We analyzed the socioeconomic and environmental components in 51 farms representing a chronosequence after deforestation.
An increase in human well-being was achieved at the expense of the natural capital (biodiversity and ecosystem services).
Early colonizers of the forest do not benefit from increases in well-being.
Sustainability assessed using a combined measure of social, economic and environmental indices decreased with time.
Agroforestry and sylvopastoral systems can be used to restore sustainable landscapes.