Home » Sergipe Travel Guide » Parque dos Falcões and the Itabaiana Mountains, Sergipe: Tourist Guide

In this travel guide, you’ll find out how to visit the Parque dos Falcões and the Serra de Itabaiana, two very popular ecotourism destinations in Sergipe. Both are located in the municipality of Itabaiana, less than an hour from Aracaju, and can be visited on the same day.

Parque dos Falcões in Itabaiana, Sergipe

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The Parque dos Falcões is a centre for the conservation, breeding and rehabilitation of birds of prey. It is situated in the village of Gandu II, in Itabaiana, at the foot of the Serra de Itabaiana, and is known for its work with falcons, owls, hawks, caracaras and other birds.

Things to Do at Parque dos Falcões

Birds of Prey Exhibition

The park is home to around 300 birds, including sparrowhawks, falcons, owls, caracaras and other species. Visitors can observe the animals up close and learn about each one’s behaviour.

Flight Demonstrations

The flight displays are one of the highlights. The trainers demonstrate the birds’ abilities by simulating attacks on imaginary prey and flying low over the visitors.

Environmental Education

The park offers educational sessions on the importance of protecting birds of prey and the environment.

Bird Rehabilitation

The park takes in rescued and abused animals and works to return them to the wild wherever possible. Visitors learn about their rescue and rehabilitation stories.

Tips for Visiting Parque dos Falcões

Opening Hours and Appointments

The park is open every day, but visits must be booked in advance. Visits usually take place in the morning and in the afternoon. Please check the dates, times and prices on the official Parque dos Falcões website before you go.

Entrance

There is an admission charge. The most recent prices we found were R$ 25 for adults and R$ 15 for children aged 8 to 12, with free entry for children under 7. As prices are subject to change, please check before your visit.

How to get there

The park is situated about 45 km from Aracaju, on the BR-235. It can be reached by car: after Areia Branca, follow the sign and turn onto the dirt track. There are signs along the way.

History of Parque dos Falcões

Parque dos Falcões was born out of the work of two dreamers, José Percílio Costa and Alexandre Correia. Alexandre became Percílio’s partner in 1999, but the story began back in the founder’s childhood. At the age of 7, Percílio was given a  caracara egg (Caracara plancus). After 28 days of being incubated by a hen, Tito was born – his first great friend.

Building on this history, the project has grown and now looks after around 300 birds, including sparrowhawks, falcons, owls and other species. The park is well known to tourists, students, biologists and researchers from Brazil and abroad.

He has authorisation from IBAMA to keep these birds in captivity and is a leading expert in the management, breeding and rehabilitation of birds of prey.

Itabaiana Mountain Range: National Park

The Serra de Itabaiana is one of Sergipe’s main natural tourist attractions. Since 2005, it has been home to the Serra de Itabaiana National Park, a federal conservation area managed by the ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation).

The park was established by a decree dated 15 June 2005 and protects an area of approximately 7,966 hectares, which spans six municipalities in Sergipe: Itabaiana, Areia Branca, Campo do Brito, Itaporanga d’Ajuda, Laranjeiras and Malhador.

The highest point of the mountain range is around 660 metres above sea level, the second highest in Sergipe. The vegetation comprises areas of Atlantic Forest and caatinga, and the mountain range is an important water reserve, with waterfalls and wells that encourage ecotourism. The fauna includes reptiles, amphibians, mammals and over 120 species of birds.

Parque dos Falcões is situated next to the national park, at the foot of the mountains, but it is a separate private initiative. Among the region’s main attractions are the Poço das Moças, the Via Sacra, the Gruta da Serra and the Caldeirão.

Things to Do in the Itabaiana Mountains

Trails and Walks

The mountain range has a number of trails, such as the Via Sacra, the Caldeirão Trail, the Paredão Trail and the Gruta da Serra Trail. Some are easier, whilst others require a good level of fitness. The Caldeirão Trail and the Via Sacra usually take a few hours to complete and can be combined.

Waterfalls and Wells

The region boasts waterfalls and pools of crystal-clear water, such as the Caldeirão waterfalls, the Poço das Moças, the Poço Azul and the Poço Preto. They’re perfect for a refreshing dip after a walk.

Viewpoints and Scenery

High up in the mountains, the Cruzeiro offers panoramic views of the region.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting

The mountains are a great place to spot birds and small animals, set amidst the Atlantic Forest and the Caatinga.

Tips for Visiting the Itabaiana Mountains

Best Time to Visit

During the rainy season, the waterfalls and pools are fuller, but the trails become more slippery. In the drier season, the path is firmer, but there is less water and it is hotter. Choose according to what you’re looking for and avoid the early afternoon on very hot days.

Local Guides

The region has few road signs and little support infrastructure, so it is highly recommended that you hire a local driver. Experienced guides make the trip safer and help you discover the best spots.

What to Pack

Wear suitable walking shoes, light clothing, a hat, sun cream and insect repellent. Take plenty of water, light snacks and a bag to carry your rubbish back in. Do not leave valuables unattended in busy areas, such as Poço das Moças.

How to get there

The mountain range lies between 40 and 60 km from Aracaju, via the BR-235, depending on the access point. The main entrance is just past Areia Branca and is clearly signposted. You can get there by car or on organised tours. Entry to the national park is free.

How to Combine a Visit to Parque dos Falcões and the Serra de Itabaiana

The two destinations are close to one another and complement each other perfectly. Start the morning at Parque dos Falcões, with flight demonstrations and information about the birds, and then head into the mountains to explore footpaths, natural wells and waterfalls. This combination brings together learning, adventure and contact with nature in a single day, starting from Aracaju.

Practical Information and Useful Links

• Aracaju: use the Aracaju guide as a basis for finding accommodation and other things to do.
• Full itinerary: The 7-day itinerary through Sergipe includes a day in the Serra de Itabaiana.
• Another excursion: visit Croa do Goré Island, a sandbank on the River Vaza-Barris.
• History: visit São Cristóvão, the fourth oldest city in Brazil.
• General guide: see the Sergipe Tourist Guide.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 04/03/2015 · Updated on 04/10/2026

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