over a hundred falls with heights ranging from 80 to almost 200 meters. The goal of the State Government and the municipality of Prudentópolis is to enhance tourism in the region by exploring this natural potential.
An 84-meter waterfall located on the São João River amidst a well-preserved Araucaria forest. Its surroundings form a canyon, which can be observed from the viewpoint of the Park.
Specific Visitor Guidelines
Groups larger than 15 people need to schedule their visit with the Municipal Tourism Office of Prudentópolis at least two business days in advance.
The Monument has a parking lot with capacity for light vehicles and buses, a 453-square-meter visitor center with an amphitheater, bathrooms, cafeteria, and commercial space.
Recommendations
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing are essential.
- Always wear closed and comfortable shoes.
- Food and water are important (but remember to bring all waste back, including organic waste such as fruit peels and seeds).
- Contribute to the conservation of the Salto São João Natural Monument by only walking on marked trails and using designated rest areas.
- Try to walk in small groups.
- Walk quietly, enjoy nature, take only photographs.
Contacts
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: (42) 3446-3946
Or
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 0800 808 0233 – extension: 8070
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