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Vale employee smiling in green landscape. She is wearing a green Vale
uniform, goggles, helmet and ear plugs. Visual wave artifact Vale
photo of a tree taken from the bottom up
Photo: Pedro Cattony
photo of a hawk on a tree branch
Photo: Gabriel Bonfa

Have you ever thought about visiting a practically intact portion of the Atlantic Forest and still enjoying several ecological tourism options?

The Vale Natural Reserve, located in Linhares-ES, is an official space for conservation and scientific research, since 1978, which has several leisure options. Browse the page and learn more about the location.

Photographer: Bruno Coelho - F/Still Fotografia 

Where we are

Where is it located?

Rodovia BR 101, KM 122
Linhares, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Distance from the main capitals

162.3 km from Vitória (ES)
686 km from Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
632 km from Belo Horizonte (MG)

Opening hours

Tuesdays to Sundays, from 8:30 am to 4 pm.

*The visitation sector of the Vale Natural Reserve is reopened to the public, with the exception of some areas such as the hotel and restaurant, which remain closed.

Entry is free!






Leisure and knowledge: What to expect from the Vale Natural Reserve?

With approximately 23,000 hectares, the Vale Nature Reserve is part of the Green and Water Circuit, one of Espírito Santo's main tourist routes.
There, in addition to the visitor attractions - observation tower, trails, playground, picnic area, exhibition on the Atlantic Forest (under renovation), among others - important conservation and research work is carried out. They have already been catalogued:
A family has a picnic in the park A family has a picnic in the park Photo: Bruno Coelho - F/Still Fotografia 
Onda
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2,335

plant species
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1,500

insects
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103

mammals
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404

birds
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59

amphibians
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66

reptiles
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Schedule of the month

Check out what will happen in the Vale Natural Reserve this month

What to do in the Vale Natural Reserve?

Browse through the items below and learn more about each of the attractions that are there for you at the Vale Natural Reserve:

Bird Watching

Observation tower, view from down upwards. The structure is tall and made of wood.

Observation Tower

An employee is accompanied by other people along a trail in a place with a lot of trees.

Trails

Interactive Forest Room 

In a room with cabinets decorated with illustrations of plants and animals, there is a table with two chairs and a TV set.

Workshop Room

A closed room with synthetic grass and illustrations of animal on the walls. There are children's toys in the place.

Ecological Library

In place with trees, there is a flower bed made of wood with some seedlings. Next to it, there is also a sign with information about the sensory garden.

Sensory Garden

Outdoor children's playground. Toys, such as a scale and a slide, are made of wood. Some trees bring shade to the place.

Playground

Beach soccer field. Around the place, there is a lawn, and in the background, trees.

Indoor Soccer and Beach Soccer Fields

Trees with hanging notes. It is possible to see messages like 'dialogue'; “affection”, “companionship”.

Tree of happiness

Wall with information about anthill. It is also possible to see a glass box.

Anthill

On a path with trees, with the ground full of leaves, there is a sign with information about Meliponary.

Meliponary

On a concrete ground, there are several beds with cacti. The beds are surrounded by wood and covered with white stones.

Cactus Collection

A lake with dark waters is surrounded by big trees.

Pond

Vale female employee observes an open drawer. Inside the drawer, there are several butterflies.

Entomological Collection

Vale employee is in a corridor with file cabinets. He holds an open folder in his hands.

Herbarium

Xylotheque

In a room lined with wood, there are several “tables”, covered with glass, displaying different kinds of fruits.

Carpoteca

Sementeca

In a grass space, there are several trees loaded with yellow flowers.

Urban Arboretum

In a place with many leaves on the ground, we have several tall trees, but with relatively thin trunks.

Arboretum

In a lawn, there are several palm trees, some of them very low near the ground.

Palmetto

Orchard

In a garden, there are several sculptures of animals from the Atlantic Forest, such as sloths, jaguars and anteaters.

Atlantic Forest Lives Collection

In a room with the walls lined with illustrations of tree, there are some artificial trees and bird sculptures, on the trees and on the ground.

Bird Hall (under maintenance)

Several children in school uniforms watch an exhibition. On the wall, there is data about amphibians and birds. On the ceiling, there is a wooden sculpture similar to a hive.

Atlantic Forest Permanent Exhibition Center (under maintenance)

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Illustration of the globe with the map of Brazil painted yellow.

How about getting to know
Vale without leaving home? 

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Usage Rules

To ensure that the experience at the Reserve is the best possible, all visitors must follow some rules of coexistence. Check it out below:
Two employees walk in a place with trees.

Photographer: Bruno Coelho - F/Still Fotografia 

  • Be very careful when using bicycles, skates, skateboards, scooters and other similar equipment. Improper use may cause accidents and are the sole responsibility of the visitor.
     
  • The use of ATVs in the Reserve area is prohibited.
     
  • We have a flow of wild animals and pedestrians on the roads, so don't exceed the limit of 30 km/h.
     
  • It is forbidden to stop or park on the access roads and vehicle movement, use the parking lots, it is mandatory to park in reverse.
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  • High volume sound is not allowed out of respect for the environment and the people who share this space with you.
     
  • All garbage must be deposited in appropriate places, always respecting the selective collection.
     
  • The use of drones is only allowed with the authorization of ANAC and prior permission of the RNV manager.
     
  • Avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Reserve area.
     
  • Leafleting and/or advertising is not allowed.
     
  • It is forbidden to make fire, barbecue, hunt, fish and camping in the Reserve.
     
  • Do not share single use items. Bring your individual bottle to drink water and stay hydrated, as we do not provide disposable cups at the Reserve.
     
  • Do not access restricted areas. In case of doubt about the visitor access area, consult our Public Use Map or ask our employees.
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  • Self-guided trails must be done with caution and respect for nature.
     
  • The Pequi Vinagreiro Trail can only be carried out with the accompaniment of the Environmental Instructor at the scheduled times.
     
  • To go along the trails it is mandatory to be 6 years old or older, wear long pants, shirt and closed shoes.
     
  • Be careful when walking in the forest, pay attention to where you step and where you put your hand.
  • Do not feed or get close to the animals.
     
  • The entry of domestic animals is prohibited, as they may cause problems for wild fauna or acquire zoonoses.
  • The works must be carried out within the opening hours of the Reservation (Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 4 pm).
     
  • The use of the space for filming and/or photographs for commercial and/or media dissemination purposes must be previously scheduled and can only be carried out with the authorization of the management.
     
  • The material damage caused to the space, by the photographer, the video maker or his clients, will be their sole and exclusive responsibility.
     
  • RNV will not be responsible for equipment, objects and materials left in any premises of the place.
     
  • The use of electrical power points available in common areas to recharge equipment is the sole responsibility of the customer.
     
  • Rehearsals wearing bikinis, underwear, lingerie, must be informed in advance.
     
  • The use of drones is only allowed with the authorization of ANAC and prior permission of the RNV manager.
     
  • Failure to comply with the rules will result in a 30-day suspension of the right to photograph in the area.
     
  • It is not allowed to photograph inside the forest without authorization (restricted area).
     
  • It is forbidden to climb, stick, hang, pierce or nail balloons, banners, flags and any other objects on trees, toys and building structures.
     
  • Partial and/or total blocking of the bathrooms is not allowed, making access difficult, due to the use of photographic materials, clothes, makeup, hangers, among others.
  • Picnics must be held within the opening hours of the Reservation (Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm).
     
  • Covered structures are not scheduled for picnics (Spaces for rent).
     
  • The picnic must be held only in the visitation area, being allowed to use the existing wooden tables or bring towels to cover the lawn.
     
  • All waste generated must be segregated according to selective collection, and it is not allowed to leave bags with waste in any environment.
     
  • The use of electrical power points available in common areas to recharge equipment is the visitor's responsibility.
     
  • The Vale Natural Reserve is not responsible for equipment, objects and materials left in any premises of the place.
     
  • It is not allowed to bring food that refers to lunch.
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Research and scientific production: what has been done?

One of the main actions developed at the Vale Natural Reserve is the work of research and scientific production. Studies on the biodiversity present in the approximately 23 thousand hectares are essential for the conservation and management of the forest, in addition to the educational role for society.
To support some of these studies, the site houses a nursery, an extensive entomological collection, with several species of insects, and a herbarium, with collections of plants.

Find out more about ongoing studies:

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Entomological Collection

1,500 species identified
12,600 specimens of insects

Herbarium
More than 17,000 plant samples.

Meliponary
Hives of different species of stingless bees

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Botanical Collections

Urban Arboretu

185 species of arboreal, shrub or herbaceous plants

Arboretum

330 species of native and exotic trees

Palmetto

Collection of palm trees that includes about 144 species

Pomar

105 species of fruit trees from different regions of the world

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Wave

Check out the annual report

​Habitat Protection Component of Vale’s Forest Goal

In 2018, Vale announced six sustainability commitments to be achieved by 2030, in collaboration with the UN agenda, including to protect and restore 500,000 hectares of habitat outside its mining sites. This voluntary forest commitment is one of the most robust in the mining sector and it will contribute to another of the company's objectives, to become carbon neutral by 2050.
More than 115,000 hectares of forest are now protected through partnerships signed in 2020 and 2021 with the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) and the state government environmental and water resource regulators of Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, under the coordination of Vale Natural Reserve.​

Fotógrafo: Wilton José da Costa Junior

Main areas of activity:

  • Ecosystem protection and biodiversity conservation, including the systematic monitoring of rare and endangered species;​
  • Environmental awareness raising in connection with nature.​

Learn a little about each reserve on the following slides:​

Goytacazes National Forest (ICMBio)​

This is the largest urban forest in the state of Espírito Santo and it is part of the Doce River region. The national forest was created with the aim of protecting water resources and biodiversity, producing native Atlantic Forest seeds, recovering degraded areas in the Doce River region, sustainably using multiple forest resources, carrying out scientific research, emphasizing methods for sustainable exploitation of native forests, and carrying out environmental education.​

Area: 1,423.96 hectares​

Location: Linhares, Espírito Santo

Gallery

Reserve’s office – photo by Jackeceli Falqueto
Red-browed amazon (Amazona rhodocorytha) – photo by Gabriel Bonfa​
Aerial view of the forest – photo by Mariana Senna​
Brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba) – photo by Gabriel Bonfa​
Aerial view of the reserve’s office – Mariana Senna​
Gabriel Bonfa - bicho preguiça (common sloth - Bradypus variegatus)
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Serra das Torres State Natural Monument Park (IEMA)​

Spanning the Itapemirim and Itabapoana river basins, this is the largest conservation area in the Full Protection category created by the state government of Espírito Santo. It supplies water to the municipalities of Mimoso do Sul and Atílio Vivácqua, which have a combined population of around 30,000 people. Associated with rugged, mountainous terrain, it is one of the most important forest complexes in the south of Espírito Santo and it has been recognized as a priority for biodiversity conservation in the state.

Location: Atílio Vivácqua, Mimoso do Sul and Muqui, Espírito Santo​

Area: 10,458.90 hectares

Gallery

Serra das Torres State Natural Monument Park – photo by Terence Jorge Nascentes​
Surucua trogon (Trogon surrucura) – photo by Claudio Florentino da Silva ​
In the forest – photo by Terence Jorge Nascentes​
Moitão do Sul Rock, Atílio Vivacqua – IEMA archives​
Stream in Candura region, Muqui – photo by Marcio Santos​
Brazilian big-headed frog (Ischnocnema verrucosa) – photo by Jane C. F. de Oliveira ​
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Duas Bocas Biological Reserve (IEMA)

The purpose of Duas Bocas Biological Reserve is to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems, and to generate knowledge through research and studies. It protects a vast array of fauna and flora biodiversity, including rare and endangered species. It is part of the Duas Bocas – Mestre Álvaro Ecological Corridor and supplies around 60,000 residents of Cariacica with water.​

Location: Cariacica, Viana and Santa Leopoldina, Espírito Santo​

Area: 2,910 hectares

Gallery

Duas Bocas Reservoir – photo by Lauro Narciso​
Kinglet manakin (Machaeropterus regulus) – photo by Rafael Lorenzon Boni​
Aerial view of reservoir and reserve’s office – IEMA archives​
Maned three-toed sloth (Bradypus torquatus) – photo by Mário José Broedel​
Broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) – photo by Rafael Lorenzon Boni​
Black-necked aracari (Pteroglossus aracari) – photo by Rafael Lorenzon Boni​
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Cunhambebe State Park (INEA)

An important asset that conserves natural ecosystems. The site is used for scientific research, environmental education and interpretation, recreation in contact with nature and ecological tourism. It forms part of the ecological corridor between the Bocaina and Tinguá massifs, contributing
nt water source areas. This area is of great importance to Vale, since it is within its territory that water is collected to supply the Guaíba Island Terminal (TIG).

Location: Angra dos Reis, Mangaratiba, Rio Claro and Itaguaí/RJ 

Area covered: 38,053.00 ha 

Gallery

Bela Bridge – Ivan Cobra
Puma concolor - João Rafael Marins

Pires River, in Rio Claro - Ivan Cobra

Meliponary - André Trindade
Araçari-poca (Selenidera maculirostris) - João Rafael Marins
Véu de Noiva Waterfall - Ivan Cobra
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Augusto Ruschi Biological Reserve (ICMBio)

This reserve has exuberant vegetation, rich in ornamental species, and the diversity of epiphytes is very great, including endemic, rare and endangered species. It is part of one of the world’s hotspots in terms of endemism and biodiversity and it has more than 100 perennial springs and streams, contributing to the formation of major waterways. The high level of endemism, coupled with the current level of conservation of the forest, means that there are a remarkable 150 species of endangered flowering plants in the reserve. It is one of the planet’s most diverse places in terms of trees and other species threatened with extinction. 

Location: Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo​

Area: 3,598.41 hectares​

Gallery

Aerial view of the reserve – photo by Juarez Scalfoni​
Cherry-throated tanager (Nemosia rourei) – photo by Gustavo Magnago ​

Reserve’s office – photo by Sayonara Cometti​

Red-necked tanager (Tangara cianocephala) – photo by Gabriel Bonfa​
Woolly spider monkey (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) – photo by Victoria Faria​
Rio Piraquê-Açu Sayonara Cometti​
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Mata Escura Biological Reserve (ICMBio)​

This reserve is home to one of the last fragments of Atlantic Forest in the northeast of the state of Minas Gerais and it has a high incidence of rare mammal, reptile and amphibian species. It seeks to fully preserve the natural resources and biodiversity existing within its boundaries, encompassing an area of 50,892.39 hectares. The reserve is located in the Jequitinhonha Valley, one of the most deprived parts of the state, in which many people live in conditions of extreme poverty. Around R$26 million will be invested through a cooperation agreement, contributing to the region’s social and environmental development. 

Location: Jequitinhonha and Almenara, Minas Gerais​

Area: 50,892.39 hectares

Gallery

Trail of the Yellow-Breasted Capuchin Monkey – photo by Tiago de Oliveira Godinho​
Woolly spider monkey (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) – photo by Ednardo Martins​

Aerial view of Mata Escura Biological Reserve – photo by Fabiano Melo​

Spot-backed puffbird (Nystalus maculatus) – photo by Ednardo Martins​
Howler monkey nest – photo by Tiago de Oliveira Godinho​
Aerial view of reserve’s office – photo by Mariana Senna​
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União Biological Reserve (ICMBio)

This reserve protects one of the last and largest remnants of lowland Atlantic Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Research shows that União Biological Reserve has the richest and most diverse fauna of all the Atlantic Forest remnants studied in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Its objective is to ensure the protection and recovery of remnants of the Atlantic Forest and associated formations, as well as the typical fauna that depends on them, especially the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia).​

Location: Casimiro de Abreu, Macaé and Rio das Ostras, Rio de Janeiro​

Area: 7,756.76 hectares​

Gallery

Golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) – photo by Andreia Fonseca Martins ​
View of forest – União Biological Reserve archives​

“Pilão” Inclusive Interpretive Trail – photo by Tiago de Oliveira Godinho​

Lake – photo by Tiago de Oliveira Godinho​
Brazilian tanager (Ramphocelus bresilius) – photo by Whitson José da Costa Junior​
Auditorium – photo by Tiago de Oliveira Godinho​
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A Vale employee walks with a family in a wood space.

Photographer: Bruno Coelho - F/Still Fotografia 

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Do you want further information about the Vale Natural Reserve?


Contact the team:
Visits:
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(27) 3371-9702
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(27) 3371-9703
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reservanatural@vale.com

Research and Bird Watching:

To schedule the activity, contact us by e-mail rnv.pesquisas@vale.com

Accommodation

Hotel and restaurant closed