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Macaé de Cima: the protected area around Lumiar and São Pedro da Serra

The rivers you swim in at Lumiar start here. The Macaé de Cima Environmental Protection Area covers the Lumiar and São Pedro da Serra districts and part of Casimiro de Abreu.

Forest-covered rocky peak in the Macaé de Cima protected area
Forested peak in the Macaé de Cima area. Photo: Gpfbcbc / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The decree creating the APA cites dense rainforest in excellent condition, endemic and threatened species, and protection of the Macaé de Cima, Bonito, Flores and Santo Antônio river sources. The Environment Ministry ranks the area as of extremely high importance for biodiversity, according to the Eu Amo São Pedro da Serra portal.

Wide view of the Macaé de Cima ranges from a rock slab
Macaé de Cima ranges seen from a rock slab. Photo: Gpfbcbc / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

How to visit

An APA is not a gated park: people live there, with farms and rural roads. The Macaé de Cima locality sits high in the basin, west of São Pedro da Serra. The easiest way to see it is by car, stopping at viewpoints and riversides while respecting fences and private land.

Covered viewpoint looking over the mountains at Macaé de Cima
Covered viewpoint at Macaé de Cima. Photo: M.Pereira / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

For a proper hike, Pedra Riscada is the area's benchmark. The river born here forms Encontro dos Rios further down. More ideas in things to do in Lumiar.

Frequently asked questions

Is Macaé de Cima in the city of Macaé?
No. It is in Nova Friburgo, at the head of the Macaé river, which later flows down to the coastal city of Macaé.

Sources

Checked on October 19, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.

Keep planning

São Pedro da SerraPedra RiscadaThings to doEncontro dos Rios