outside the city limit, the parque nacional do itatiaia is the oldest park in brazil and it is home to extensive flora and fauna. with peaks reaching over 2000 meters, it is considered one of the top five places in brazil for bird watching.

included in the park is the regional museum of fauna and flora - an academic marvel, the museum has an astonishing collection of plants and animals from the local area on display, spread across three pavilions and three floors.

the wealth of flora and fauna extends beyond the mainland, as the many islands in rio de janeiro are home to a large variety of plants and animals.