São Paulo has launched the Trilha Interparques, a 182-kilometer trail connecting nine protected areas in the city's southern region. Developed by the municipal environment agency SVMA, the route links municipal parks, state reserves, and private conservation zones, offering free access to urbanites and tourists.
The trail begins at Ilha do Bororé's ferry terminal and loops through ecosystems transitioning from Atlantic Forest to Cerrado savanna. Key stops include the Parque Estadual Serra do Mar – Núcleo Curucutu, RPPN Sítio Curucutu, and urban parks like Nascentes do Ribeirão Colônia. Signage follows Brazil's national trail standard, using yellow and black footprints to guide hikers.
The trail highlights São Paulo's biodiversity, featuring rare flora like cedro-rosa and palmito-juçara, alongside fauna such as bugios-ruivos (howler monkeys) and quatis (raccoons). This initiative underscores São Paulo's push to position itself as a hub for urban ecotourism, blending economic growth with environmental stewardship. The Trilha Interparques aligns with this trend, aiming to attract eco-conscious visitors while supporting local businesses.
A Model for Urban Ecotourism
By connecting preserved spaces to urban centers, the trail offers a blueprint for cities worldwide to reconcile development with ecological responsibility. This ecological focus reflects broader government efforts to balance urban growth with conservation, part of Brazil's RedeTrilhas network, which links trails nationwide to protect landscapes and promote non-motorized travel.