spanning across an incredible 422,873 hecartes, the sierra da mantiqueira mountain range is considered as the most important mountain range in southeastern brazil, and houses some of the most endangered ecosystems in the region.

the park itself, with an area of 8,036 hectares, is spread between three municipalities: resende, itatiaia and visconde de maua. although the parque estadual da pedra selada was already in the protected region of the sierra da mantiqueira, thus benefiting from restrictions of use, the creation of the park has brought with it further advantages to the area, such as increased public visitation and opportunities for environmental education and tourism.