Rio Doce State Park Park

Atlantic Forest state park protecting biodiversity

A protected remnant of Atlantic Forest in Minas Gerais, Rio Doce State Park contains lakes, trail networks and biodiversity-monitoring sites; visitors come for hiking, birdwatching and freshwater beaches.

Rio Doce State Park at a Glance#

Address: Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, near Marliéria / Dionísio, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Website: http://www.ietmg.com.br/

Hours: Daily sunrise-sunset (visitor center hours may vary)

Admission: Free entry to park; some facilities may charge (check local office)

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How to Get to Rio Doce State Park#

The park is reached by car from Belo Horizonte (roughly 3-4 hours) via BR-381 and BR-262 toward Governador Valadares, then follow state roads to the towns of Marliéria or Dionísio for park entrances. Local buses serve the larger towns nearby; from there a taxi or arranged transfer is recommended because entrance gates and trailheads are spread out.

Tips for Visiting Rio Doce State Park#

  • Arrive early to hike the forest trails before mid-day heat; the park is large and trailheads are spread out
  • Bring binoculars for birds-over 300 species have been recorded in the region
  • If driving from Belo Horizonte, use BR-262 then follow signs to Marliéria/Conselheiro Pena; cell reception can be patchy inside the reserve

Best Time to Visit Rio Doce State Park#

Best visited during the dry season (May-September) for hiking and trail access; shoulder months show the forest at its greenest but can bring heavy rains.

Dry season (May-September)
May-Sep · 15-26°C
Lower humidity and fewer mosquitoes make hiking and wildlife watching easier; trails firmer after rains
Transition (March-April, Oct)
Mar-Apr, Oct · 18-28°C
Forest is lush after rains; many waterfalls and lagoons are full but trails can be muddy
Wet season (Nov-Feb)
Nov-Feb · 20-32°C
Afternoon storms are common; birdlife and amphibians are most vocal, but some trails may be impassable

Weather & Climate near Rio Doce State Park#

Climate

Rio Doce State Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 13°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1214 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 45 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 20° - 31° 25° 204 mm - - 1.1 m/s - -
February - 20° - 31° 26° 130 mm - - 1.2 m/s - -
March - 20° - 30° 25° 140 mm - - 1.0 m/s - -
April - 18° - 29° 23° 72 mm - - 0.8 m/s - -
May - 16° - 27° 22° 31 mm - - 0.9 m/s - -
June - 14° - 26° 20° 10 mm - - 0.9 m/s - -
July - 13° - 26° 20° 13 mm - - 1.0 m/s - -
August - 14° - 27° 21° 15 mm - - 1.3 m/s - -
September - 16° - 28° 22° 45 mm - - 1.3 m/s - -
October - 18° - 29° 23° 111 mm - - 1.4 m/s - -
November - 19° - 29° 24° 199 mm - - 1.3 m/s - -
December - 19° - 29° 24° 244 mm - - 1.2 m/s - -