Alto da Figueira Field Station

Welcome to the Alto da Figueira Field Station!

Alto da Figueira serves as the headquarters of ARAÇÁ (Atlantic Forest Research and Conservation Alliance), a
collaborative network of researchers, environmental educators, and restoration specialists dedicated to
understanding and protecting Brazil’s Atlantic Forest through world-class research, conservation, education and
training initiatives.

Since early 2022, Alto da Figueira has been managed by the Antonelli Foundation for Biodiversity
Research and Conservation (Fundação Antonelli para a Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade). The private
reserve spans 120 hectares of pristine Atlantic rainforest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, and
encompasses a rich mosaic of forests, mountains, valleys, and streams, ranging from 1,100 to 1,610 meters above
sea level. The station is conveniently located just outside Nova Friburgo, approximately 2.5 hours by car from Rio de
Janeiro and well connected to Galeão International Airport.

The Field Station lies at the heart of the Atlantic Forest, offering modern facilities to support research, education, and
immersive experiences:

• 10 suites accommodating up to 30 guests comfortably.
• A classroom/meeting room for up to 40 participants.
• A wet laboratory for processing and analyzing samples.
• A mini photo studio for biological documentation.
• Two fully equipped offices (whiteboards, printers, and scanners) for 12 workstations.

For comfort and community living, the station also features:

• Two living rooms and a lounge for relaxation.
• A professional kitchen capable of serving up to 80 people, plus a secondary kitchen for self-catering.
• Laundry facilities and two panoramic decks with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Forest.
  To stay connected, we offer three types of internet:
• Radio internet (5 Mbps)
• Starlink satellite internet (250 Mbps)
• Fiber connection (150 Mbps)

Please note: there is no regular mobile phone coverage at the station.

In addition to Alto da Figueira, the Antonelli Foundation also manages the Pirineus satellite station. Located 1 hour by car from Alto da Figueira (plus a 2.5-hour hike from the parking area), Pirineus complements our research infrastructure. Nestled within the Três Picos State Park, it protects 300 hectares of untouched Atlantic Forest, with an altitudinal gradient extending from 400 to 1,100 meters above sea level. Pirineus offers a simple cabin accommodating up to 5 people, with the option for camping on the surrounding lawn.

The cabin is equipped with:

• Starlink internet
• Solar-powered electricity
• Fridge, stove, and oven
• Hot showers (gas and wood-heated)

The Alto da Figueira and Pirineus Field Stations are open to:

• Researchers and students
• Courses and workshops
• Meetings and retreats
• Ecotourists, nature photographers and nature lovers