Ilha do Bananal
Tocantins
Bananal Island, located in southwestern Tocantins, Brazil, is the world's largest river island and the second largest globally, spanning approximately 19,162 square kilometers. Formed by the bifurcation of the Araguaia River into the Araguaia and Javaés branches, the island is characterized by its flat terrain and extensive waterways, including the Jaburu do Bananal river. It is a unique natural and cultural preserve, designated as a national park and indigenous territory, hosting several native tribes such as the Javaés, Karajá, Ava-Canoeiro, and Tuxá. The island's ecology is remarkable for its position between the Amazon rainforest and the cerrado biome, supporting diverse flora and fauna including jaguars, river dolphins, and various orchids. The northern part is protected as Araguaia National Park, popular for ecotourism, while the southern areas remain indigenous lands with traditional villages accessible mainly by boat or seasonal river crossings. The island's climate features a tropical semi-humid pattern with distinct wet and dry seasons, influencing the flooding and accessibility of its interior. Bananal Island is also recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve and classified as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, underscoring its global environmental significance.
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Consejo: The best time to visit Bananal Island is during the dry season from June to August, when river levels are lower, allowing easier access by car and boat. Visitors should plan ahead and consider arranging transportation by boat, as there are no bridges connecting the island to the mainland for most of the year. It is advisable to respect indigenous territories and seek permission before visiting villages. Booking guided ecotourism tours in the northern national park can enhance the experience and support conservation efforts. Discounts or special rates may be available for group visits or through official park channels.
Datos interesantes
- •Bananal Island is the second largest river island in the world and the largest without an ocean coastline.
- •It is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993 and classified as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
- •The island is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Javaés, Karajá, Ava-Canoeiro, and Tuxá, with about sixteen villages.
- •During the wet season, parts of the island remain flooded, affecting accessibility and local life.
- •The island served as a filming location for the 1979 James Bond movie 'Moonraker' (known in Brazil as '007 Contra o Foguete da Morte').
Historia
Bananal Island was discovered on July 26, 1773, by the explorer José Pinto Fonseca and was initially named Ilha Sant'Ana.
It was later renamed Bananal due to the extensive banana groves found there.
Since 1959, the island has been protected as an environmental reserve and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993.
The island has long been inhabited by indigenous peoples, with current residents belonging to tribes such as the Karajá, Javaés, Tapirapés, Tuxás, and Avá-Canoeiros.
Over the centuries, the island has evolved into a significant ecological and cultural sanctuary, with legal protections established to preserve both its natural habitats and indigenous communities.
Guía del lugar
Araguaia National Park
The northern third of Bananal Island is designated as Araguaia National Park, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity and ecotourism opportunities, including wildlife observation and boat tours.
Indigenous Villages
The southern two-thirds of the island are indigenous territories inhabited by tribes such as the Javaés, Karajá, Ava-Canoeiro, and Tuxá. Visitors can learn about traditional cultures, crafts, and lifestyles in villages like Santa Isabel and Barreira Branca.
Araguaia and Javaés Rivers
These two rivers form the island by splitting and later rejoining, creating a unique aquatic ecosystem that supports diverse flora and fauna and shapes the island's geography.
