The Águas Portal is located in a region whose history is closely linked to the bandeirante expeditions in the state of São Paulo. The word Ibiúna means “dark place,” referring to the valley often covered by mist and drizzle. This characteristic was reinforced by the fact that Indigenous peoples preferred this small stretch of valley as a place to hide from their persecutors, traveling along the peabiru trails—ancient routes used by native peoples that crossed the forest.

As its name suggests, the Portal stands out for its clean and abundant waters, the result of its well-preserved natural areas. The region encompasses the Juquiá River basin, a tributary of the Ribeira de Iguape River, and is also where the Alto Paranapanema watershed begins, an important 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.

Visitors can also experience unique adventures in this territory, recognized for ecotourism, adventure tourism, nature contemplation, and wildlife observation, whether by visiting local communities or exploring the region’s cycling routes and trails.