Discover Silva Jardim

Silva Jardim can be discovered through two defining themes: the Atlantic Forest, with its golden lion tamarin conservation efforts, and a cultural history reflected in its railway stations, churches and cultural institutions. The Represa de Juturnaíba is another defining feature of the municipality. When planning your trip, consider whether you want to focus on wildlife watching, local history, or activities around the water and landscape.

Nature and the Golden Lion Tamarin

Parque Ecológico Mico-Leão-Dourado offers hiking trails, viewpoints and opportunities to observe nature. Its focus is the habitat of the golden lion tamarin and the protection of the Atlantic Forest. A permanent exhibition with interactive panels and videos also covers the conservation of this species and the forest. On September 20, 2024, Parque Ecológico was recognized as a Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural.

During the “Na Trilha do Mico” activity, visitors can observe golden lion tamarins in the wild alongside AMLD researchers and learn about their behavior. Another protected area is RPPN Parque do Mico, which encompasses 151 hectares of Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Silva Jardim. Reserva Biológica de Poço das Antas also protects an area of this biome: it covers 5,052.53 hectares. The golden lion tamarin is also on its list of protected threatened species.

Represa de Juturnaíba lies between Silva Jardim and Araruama; approximately 70 percent of it belongs to Silva Jardim. Lagoa de Juturnaíba has a water surface of around 43 square kilometers and an average depth of six meters. In the municipality associated with the lagoon, there are opportunities for water and nautical sports. Cais de Pescadores de Juturnaíba serves as a departure point for fishermen and boats traveling to other fishing communities on the lagoon.

Around Aldeia Velha

Aldeia Velha lies at the foot of the Serra do Mar, in the municipality of Silva Jardim and within APA São João/Mico Leão Dourado. Horseback riding excursions there pass through rivers and forest trails. They are suitable for the whole family, including beginners, and last two hours or more.

Near Aldeia Velha, a trail to Cachoeira das Sete Quedas passes through Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Serra Grande. The route is 1.5 kilometers long, easy to moderate, and takes approximately three and a half hours. Check booking options and conditions before the tour. Cachoeira das Andorinhas in Aldeia Velha has a 19-meter waterfall where rappelling is possible.

Cultural History and Local Institutions

Centro Cultural Capivari is housed in a former prison dating from 1841 and is now dedicated to cultural exhibitions. Another historic landmark is Estação de Juturnaíba: it is believed to have opened in the 1880s and is considered one of the municipality’s most significant tangible heritage sites. Estação Ferroviária de Capivari opened in 1886. At Casarão 1919 – Casa da Zezé Macedo, the current neoclassical facade dates from 1919.

Places of worship also tell the story of different periods in the town’s history. Igreja Nossa Senhora da Lapa was elevated to parish status in 1801. Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Gaviões is a historic and cultural heritage site in the rural community of Gaviões. Associação Folclórica Mineiro Pau represents living folk culture: it was founded in 1952, remains active in Silva Jardim and keeps a continuing tradition alive. Banda Honório Coelho offers music lessons and a variety of cultural activities.

The “Silva Jardim – Turismo a Pé” walking tour takes visitors to tourist sites that convey political, cultural and economic chapters in the city’s history. It was officially launched in 2019; check whether it is currently running before making plans. Palmito de pupunha, a local gastronomic specialty, is considered a culinary highlight.

Rio De Janeiro on a Larger Scale

The wider destination of Rio De Janeiro also includes Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos. It protects an exceptional landscape and the biodiversity of this section of the Serra do Mar in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. The Petrópolis–Teresópolis Crossing runs for 30 kilometers through the mountains, with ascents and descents at high altitude. This mountain landscape offers a different perspective on the nature experiences of the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Silva Jardim, Macuco, Resende, Barra Mansa, Paraíba do Sul, Mendes, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Claro.

Back to the main travel overview: Rio De Janeiro.