The Vale do Ribeira Sector is the largest within the Atlantic Forest Great Reserve, spanning 29 municipalities in addition to the city of Registro, and is also the closest to São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city and one of the biggest in Latin America.

This vast Sector encompasses both the Paranapiacaba mountain range—a portion of the Serra do Mar extending from the border with Paraná to near the state capital—and the coastal zone, including the Lagamar region and part of the Central Coast. Dozens of Conservation Units of various categories have been established here, arranged in corridors and mosaics, many of them offering excellent infrastructure for visitors. These protected areas host the largest population of muriquis in the Southern Hemisphere, a small population of black lion tamarins, and a significant number of large mammals such as jaguars, white-lipped peccaries, and tapirs.

The cultural riches of the Vale do Ribeira Sector are countless. In the mountain region, especially in Eldorado, Iporanga, and Barra do Turvo, you will find the highest density of Quilombola communities in the entire state of São Paulo, maintaining their strong traditions and roots. Along the coast, the rich Caiçara culture prevails in numerous fishing communities scattered throughout Cananéia, Ilha Comprida, and Iguape—some of the oldest and most historically significant cities in Brazil. One must also not overlook the riverside communities (ribeirinhos) and the colonial heritage, particularly the Japanese influence that is present in the culture of several municipalities.