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Pedra da Mina: Summit of the Mantiqueira Mountains

Hike to the summit of Pedra da Mina, the 4th highest peak in Brazil, for breathtaking panoramic views from the heart of Serra da Mantiqueira.

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Ascend to Pedra da Mina, the fourth highest mountain in Brazil, gracing the border of Minas Gerais and São Paulo. A challenging yet rewarding trek leads to panoramic views from the highest point of the Serra da Mantiqueira range, offering a unique high-altitude experience.

A brief summary to Pedra da Mina

  • Queluz, State of São Paulo, BR

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (May to September) for the best hiking conditions.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike is demanding.
  • Consider hiring a local guide in Passa Quatro for a safer and more informative experience.
  • Start your hike early to allow ample time to reach the summit and descend.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots to navigate the rocky and steep trails comfortably.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving, head towards Queluz, São Paulo. From Queluz, follow the road towards Estrada do Cruzeiro, leading to Parque Nacional de Itatiaia. Continue until you reach the park entrance; there may be an entrance fee of around R$ 25. Inside the park, follow signs for the Pedra da Mina trailhead. Drive carefully as the road can be steep and winding.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from major cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro to Queluz. Upon arriving in Queluz, hire a taxi or use a rideshare service to reach the Parque Nacional de Itatiaia entrance. Confirm with the driver that they are taking you to the Pedra da Mina trailhead. Bus fare is approximately R$ 25, plus additional costs for the taxi or rideshare.

  • Hiking

    From the trailhead in Parque Nacional de Itatiaia, the hike to Pedra da Mina is challenging and steep, requiring a good level of physical fitness. The well-marked trail can take 6-8 hours to reach the summit. Start early and bring enough water, snacks, and a trail map. Hiking in groups is recommended. Consider hiring a guide in Passa Quatro.

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Discover more about Pedra da Mina

Pedra da Mina, reaching an elevation of 2,798 meters (9,180 feet), proudly stands as the fourth highest mountain in Brazil. It is located in the Serra Fina section of the Mantiqueira Mountains, straddling the border between Minas Gerais and São Paulo states. Its summit marks the highest point in the Mantiqueira range and the state of São Paulo, while also being the second highest peak in Minas Gerais. Despite its impressive height and proximity to populated areas, Pedra da Mina remained relatively unknown until the 21st century. This obscurity meant that its exact elevation was uncertain, and its significance unacknowledged until recently. The mountain's newfound recognition led to corrections in official statistics and schoolbooks, establishing it as a popular mountaineering and ecotourism destination. Geologically, Pedra da Mina is composed of nepheline syenite, an easily eroded alkaline rock. This makes it unique as possibly the highest mountain of this rock type in the Americas. The name 'Pedra da Mina' translates to 'Water Spring Rock,' owing to the presence of several small creeks originating near its summit. The first documented ascent occurred in 1955 by a group of German immigrants, who approached the mountain from the less steep northern side. Today, the most common route starts from the hamlet of Paiolinho, near Passa Quatro, involving a strenuous day hike to the summit, an overnight camp, and a return the next day. Other routes include longer treks along the Serra Fina crest or a very challenging climb from the south via the Claro River Trail. Pedra da Mina is within the Mantiqueira Mountains Environmental Protection Area, ensuring its legal protection.

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