The Portal das Águas (Water Portal) is located in a region whose history is closely linked to the bandeirantismo expeditions in the state of São Paulo. The word Ibiúna means “dark place,” referring to the valley that is frequently covered in mist and drizzle. This detail is reinforced by the fact that indigenous peoples preferred this small stretch of the valley to hide from their pursuers, traveling along the peabiru—the ancient paths of the original peoples that cut through the forest.
As the name suggests, the Portal stands out for its clean and abundant waters, a result of exceptionally well-conserved natural areas. The Juquiá River basin, a tributary of the Ribeira do Iguape River, flows through here, and it is also where the Upper Paranapanema basin begins—a vital water source for the State of São Paulo.
The high levels of conservation provide regions of rich biodiversity and encounters with jaguars, tapirs, and other large mammals that move through the ecological corridors between the Jurupará State Park and the Paranapiacaba Mosaic of Protected Areas.
Furthermore, visitors can experience unique adventures in this territory, which is a benchmark for ecotourism, adventure tourism, contemplation, and wildlife watching, whether by visiting diverse local communities or exploring the region’s cycling routes and trails.
