Pacaás Novos National Park is a protected natural area in Rondônia state in northwestern Brazil. It is a transitional area between the mountainous terrain of the Andes and the rainforests and lush jungles of the Amazon basin. The park is known for its pristine Amazonian forests and also houses indigenous groups of the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau and Uru-Pa-In peoples.

Although the park is almost 50 years old, it has virtually no tourist infrastructure and parts of it are practically impossible to reach. This is by design. The park was created as a conservation unit and is for the protection of native plant and animal species and is also intended as a cultural reserve to protect indigenous groups from outside influences. Travelers who visit the area should take precautions to create as little impact as possible.

The park is adjacent to several other protected natural areas administered by both the federal and state governments. These include a state park, two biosphere reserves, and the Serra da Cutia National Park.

Flora and fauna

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The nearest major city with a commercial airport is Porto Velho. The park is 460 km south of Porto Velho and most of the route is by a paved surface road. Note that the park is remote and can be difficult to access: consult authorities at the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) for advice before investing time and money in a long-distance adventure.

Permits must be obtained from ICMBio/IBAMA and FUNAI.

• Hike
• Boat (shallow river boats can take you up the Pacaas River from New Guajará-Mirim)

• Pico do Tracoá is the highest point in the park. Hiking to the top affords panoramic view of the lush jungle landscape

• Porto Velho
• Serra da Cutia National Park
• Guajará-Mirim