On this 3-day hiking route from Petrópolis to Teresópolis, we’ll cross Serra dos Órgãos National Park and reach Pico do Sino and Castelos do Açu. An ideal day trip for lovers of nature and high mountains.
Activity Details
Day 1: Petrópolis – Castelos do Açu
Are you ready to take on one of the most popular hiking routes in Brazil? Welcome to the Petrô-Tere Crossing, a 3-day hiking experience that runs from Petrópolis to Teresópolis.
At the scheduled time, we’ll meet at the Petrópolis Leonel Brizola bus station. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll leave the luggage with the shared porters and begin our hike. We hope you come prepared, because the first day is quite demanding!
The route will lead us to climb to more than 1100 meters (3609 ft) above sea level along a trail that crosses the Atlantic Forest through Pedra do Queijo in Serra dos Órgãos National Park. Here, we’ll make our first stop to rest and enjoy the fascinating views of the landscape before us. We’ll then continue walking to Ajax, where we’ll take a second break.
With our energy restored, we’ll begin the demanding hike through Isabeloca. This historic ascent will take us to Chapadão and finally to the summit of Castelos do Açu, where the mountain camp awaits us for the first night.
The total hike on this day will last between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the group’s pace. However, the effort will be rewarded with incredible views of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, and the mountains of Serra dos Órgãos from the camp. To end the day, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the guides.
Day 2: Castelos do Açu – Pedra do Sino
After breakfast at the camp at sunrise, we’ll begin the second day’s route toward Pedra do Sino. It’s undoubtedly the most beautiful day of the journey!
We’ll start hiking at an average altitude of 2000 meters (6562 ft) above sea level, enjoying the landscapes with every step. We’ll pass through the valley and Morro do Marco, as well as Morro da Luva. Then we’ll reach the Elevador, which will take us to the highest part of Morro do Dinossauro. From its summit, we’ll admire Pedra do Garrafão and Pedra do Sino, two natural landmarks that will leave you speechless.
We’ll continue hiking through Vale das Antas and Morro da Baleia. The most technical moment of the day will come at Cavalinho, a section that will test your balance. However, the guides will help you cross this part as safely as possible. We’ll also have safety equipment for the most technical sections.
After conquering this peak, we’ll continue along the trail that leads to Refuge 4 at Pedra do Sino. After a total of between 8 and 12 hours of hiking, we’ll finish the day admiring the region’s mountains and enjoying dinner at the camp.
Day 3: Pedra do Sino – Teresópolis
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy the sunrise views from Pedra do Sino. Once ready, we’ll begin the final day of hiking as we descend toward the Teresópolis reservoir.
During the descent, you’ll see beautiful waterfalls, such as the 16-meter (52 ft) Veil of the Bride waterfall. This section will be one of the most enjoyable parts of the day, offering more relaxed moments to finish this demanding route on a high note.
After between 5 and 7 hours of hiking, we’ll reach Teresópolis in the late afternoon, specifically the entrance of Serra dos Órgãos National Park, where we’ll conclude this 3-day experience.
Accommodation Info
This tour includes 2 nights of accommodation at mountain camps. Please note that tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats are not included.
