Travel Guide Parque Nacional Do Itatiaia

Itatiaia is a small town located 180 km and 2h30 drive from Rio. The natural park of Itatiaia (the oldest in Brazil) starts 10 km further. It is surrounded by the Mantiqueira chain. You will discover a strange alternation of alpine landscapes and tropical vegetation in its lower part, and much steeper formations in its upper part, which lead to the famous Agulhas Negras peak (Black Needles), one of the highest peaks in the country, with an altitude of almost 2800 meters, as well as attractions such as the Maciço das Prateleiras, the Vale do Aiuruoca, the Pedra do Altar and the Último Adeus viewpoint, all accessible from the Fluminense side of the park. It is a succession of magnificent panoramas and waterfalls, which can be contemplated along a vast network of well-marked paths. Take good walking shoes because you will do a lot of hiking during the day.The vegetation and fauna here are very rich. A phenomenon unique enough in Brazil to be noted, during the rigorous winter of 1985, the park recorded temperatures going down to -15°C, and snow covered the summits! The following year, the miracle happened again; since then, we're still waiting... so watch for the first flakes if you visit Itatiaia in winter! With the global warming, paradoxically, the phenomena of polar air descents multiply, as in 2021. You will have understood it, this park is part of the natural wonders of the Brazilian South-East.