Brazilian Highlands

Nestled on the border between the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, the Caparaó National Park is a testament to Brazil's rich natural heritage. Encompassing the majestic Caparaó Mountains within its boundaries, this park offers a sanctuary for diverse ecosystems, from dense montane rainforests to alpine meadows. Pico da Bandeira, the third-highest mountain in Brazil, lies at the park's heart.

The Serra da Canastra is a significant mountain range in the western part of Minas Gerais state in southeastern Brazil. Nestled within the Brazilian Highlands, it is noted for its striking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and economic resources. The range's unique geological features and ecosystems make it an area of natural beauty and scientific interest. The range is also the birthplace of the São Francisco River, one of Brazil's most essential watercourses.

Nestled in the southeastern heartland of Brazil, the magnificent Serra da Mantiqueira rises from the valleys like an ancient fortress of stone and forest. This breathtaking mountain range spans across the borders of three Brazilian states—São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. From its dramatic emergence along the banks of the Paraíba do Sul River, the Serra da Mantiqueira stretches northeastward in a magnificent arc of granite escarpments and verdant highlands that serve as both geographic barrier and biological corridor.

The Serra do Espinhaço is a mountain range that stands as a natural marvel in Brazil, stretching through Minas Gerais and Bahia. Known for its rich mineral deposits and unique ecosystems, the Serra do Espinhaço plays a vital role in the country's environmental and cultural fabric. Known for its rich mineral deposits and unique ecosystems, the range's significance is underscored by its designation as a Biosphere Reserve, which highlights its importance in preserving Brazil's natural heritage.

Along Brazil's southeastern Atlantic coast, where the azure ocean meets the verdant mountains, rises one of South America's most spectacular geological formations. The Serra do Mar stretches for approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles), forming a dramatic backdrop that has shaped both the landscape and the destiny of Brazil. From the misty highlands of Espírito Santo in the north to the rugged coastlines of Santa Catarina in the south, this ancient mountain system forms an almost continuous barrier between Brazil's interior plateau and the Atlantic Ocean.

Rising majestically from Rio de Janeiro's coastal plains, the Serra dos Órgãos offers one of Brazil's most spectacular mountain landscapes. Named for its granite spires resembling cathedral organ pipes, this range is part of the Serra do Mar system, creating a dramatic backdrop that has fascinated visitors and scientists for centuries. From the bustling metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, these peaks appear as mystical silhouettes against the sky, their jagged profiles like ancient monuments to Brazil's geological forces.

The Borborema Plateau, also known as the Serra da Borborema or Borborema Mountains, rises majestically in Brazil's northeastern region. This expansive and rugged plateau spans across the states of Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Norte, forming the northeasternmost part of the Brazilian Highlands. It acts as a natural barrier against the moisture-laden winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean.

The Brazilian Highlands (Planalto Brasileiro) constitute South America's most extensive plateau system, covering approximately 4.5 million square kilometers (1.74 million square miles) and serving as Brazil's geological backbone. This ancient landform influences continental weather patterns, harbors critical biodiversity hotspots, supports over 190 million inhabitants, and provides the geological foundation for Brazil's emergence as a global agricultural and mining powerhouse.

The Serra Geral, an imposing escarpment nestled within the interior of southern Brazil, is a testament to the region's geological complexity and ecological richness. From its eastern reaches in Rio Grande do Sul to its northern extent in São Paulo, this mountain range is a pivotal component of the Serra do Mar system. Within this landscape lies the Serra Geral National Park, established to preserve the region's natural heritage and encompass iconic landmarks such as the Malacara, Churriado, and Fortaleza canyons.