Turvo State Park

General information

The Turvo State Park (in Portuguese: Parque Estadual do Turvo) was created in 1954. It is located in the northwest of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the municipality of Derrubadas, along the Uruguay River, bordering the state of Santa Catarina and the Argentine province of Misiones. Its area encompasses one of the largest fragments of Deciduous Seasonal Forest in the State.

The Yucumã Falls is a special attraction, with a length of 1,800 meters and waterfalls up to 12 meters high along the Uruguay River on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The falls were formed due to a geological fault that ranges from 90 to 120 meters deep. Known as “Grande Roncador” in the Tupi-Guarani language, the Yucumã Falls is one of the largest longitudinal waterfalls in the world.

The Park harbors many endangered species, such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), tapir (Tapirus terrestris), Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja), black-fronted piping guan (Aburria jacutinga), and red-ruffed fruitcrow (Odontophorus copueira).

Trees up to 30 meters tall are found, including cedar (Cedrela fissilis), grápia (Apuleia leiocarpa), canjerana (Cabralea canjerana), and laurel (Cordia trichotoma). There are also various species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, insects, and fungi.

When to visit

Visitation at Turvo State Park is permitted from Thursdays to Mondays, with entry hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and visitors may remain in the Salto visitation area until 5:00 PM, and at the Visitor Center until 6:00 PM.

Park is always closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

How to get there

The city of Derrubadas is approximately 490 km from Porto Alegre, the capital of the state of Rio grande do Sul.

The main access routes to the Park from Porto Alegre are:

• Take BR-386 to the municipality of Sarandi, then follow RS-569 to Palmeira das Missões, RS-468 to Coronel Bicaco, and finally RS-330 to the city of Derrubadas.
• Take BR-386 to the municipality of Frederico Westphalen, then follow RS-472 to Tenente Portela, and finally RS-330 to the city of Derrubadas.

From Santa Catarina state, access is through Itapiranga, where there is a ferry for crossing the Uruguay River. Then, proceed through Barra da Guarita via RS-163, followed by RS-472 through Vista Gaúcha and Tenente Portela, and finally RS-330 to the city of Derrubadas.

From Misiones, Argentina, the nearest point for crossing the Uruguay River is in El Soberbio. Follow the route through Tiradentes do Sul, Três Passos, and Tenente Portela, via RS-472, and finally RS-330 to the city of Derrubadas.

It is recommended to use Google map to arrange best route to the park.

Ticket and prices

The company Macuco Yucumã is the official concessionaire for public visitation services at the Park. Tickets can be purchased via the website here or at the entrance gate of the park.

As of 2024, entrance fees for Turvo State Park is:

• R$ 50.00 – Full price per person; – international visitors should pay the full price.

Half-price for Brazilians (proof required):

• Children from 2 to 12 years old, when accompanied by an adult;
• Seniors aged 60 and above ;
• Students – physical or digital student card, school report, or proof of enrollment/attendance.

Free entry for Brazilians (proof required):

• Children up to incomplete 2 years old;
• Residents of the Municipality of Derrubadas – proof of residence or voter registration.

Other product prices at the park:

• R$ 45.00 – Bicycle rental;
• R$ 10.00 – Lagoon Trail;
• R$ 10.00 – Jaguar Trail;
• R$ 10.00 – Parking.

Half-price applies for Brazilians (proof required) below 12 years old or above 60 years old, as well as for students.

Attractions

Discover the main attractions of Turvo State Park below:

Jaguar Trail

The Jaguar Trail is a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike. In this thrilling 1500m journey, visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the lush tropical forest, getting to know the fauna and flora that make this region so special. And most importantly, visitors will learn about the habits and behaviors of jaguars, the largest felines in the Americas, who have found their habitat in Turvo State Park.

The trail can allow visitors to get close to the sounds of nature, the scents of the forest, and the breathtaking views around. Observing wildlife in its natural habitat is an experience that deeply touches the soul, and the Jaguar Trail offers exactly that opportunity.

Visitors may spot a variety of animals such as agoutis, coatis, capuchin monkeys, brocket deer, as well as various species of birds, and with luck, a puma resting during the day.

In addition to the rich biodiversity, the Jaguar Trail also provides moments of tranquility and connection with nature. There is a waterfall located along the course of a stream. The location is one of the stopping points as it represents a body of water within a Conservation Unit, whose flowing water is pure and crystal clear, also serving as shelter for bioindicator species, such as amphibians, for example.

The mysterious scenery of the Jaguar Trail, with its dense forest vegetation, offers a perfect scenery to train your senses, contemplate nature actively, and reconnect with yourself and the environment around you.

Lagoon Trail

The Lagoon Trail is an invitation for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Along this charming 1300m route, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a series of vibrant lagoons, teeming with abundant flora and fauna.

These environments provide easy observation of various aquatic birds, all living in harmony with the natural surroundings. For birdwatchers and photographers, it’s a true paradise. Each lagoon offers a unique scenery, with its own characteristics and charms, providing a truly special experience.

As you walk along the trail, you’ll be immersed in the tranquility of the surrounding forest. Along the way, you can admire the lush vegetation and rich diversity of local wildlife. This hike is a genuine immersion in untouched nature, where you can observe tree species such as tree ferns, cedars, and a centuries-old canafístula tree located in the middle of the trail, which is large enough to require 7 adults to encircle it. And that’s just one of the incredible attractions that Turvo State Park has to offer.

Yucumã Falls

It all begins with the Yucumã Trail located in the recreational area near the Yucumã Falls, with a route of approximately 400m until reaching the rocky ledge. Towering trees intertwine above our heads, creating a shaded and cool environment. The sound of the Uruguay River flowing beside us accompanies us along the way, providing a natural and relaxing soundtrack. At the end of the trail, we can already see the majestic Yucumã Falls!

The Yucumã Falls is a true hidden treasure in the heart of Turvo State Park. With an impressive longitudinal stretch extending for about 1.8 kilometers and a height that can reach up to 15 meters, this majestic waterfall offers a breathtaking view and an unforgettable experience.

As you approach the Yucumã Falls, you will be engulfed by the roar of the waters and the mist rising from the impact of the falls. The energy emanating from this expanse of water is simply overwhelming, and you will feel small in the face of such grandeur of nature.

Observing the Yucumã Falls is an experience that awakens all the senses. The sight of the tumultuous waters, the sensation of the cool wind on your face, and the powerful sound of the waterfall create a magical atmosphere that will remain etched in your memory forever. For photography enthusiasts, the Yucumã Falls is also a true paradise. The different perspectives and angles offer unique opportunities to capture the beauty and grandeur of this natural phenomenon. Each click will be a masterpiece, recording your experience and allowing you to share with the world the stunning Yucumã Falls.

What is the duration of the tour?

The duration of the tour varies depending on the activities chosen:

Visit to the Visitors Center: Approximately 2 and a half hours, including an environmental education lecture, a biodiversity display featuring stuffed animals, a snack bar, souvenir shop, and restrooms.

Visit to Yucumã Falls: After traveling 15 km on a dirt road to the recreation area near the falls, either with your own vehicle or by passenger transport, there’s a 400-meter walk along the Yucumã Trail to the rocky ledge for viewing the falls.

Inside the park, there are two hiking trails, both guided by eco-trail guides:

Lagoon Trail: Located next to the Visitors Center, approximately 1300m long. It takes about 45 minutes for half the trail or 1 hour and 15 minutes for the full trail. The difficulty ranges from easy to medium, and environmental guidance is provided by the eco-tourism guide.

Jaguar Trail: Located in the recreational area near Yucumã Falls, approximately 1500m long. It takes about 45 minutes for half the trail or 1 hour and 15 minutes for the full trail. The difficulty ranges from easy to medium, and environmental guidance is provided by the eco-tourism guide.

What to do

At the Park, visitors can:

• Contemplate the local fauna and flora.
• Take interpretive trails with specialized guides.
• View footprints and traces of wildlife.
• Birdwatching.
• Visit the Biodiversity Exhibit.
• Receive guidance from Environmental Monitors.
• Purchase souvenirs.
• View images of wildlife through Camera Trap recordings.
• See the Yucumã Falls.
• Attend Environmental Education lectures.

What are not allowed

• Enter with pets.
• Enter with alcoholic beverages.
• Smoke within the Park.
• Collect any type of material within the Park without authorization from the Park Management Authority. This includes rocks, plants, flowers, seeds, branches, trunks, insects, etc.
• Touch animals and capture any species of fauna without authorization from the Park Management Authority.
• Capture images within the boundaries of the Park without authorization from the Park Management Authority. This includes photo shoots and commercial photography.

The park’s infrastructure

• Visitor Center: Located near the entrance gate, it features a Biodiversity Exhibit, Environmental Education Space, Auditorium, Wi-Fi, Snack Bar, and Restrooms. This building also houses the Biology, Commercial, and Technical Support Coordination sectors.
• Next to the Visitor Center is the Lagoon Trail, with environmental guidance and information provided by the eco-tourism guide.
• From the entrance gate to the recreation area near Yucumã Falls, there is a 15 km dirt road, which can be traveled by passenger transport or the visitor’s private vehicle.
• In the recreation area near Yucumã Falls, there is a snack bar, infirmary, Wi-Fi, restrooms, Yucumã Trail, and Jaguar Trail, with environmental guidance and information provided by the eco-tourism guide.

Contacts

Telephone: – (55) 984076806

Email of park: [email protected]

E-mail for scientific research activities: [email protected]

About Macuco Group

Macuco Safari is a company that has been operating within the Iguaçu National Park and Turvo State Park, welcoming visitors from all over the world. It operates officially under the concession of the Brazilian Federal Government, through the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation – ICMBio.

The company operates with electric vehicles and modern, safe boats. It has permanently trained professionals and experienced bilingual guides to better serve visitors from all parts of the world.