Itatiaia () is a municipality located in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. With a 2021 population estimate of 32,312, it is the 1,097th-most populous municipality in Brazil. Located in the Mantiqueira mountain range and on the border of the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minais Gerais, it covers an area of .
The oldest national park in Brazil, Itatiaia National Park (Parque Nacional do Itatiaia), is partially located within Itatiaia. The municipality also contains part of the Pedra Selada State Park, created in 2012.
Etymology
Itatiaia is a Guaraní term meaning "pointed stone," formed from the words itá ("stone") and atîaîa ("pointed").
History
Itatiaia's current territory was originally inhabited by the Tupi, Purí, and Coroado indigenous tribes. The first Europeans arrived in the region in the 17th century, most being bandeirantes in search of gold. The demand for gold trade routes from Minas Gerais to the ports of Angra dos Reis and Parati encouraged expeditions over the Mantiqueira mountain range through what are now the municipalities of Mauá and Itatiaia. The farm's lands are now part of Itatiaia National Park, its forests having been preserved due to Sousa's avoidance of coffee monoculture farming methods.]]
Itatiaia's natural beauty and pleasant weather attract thousands of visitors each year, with many rock climbing and hiking in the surrounding mountains.
In addition to the Itatiaia National Park, Itatiaia's other tourist destinations include the former Finnish colony of Penedo and the villages of Maromba and Maringá, both located in the region of Visconde de Mauá.
Itatiaia National Park
thumb|View from Mirante do ultimo adeus., [[Itatiaia National Park]]
Itatiaia National Park, located partially in the municipality, is a tourist attraction and Brazil's first national park. It was created in 1937 under then-president Getúlio Vargas.