Jaú National Park
Amazonas
Jaú National Park, located in Amazonas, Brazil, is one of the largest protected rainforest areas in South America, covering over 2.3 million hectares. Named after the Jaú River and the large gilded catfish species, the park preserves an extensive blackwater river ecosystem within the Amazon biome. Its terrain comprises two main plateaus with hills, valleys, seasonally flooded lands, and permanent lakes, supporting diverse vegetation including dense and open rainforests, campinarana, and transitional forests. The park is home to approximately 400 plant species and over 260 fish species, some newly discovered by science. It shelters endangered wildlife such as jaguars, giant otters, margays, and Amazonian manatees. Established in 1980 and managed by the Chico Mendes Institute, Jaú National Park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Central Amazon Conservation Complex. It offers opportunities for environmental education, sustainable tourism, and scientific research while maintaining vital ecological integrity of the Amazon's blackwater basin.
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Tip: Visitors should plan trips according to the Amazon’s seasonal cycles: the dry season (September to February) allows access to beaches, rapids, and archaeological sites, while the wet season (March to August) enables exploration of flooded forests and aquatic trails. Entry requires prior authorization via a visitor form, with no entrance fee currently charged. Access and exit at the park’s base must occur between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Guided tours and canoe trips can be arranged from Manaus or Novo Airão for a richer experience. Booking in advance and contacting park authorities for updated information is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •Jaú National Park is the third largest tropical rainforest national park worldwide and the fourth largest forest reserve in Brazil.
- •The park protects the entire basin of the Jaú River, which is approximately 450 km long, making it unique among Brazilian conservation units.
- •It contains over 260 fish species, including some newly described by scientists, highlighting its rich aquatic biodiversity.
- •The park is part of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes several other protected areas.
- •Endangered species such as the jaguar, giant otter, margay, and Amazonian manatee find refuge within the park’s boundaries.
History
Created by presidential decree on September 24, 1980, Jaú National Park was established to preserve the natural ecosystems of the Amazon basin, particularly the entire Jaú River basin.
The park was proposed following ecological studies highlighting the area's genetic resource value.
In 2000, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its global environmental significance.
Over time, it became part of the Central Amazon Ecological Corridor and the larger Central Amazon Conservation Complex, expanding its protection scope.
The park also integrates the Lower Rio Negro Mosaic, reinforcing regional conservation efforts.
Historically, the area includes remnants of indigenous cultures and early Portuguese colonial settlements, such as the ruins of Airão Velho near the Rio Negro.
Place Guide
Jaú River Basin
The park encompasses the entire Jaú River basin, a vital blackwater river system supporting diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Diverse Vegetation Zones
The park features dense rainforest, open rainforest, campinarana, and transitional forest types, each supporting unique flora and fauna.
Wildlife Habitat
Jaú National Park shelters numerous endangered species including jaguars, margays, giant otters, and Amazonian manatees, making it a critical conservation area.
Archaeological Sites
The park region holds significant archaeological remains such as petroglyphs and artifacts from indigenous peoples, as well as ruins of early Portuguese settlements like Airão Velho near the Rio Negro.
