The
Precambrian
basement of the Serra do Mar mountain range was formed in the course of the
Neoproterozoic
Brasiliano - Pan African
cycle, around 600 million years ago, which led to the formation of West Gondwana.
It contains many granitic intrusions, such as the Cantareira - batholith,
the Ilhabela - stocks or the famous granite domes of Rio de Janeiro.
The steep slopes of Serra do Mar mountain range and associated offshore islands are covered
with dense
tropical rainforest
of outstanding
flora
and
fauna
diversity.
According to a
biomap of the
University of Bonn from 1999,
more than 5.000 vascular plant
species can be found in an area of 10.000 sqkm.
Many local communities live in the area such as descendants of the Tupiniquim and Tamoios
Indians who inhabited the
region prior to colonization, descendants of African slaves (quilombolas) or the
so - called
caiçaras.
In and around Paraty, many colonial buildings, churches, cassava (manioc)- and sugar cane-
mills and traditional cachaça distilleries can be found.
For further information regarding the historical cities and
protected areas
of the tour please refer to:
