The Parque das Aves, located in Foz do Iguaçu in Paraná State, is home to approximately 1,400 birds representing 150 species across 16 hectares of Atlantic forest. It is the largest ornithological park in Latin America, situated directly adjacent to Iguazu National Park.

Why visit Parque das Aves

Beyond the sheer number of species on display, the park stands out for its role in conserving threatened birds of the Brazilian Atlantic forest, one of the planet's most fragmented biomes. Several species housed here are rare in the wild, or even extinct in nature, such as the curassow.

Immersive aviaries allow you to walk among the birds rather than observe them behind fencing. The site welcomes approximately 800,000 visitors annually and employs around 230 people dedicated to care, research, and public engagement.

A family story born in Namibia

Parque das Aves is rooted in the Croukamp family. Anna-Sophie Helene, a German veterinarian, settled in Namibia where she met Dennis Croukamp. Their passion for birds began around 1980, sparked by receiving an African grey parrot that gradually led them to welcome other species.

After a period on the Isle of Man, the couple decided to establish an ornithological reserve. In 1993, armed with a manual titled Portuguese in Three Months, they set off for Brésil and acquired a sixteen-hectare property adjacent to Iguazu National Park. The park opened its doors on Friday, October 7, 1994.

Dennis Croukamp passed away in 1996. The family dedicated a memorial to him in the nursery Aves de Rios e Mangues, which was his favorite spot in the park. Today, his daughter Carmel Croukamp oversees the facility and continues the conservation mission initiated by her parents.

What to see in the park

The trail winds through several distinct sections of Atlantic forest. Plan for 1.5 to 2.5 hours of exploration depending on your pace.

Emblematic and threatened species

One section showcases vulnerable or extinct-in-the-wild birds: the black-fronted piping-guan, purple-crowned parrot, razor-billed curassow, yellow cardinal, and curassow, recognizable by its distinctive white crest. The white-naped jay, endemic to Brésil, also inhabits these enclosures.

The mangrove forest

A wooden boardwalk crosses a reconstructed mangrove ecosystem. Here you'll observe the scarlet ibis with its orange plumage, the boat-billed heron, and sometimes at close range, the toco toucan perched on the railing.

The reptile corner

The reptile section features the broad-snouted caiman, a boa constrictor, iguanas, and a group of Trachemys dorbigni turtles.

Parrot aviary and birds of prey

A large-scale aviary lets you walk among hyacinth macaws, green-winged macaws, and several conure species. The raptor section highlights the harpy eagle, one of the continent's most powerful eagles, and the king vulture.

Butterflies, hummingbirds, and owls

The butterfly house also features sombre hummingbirds, glaucous dryads, and shimmering emeralds. A final section brings together nocturnal birds of prey: barn owls, spectacled owls, and burrowing owls.

Practical information

• Location: Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná State, directly across from the entrance to Iguazu National Park on the Brazilian side.
• Duration of visit: plan for approximately 2 hours.
• Hours: open daily during the day. Check current hours before your visit, as they may vary by season.
• Admission: moderate ticket prices, with discounts for Brazilian residents, students, and seniors. Free entry for young children.
• On-site amenities: shaded trails, Tropicana dining area, gift shop.

When to visit

Foz do Iguaçu has a humid subtropical climate. The period from April to September, drier and cooler, is generally the most comfortable for visiting. From December to March, temperatures are high and afternoon showers are frequent; the park's trails, partly shaded by the canopy, remain accessible, but rain protection is recommended.

Morning is when bird activity is most pronounced, particularly in the immersive aviaries.

How to get there

From the center of Foz do Iguaçu, urban bus line 120 goes directly to the park and drops visitors directly across from Iguazu National Park's entrance, just steps from Parque das Aves. The journey is economical. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and tour shuttles offer comfortable alternatives, especially if you combine the visit with the falls.

Nearby attractions

Parque das Aves naturally lends itself to a combined day with the Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side, accessible via the same road. The Itaipu hydroelectric dam, about twenty minutes away, complements a visit nicely. Further into the country, other natural sites merit a detour:

• Buraco das Araras, a sinkhole populated with red macaws in Mato Grosso do Sul.
• Gruta do Lago Azul, a cave with an intensely blue lake near Bonito.
• Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, in the central cerrado.
• Corcovado and the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

Frequently asked questions

Including Parque das Aves in your trip

Parque das Aves fits naturally into an itinerary around Iguazu Falls and enriches a broader exploration of Brésil's natural heritage. To craft a custom-made journey that includes this stop, explore our Brésil travel suggestions.