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One of the most beautiful trails in Brazil.


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Map Key

16.2

Miles

26.1

KM

Point to Point

7,173' 2,186 m

High

3,096' 944 m

Low

5,176' 1,578 m

Up

5,495' 1,675 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

50%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

Overview

The crossing from Petrópolis-Teresópolis is one of the most famous trails of Brazil. It is located in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park (PARNASO). With many steep climbs and descents, it is considered a difficult hike and is about 28 km. It links the municipalities of Petrópolis and Teresópolis, a mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, and is usually done in three days. The park allows entrance until 10 p.m.

Description

Note that most hikers will break this trail up into a 3-day hike, although experienced runners can tackle it in a single long day.
Park your car or take a bus at the National park entrance in petropolis.

Part 1: Petropolis Gate - Castles of Açu (8 km)
The first section crossing Petrô-Terê is the most demanding, and during the 7 km to the shelter of the Açu, the trail rises approximately 1100 meters. The trail of Morro do Açú follows through a dense forest, and there is a challenging ascent past the fork of the Véu da Noiva Waterfall and following to Pedra do Queijo. The trail gets a bit less steep after hikers arrive at the Ajax - water point. After Ajax, you'll arrive to Isabeloca which is considered the most difficult climb to the Açu Castles. Once Isabeloca is over, and after crossing the Chapadão, one arrives at the Açu Castles, where you can stay at the first shelter of the Petrô-Terê. The view of the Açu Castles is impressive, and it is possible to see all of Rio de Janeiro and the Guanabara Bay beyond the Serra dos Órgãos.

Part 2: Castles of Açu - Pedra do Sino (9 km)
This section features the most beautiful crossing of the Petrô-Terê, with an average altitude of 2,000m along the length of the hike. On leaving the Açu Castles Shelter, hikers will cross a valley to the top of Morro do Marco. After descending this hill, one arrives at the Valley of the Glove, and the trail follows for another stretch of stone, where navigation is complicated, until reaching the Elevator. Note the yellow arrows - Teresópolis direction, and the white ones - direction Petrópolis. Totems also help with navigation.

The Elevator is a ladder made of steel rebar stuck into a steep stone that gives hikers access to the summit of Morro do Dinosaur. At the top of the Morro do Dinosaur, you have the first great view of the Rock of the Garrafão and Pedra do Sino. After descending to Vale das Antas, the trail continues to the summit of Morro da Baleia, where you can see the rock wall of the Bell Rock, Garrafão, and the channel where the Cavalinho is located. When crossing the Cavalinho, you'll come to an iron staircase, and the trail follows the channel until it rounds the Stone of the Bell and reaches a fork that gives access to the peak of the Bell and the Shelter 4. The Stone of the Bell is the high point of the crossing.

Part 3: Pedra do Sino - Headquarters of Teresópolis (11 km)
This is the least demanding portion of the crossing. The trail follows the dam for approximately 9 km to the final crossing point. After passing the gate, the trail stops being on stone and transitions to the asphalt. During the descent, hikers will come across two waterfalls where the highlight is the Veil of the Bride of Teresópolis, a fall that is 16 meters high.

Flora & Fauna

Dense Atlantic Forest.

Contacts

Shared By:

Rafael Porto

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 6 votes

#896

Overall
  5.0 from 6 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Brazil

#896

Overall
51 Views Last Month
3,805 Since Nov 12, 2017
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Photos

Views of the trail (the big bottle stone) - pedra do garrafão
Nov 12, 2017 near Teresóp…, BR
Cavalinho (the horse)
Nov 12, 2017 near Teresóp…, BR
Epic views along this trail.
Nov 13, 2017 near Petrópo…, BR
Açu summit and its shelter
Nov 12, 2017 near Guapimirim, BR
Elevador (elevator)
Nov 12, 2017 near Teresóp…, BR
Veu da Noiva waterfall
Nov 12, 2017 near Teresóp…, BR
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Current Trail Conditions

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