Uberaba Geopark: Late Cretaceous Fossils in Brazil’s Tropical Savanna

Located in Brazil’s Cerrado tropical savanna, the country’s vast central biome, Uberaba Geopark is a natural time capsule dating to the Late Cretaceous period, between 100.5 million and 66 million years ago.

The UNESCO Global Geopark is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the final chapter of the nonavian dinosaur era. This rich paleontological heritage has earned Uberaba the nickname “Terra dos Gigantes,” or “Land of the Giants.” According to UNESCO, researchers have found more than 10,000 fossils within the geopark, including remains of dinosaurs, prehistoric crocodyliforms, turtles and other ancient animals.

Among the geopark’s most famous discoveries is Uberabatitan ribeiroi, a long-necked titanosaur that reached an estimated 89 feet (27 meters) in length and stood about 33 feet (10 meters) tall, according to UNESCO.

Many of these fossils were discovered in striking geological features such as the Serra da Galga Formation and the Serra Geral mountain range. The rocks formed from ancient basalt lava flows produced by enormous volcanic eruptions, which occurred before the Gondwana supercontinent began breaking apart about 180 million years ago.

Uberaba Geopark also had ideal conditions for fossil preservation. During the Late Cretaceous, the region alternated between shallow lagoons and river systems. When prehistoric animals died, their remains were rapidly buried in mud, protecting bones and other fossils from erosion and decay.

The Serra da Galga Formation and Serra Geral range hold another important resource: the Guarani Aquifer, one of the world’s largest underground freshwater reservoirs. The aquifer supplies drinking water to more than 100 cities across Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The Cerrado ecosystem surrounding Uberaba Geopark is also an important, but underprotected, carbon sink. It supports more than 12,000 plant species as well as a remarkable variety of animals, making the region significant for both paleontology and biodiversity conservation.

The “Land of the Giants” joined UNESCO’s list of Global Geoparks in 2024, recognizing Uberaba’s exceptional geological, paleontological and natural heritage.

The region now known as Uberaba Geopark also played a major role in the development of Brazil’s modern cattle industry. During the 19th century, farmers introduced zebu cattle (Bos indicus) from India because the animals are well adapted to Brazil’s climate and need less food than common domesticated cattle (Bos taurus). UNESCO notes that zebu cattle also produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional cattle.

Uberaba Geopark is open to visitors, with museums, geological attractions and nature trails to explore. One route leads to Vale Encantado, or “Enchanted Valley,” a scenic area featuring forests, waterfalls and prehistoric rock formations, according to the BBC.

Discover more incredible places where science, history and nature reveal the story behind some of Earth’s most dramatic landscapes.