very often, national and state parks are referred to as 'ecological reserves' as in fact these are protected areas as well - here, however, we listed strictly the conservation units officially labeled as 'reservas ecológicas.'

the state of rio de janeiro is home to several reserves, all worth a visit and many reachable with a day trip from the city. the reserve of alcobaça, in teresópolisis ideal fro anyone interest in mountains and medium-altitude forests, while the reserve of jacarépia in saquaremais ideal for anyone fascinated by lagoons.