Linking together Brazil's two largest cities, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, is the Serra da Bocaina mountain range. In the Tupi-Guarani language, Bocaina means "paths to the heights". In the past, difficult access to the region created an ideal haven for many fugitive slaves. Since 1971, 110,000 hectares of the region have become national park. Access to the "heights" remains difficult, preserving the natural integrity of the land. The historical towns of Bananal, Silveiras, São José dos Barreiros and Areias surrounding Bocaina serve as both doors to a rare natural wonderland as well as windows to a nearly forgotten past. Entering the park from the south, you stumble into the world of the early 18th century muleteers. Access the park from the north and you will find yourself surrounded by the gloriously lush Atlantic Rainforest. Much of the region can only be explored on foot or horse-back.