Petrópolis Teresópolis Trekking Expedition – 03 days – Serra dos Órgãos – Rio de Janeiro

The Petropolis Teresopolis Crossing is located within the Serra dos Órgãos National Park in Brazil, amidst the exuberance of the Atlantic Forest and between the mountain towns of Petropolis, Guapimirim and Teresopolis.

Considered by many as the most beautiful trekking or long-distance hike in Brazil, the Petropolis Teresopolis crossing presents several breathtaking viewpoints and visuals. With many steep climbs and descents is considered a difficult trekking and has about 32 km linking the municipality of Petropolis to Teresopolis.

The Petropolis Teresopolis crossing usually takes place in three days, being the route divided into Petropolis park entrance x Açu castles, Açu castles x Pedra do Sino and Pedra do Sino x Teresopolis park entrance.

Our Expedition starts and finishes in the city of Rio de Janeiro at your hosting and has private transfer in and out to the trekking for your comfort and safety.

Check out the complete itinerary, watch the video and adventure with us at the Petropolis x Teresopolis crossing!

Highlights

Petrópolis x Teresópolis Trekking – Highlights

Backpacking to the most Beautifull trekking of Brazil’;
Get to know Teresópolis the Brazilian mountaineering capital;
Get to know the Dedo de Deus (The Finger of Good Peak);
Hike and camp in the Serra dos Órgãos Moutains Range;
Get to know Rio de Janeiro well beyond the urban center;

Itinerary

What’s the itinerary of Petropolis Teresopolis Crossing?

1st Day: Petropolis park entrance x Castelos do Açú Peak
- The first day of Petropolis Teresopolis crossing is the most demanding. During the 8 km up to Castelos do Açu shelter we gain approximately 1100 meters of altitude. The trail of Açu mountain goes through a dense forest and with a strong ascent to Pedra do Queijo viewpoint. Then the trail gets a little less steep until arriving at Ajax viewpoint, which has natural water supply. After Ajax, we need to face the point considered the most difficult of the ascent to the Açu castles: the Isabeloca mountain. This ascent is named after an alleged passage of Princess Isabel on the spot. Once Isabeloca is over, we’ll cross the Chapadão do Açu, a counterfort, before arriving at the Açu castles. This is the first place to stay overnight and where the first mountain shelter of the Petropolis Teresopolis Crossing is located. The view of the Açu castles closes the first day with a golden key. From there it is possible to see all of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay in addition to the entire mountain range of Serra dos Órgãos.
- Hiking distance: 08km
- Hiking time: 6 to 8h
- Overnight mode: Mountain Shelter/camping at Açú Castles Peak
- Meals included: Dinner

2nd Day: Castelos do Açu Peak x Pedra do Sino Peak x Shelter 4
- The second day is undoubtedly the most beautiful of Petropolis Teresopolis crossing. The entire course goes on an average altitude of 2,000m. After leaving the Açu castles, we’ll cross a valley and then climb to the top of Morro do Marco. After descending this hill, we arrive in Luva valley and then ascend to the summit of Morro da Luva. The trail follows another section of rock summits, where navigation is complicated until reaching the section called The Elevator. The Elevator is a ladder made of steel rebar stuck to a steep stone that gives access to the summit of Morro do Dinossauro. Once at the top of Morro do Dinossauro, we find the first great view of the Pedra do Garrafão and Pedra do Sino stones. From there we start the descent to Vale das Antas and the trail continues to the summit of Morro da Baleia, where you can see the rock wall of Pedra do Sino, Garrafão and the trail channel where The Cavalinho is located. The Cavalinho (The small horse) has this name because it is a stone that to cross is necessary to make a movement similar to riding a horse. After overcoming Cavalinho, the trail follows the channel until it skirts Pedra do Sino and reach a bifurcation that gives access to the peak of Pedra do Sino and to the Shelter 4. The Pedra do Sino is the highest point of the crossing. At its summit there is an incredible 360º view, being possible to see several mountain ranges of the region, Rio de Janeiro city and even the Agulhas Negras peak and Serra Fina mountain range, in the clearest days.
- Hiking distance: 10 km
- Hiking time: 8 to 10h
- Overnight mode: Mountain Shelter/camping at Pedra do Sino Peak
- Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner
3rd Day: Pedra do Sino x Sede Teresopolis
- The third day is the least demanding of the crossing. The trail follows for approximately 10 km to the Teresopolis park dam, the final crossing point. During the descent we hike through two waterfalls where the highlight is the Veu de Noiva (Veil of the Bride) of Teresópolis with 16 meters of height that at certain times of the year is dry.
- Hiking distance: 12 km
- Hiking time: 4 to 6h
- Overnight mode: –
- Meals included: Breakfast

The current overnight options are (depend on the National Park availability):

Camping (in 2-persons shared tents)
Bivaque (collective room without beds inside the mountain shelters)
Bunk Bed (inside the mountain shelters)

Inclusions and Exclusions

What’s included in Petropolis Teresopolis Crossing?

Included:

Specialists Liders in long-distance trekking;
Pick up at your hotel or bus terminal (Petropolis)
Drop off at your hotel or bus terminal (Petropolis or Teresópolis)
Guided Petrópolis x Teresópolis Crossing in 03 days;
Serra dos Órgãos National Park taxes;
Tickets and overnight rates for all days of trekking;
Double Camping Tents ;
Food advising (for snacks during the trekking) before leaving;
Remote monitoring of the Expedition;
Safety equipment for technical paths (rope, baldriers, etc.);
First-aid kit ;
Nattrip Expeditions Gift ;
Personal accident insurance;
Satellite tracking of the expedition via SpotGen3;
Collective Equipment Porters (food, tents, first-aind ect);
02 Breakfast on the mountain (2 and 3 day);
02 Dinner on the mountain (1 and 2 day).

Equipment rent is avaliable if you need.

Not included:

Drinks
Gratuities (optional)
Personal use medice;
Any item not described as included.

Equipment Checklist

What to bring to Petropolis Teresopolis Crossing?

Mandatory documents:

Identity document (Passaport)
International Vaccination Certificate – Yellow Fever

Mandatory gear:

Trekking Backpack – at least 60 Liters (3661 cu)
Sleeping Bag – for 0ºc Confort
Sleeping Pad-
Hiking poles (01 or 02)
Headlamp and batteries
Water compartment – Bottle/Camelbak/Hydrapak (2L minimal)
Hiking shoes or boots
Dry-fit shirts
Anorak and Fleece
Waste compartment
Backpack rain cover
Toilet paper
Cellphone
Snacks for the day

Equipment rent is avaliable if you need.

Optional personal gear:

Logistics

Where do we meet to go to The Three Peaks Park Trekking?

Departure point and times:

06:30 – your hosting at Rio de Janeiro city.

Total Duration: 03 days finishing around 18:00 at your hosting in Rio de Janeiro.

Expedition Pick-up point:

Where does the trekking take place?

FAQ

FAQ Petrópolis Teresópolis Trekking Expedition

Is it safe?

Nattrip operates this tour regularly and never had any issues regarding safety. Regarding inherent risks involved, please be aware to read “Exposure” iconograph before booking this product. Incidents such as falls, twists and scratches happen very often. It is mandatory to follow the instructions of the Leaders and to use safety equipment when requested.

Will my cell phone work? Wi-fi spots?

At Travessia Petrópolis x Teresópolis expedition it will have cell phone signal only at some points in the path, so the cell phone can be disconnected most of the time. In the places where there is signal, the Guides will advise the group.

How does the food works? What do we eat?

During trekking we will have included one main meal per day, usually pasta with proteins. If you’re vegetarian, vegan or has any restrictions please advise our staff before departure. While exercising we don’t recommend meals, only snacks. Breakfast is not included. Therefore, we kindly ask you to bring your breakfast and snacks, both can be combined together. We highly recommend nut mixes.

How do we get water?

The water is 100% natural water and contains living microorganisms. If you’re not used to this type of ingestion, we recommend the use of water purification.

Are there bathroom facilities?

Yes. The mountain shelters provide bathroom facilities designed for minimum environmental impact. Please bring garbage bag and toilet paper with you for any emergency use.

How’s the group? Who will I be travelling with?

Our expeditions consists of small groups. In case of large number of people, we will divide into small groups that will hike with minimum interval. Other people might join the same group. If you want to go on a private group, contact us before booking.

What kind of gear do I need? What are the luggage restrictions? Packing tips?

A comfortable backpacking pack (60L minimum) is mandatory. Camping gear will be provided. Rentals are available in case you need, please let us know prior to departure. Assistance before departure is available, contact us.

What are the vaccines needed? What about the Zyka Virus?

Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory. Aedes Aegypti is an urban mosquito, it does not proliferate in wild natural environments. No diseases transmitted by this mosquito will be found in the natural places visited (dengue, zyka, etc)

Do I have to bring cash?

We always recommend to bring cash with you. In Teresópolis there is possibility to buy local handcraft and souvenirs. Drinks and tips are not included also.

Where do we sleep?

While trekking the overnights will be either in mountain shelters or the camping sites nearby. It will depend entirely on the park’s availability. In Teresópolis the overnight will be in a medium class hotel.

Any wildlife risks?

The highest risk are venomous animals. They usually get away from humans, but there is the possibility to find snakes or spiders along the way.

What’s the physical effort involved?

The trekking in Serra dos Órgãos National Park is extreme because of obstacles, distance and altitude variation. In Três Picos State Park there is less physical effort involved.

What ages is it suitable?

Each person knows their limits. We don’t limit anybody, but we don’t recommend to youngers less than 12 years old.

If the weather forecast is unfavorable, is the expedition canceled / deferred?

Nattrip constantly monitors the weather forecast for the specific microclimate of Serra dos Órgãos, including during the expedition. If Nattrip agency and / or Activity Guides understand that the physical integrity risks inherent to natural activity are being exceeded, the event may be postponed or cancelled.

Can I rent equipment needed for the crossing with Nattrip?

Yes, the Nattrip Expeditions has the disposition to rent the necessary equipment for the crossing Petrópolis Teresópolis, just to get in touch. As well as guidelines of good options to purchase them.