Serra da Mantiqueira

Best things to do in Serra da Mantiqueira

Serra da Mantiqueira Environmental Protection Area: The Absolute Essentials

The Serra da Mantiqueira Environmental Protection Area preserves a significant portion of the Atlantic Forest across São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. This selection highlights high-altitude landmarks like Pico do Itapeva, which reaches 2,030 meters, and Pico dos Três Estados, where three state borders meet. The region features diverse botanical collections at Amantikir Park, panoramic viewpoints over the Paraíba Valley, and an extensive network of waterfalls and natural pools including the Alcantilado circuit.

Serra da Mantiqueira Environmental Protection Area: The Absolute Essentials — Map

ALEXANDRE VALERIO MUSSIO / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Amantikir Park

This complex of gardens is so popular among tourists and locals for its many features including a labyrinth, a house on a tree and many…

Jaime Vieira / CC-BY-SA

B

Vista Chinesa

Located near the entrance of Campos do Jordão, this viewpoint offers a panoramic vista of the Lajeado Valley and the mountain ranges defining the border between São Paulo and Minas Gerais.

Joao Xavier / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Morro do Elefante

Standing at 1,800 meters, this peak provides a view of the Capivari district. It is accessible via a chairlift system from the city center or by paved road.

D

Pico do Itapeva

At an elevation of 2,030 meters, this peak offers views of 15 cities in the Paraíba Valley. The summit is home to a high-altitude garden and various communication towers.

Fernando Curcio / CC-BY-SA

E

Ducha de Prata

A series of man-made waterfalls and wooden walkways designed for observing the Perdizes stream. The site includes a complex of local craft shops and traditional snack stalls.

Alexhubner / Public domain

F

Mantiqueira Mountains

The Mantiqueira Mountains are a mountain range in Southeastern Brazil, with parts in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de…

TMbux / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Pico dos Três Estados

Pico dos Três Estados is a mountain peak at which the three Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo all meet,…

Joel De Oliveira Arruda / CC-BY-SA

H

Cachoeira do Alcantilado

The final and largest waterfall in a private ecological park near Visconde de Mauá, featuring a 50-meter drop and a steep trail through the Atlantic Forest.

I

Cachoeira do Diamante

A secluded waterfall located in the rural outskirts of Campos do Jordão, characterized by its rocky terrain and natural pool.

J

Poço das Raízes

A natural swimming hole located along the Alcantilado trail, named for the prominent tree roots that frame the clear water pool.

K

Cachoeira da Toca do Penhasco

One of the intermediate stops on the Alcantilado circuit, this waterfall features a small rocky cave and a shallow area for wading.

L

Cachoeira do Açude

A cascade within the Alcantilado sanctuary where the water gathers in a wide natural basin resembling a reservoir.

M

Cachoeirinha

A small, gentle cascade located at the beginning of the Alcantilado waterfall trail, featuring a shallow natural pool.

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