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Pedra do Altar: A Summit Experience in Itatiaia National Park

Hike to Pedra do Altar in Itatiaia National Park for panoramic views from one of Brazil's highest accessible peaks.

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Pedra do Altar, or Altar Rock, is one of Brazil's highest peaks, offering panoramic views of Itatiaia National Park. A moderately challenging hike leads to its summit, rewarding visitors with stunning vistas of surrounding mountains and unique rock formations.

A brief summary to Pedra do Altar

  • Estrada do Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, Itatiaia, Engenheiro Passos, State of Rio de Janeiro, 27580-000, BR
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Local tips

  • The park's upper section, where Pedra do Altar is located, has restricted hours. Ensure you arrive between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm, with a 5:00 pm departure deadline.
  • Bring cash for park entrance and other potential expenses, as card payments may not be accepted.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water, as the trail can be rocky and demanding.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.
  • Consider hiring an authorized guide to enhance your safety and experience, especially if you are not an experienced hiker.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Itatiaia, take the BR-116 (Presidente Dutra Highway) to exit 318. Continue onto BR-485 for 5.5 km to the park entrance. From Engenheiro Passos, take exit 330A from BR-116, then BR-354 for 26 km to Garganta do Registro. Follow the dirt road (Rodovia das Flores) for 14 km to Posto Marcão, which provides access to the upper part of the park. Expect to pay an entrance fee to the park, approximately R$18 per person per day. Parking is available, with fees depending on the vehicle type.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from major cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo to Itatiaia. From Itatiaia, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. Some buses may drop you closer to the park entrance. A taxi from Itatiaia to the park entrance (Estrada do Parque Nacional, Km 8.5) costs approximately R$30. Remember that reaching Pedra do Altar requires access to the upper part of the park, so factor in additional travel time from the park entrance to Posto Marcão.

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Discover more about Pedra do Altar

Pedra do Altar, also known as Morro do Altar, earns its name from its resemblance to an altar when viewed from a distance. Rising to an elevation of 2,665 meters (8,743 feet), it ranks as the eleventh highest point in Brazil. Located within Itatiaia National Park, the peak offers a rewarding hiking experience with breathtaking 360-degree views. The trail to Pedra do Altar is a 12km circuit, generally considered of moderate difficulty, making it accessible to hikers with some experience. The route passes through the '5 Lagos' (5 lakes) circuit, ascends to the summit of Pedra do Altar, and returns via the base of the Agulhas Negras, offering diverse perspectives of the park's landscape. From the summit, hikers can enjoy views of the Agulhas Negras, Morro do Couto, and Asa de Hermes. While hiking, keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna of Itatiaia National Park. The park is home to over 300 bird species and various mammals, including sloths and capybaras. The park's varied terrain, ranging from smooth paths to rocky ascents, adds to the challenge and reward of the hike.

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