The forests cover Tertiary sedimentary plateaus extending from near the seacoast westward to the lower slopes of the Serra da Mantiqueira.

The prevalent soils are tropical nutrient-poor yellow-red latosol and podzols.

The ecoregion has a tropical climate with annual rainfall ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 mm, evenly distributed throughout the year.

The four-tiered Atlantic evergreen moist forests are the predominant vegetation type.

Endangered mammals in the ecoregion include the maned three-toed sloth (Bradypus torquatus) and golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas).