At the top of Brazil

The Serra do Caparaó is on the border between Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais and where is some of the highest spots in Brazil. Among them, stands out the Bandeira Peak with 2,891 meter-high, the third largest in the country. It is in the city of Dores do Rio Preto and that`s where we begin our tour.

Despite the height, this mountain has hike trails that meet all explorers’ level. On the Minas Gerais side, the access is longer but less steep. On the Espírito Santo side is more difficult but it has better infrastructure for visitors.

One of the busiest tours starts at dawn and reaches the summit at sunrise, which rises behind the mountain. However, to reach the top, even by the easier paths, you need to be in good physical condition. As well appropriate coats due to the cold weather at night.

Cristal Peak is also located in Serra do Caparaó. However, it is entirely in Minas Gerais, almost on the border with Espírito Santo, with its culminating altitude of 2.770-meter.

It can be completed by using the hike trail back of the Bandeira Peak, because the path that leads to the top begins at the final way of the path. Or it can be faced with a full day dedicated to it. It is up to you to decide knowing that the path is relatively easy and well-marked.

So, named due to its abundant formation of quartz, the Crystal Peak is considered by many climbers even more beautiful than the Bandeira Peak. Its vegetation is formed of bromeliads and lilies, which grow on rocky outcrops, and the summit has a beautiful view of the Pico da Bandeira.

We will depart from Serra do Caparaó to Órgãos Peak in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where is our next challenge.

The first challenge is one of the most famous peaks in the country: Dedo de Deus (God's Finger), whose shape resembles a finger pointing to the sky. The peak has 1,692 meters and it is the lowest peak mentioned in this itinerary but perhaps the most important of them. This is the symbol of mountain climbing in Brazil, a title that was received after the achievement of five Brazilians climbers in 1912. A remarkable achievement because it used to have less information about the peak and the equipment used at the time were heavier and less reliable than those of today.

To reach its summit, it must be a skilled climber because the hiking and climbing are extremely steep. Some sections are only overcome with a wire cable help and specific equipment for this purpose. Moreover, the descent is as complicated as the ascent, with stretches of negative rappelling and many steel cables. Nevertheless, the landscape from the bottom is gorgeous and you can even see the Guanabara Bay.

Beating the 2,263 meters of Pedra do Sino in the state of Rio de Janeiro is not an easy task but it can be accomplished by amateurs with good health conditions in about 5 hours hiking.

The 11 km hiking trail varies from difficult paths, mainly in the beginning, to easy ones. There are shelters for the explorers on the way with restrooms and dorm rooms with beds and spaces for mats. It is also better to leave backpacks before facing the last stretch of the climb. From the summit, you can see the whole mountain range and the Dedo de Deus.

Depending on the time you reach the top and as well your strength, you can return on the same day. However, it is best to sleep in one of these shelters and enjoy waking up early in the next day, reaching its summit again and watching the sunrise, making the tour an unforgettable experience of being on the clouds in Brazil.