Três Picos State Park

General information

The Três Picos State Park, or Three Peaks State Park (in Portuguese: Parque Estadual dos Três Picos) is the largest state park in Rio de Janeiro. Located in one of the most significant fragments of the Atlantic Forest, in the center of the state, it boasts invaluable scenic beauty, with a large number of springs and rivers, several waterfalls, slopes, and mountain peaks, a great biodiversity of flora and fauna, and diverse geological formations. The area, spanning over 65 thousand hectares, extends across parts of the municipalities of Teresópolis, Guapimirim, Nova Friburgo, Cachoeiras de Macacu, and Silva Jardim.

Its proximity to the state capital and its location in the heart of a region with a strong tourism tradition place it in a strategic position. The varied topography and the remarkable exuberance of the Atlantic Forest, preserved in much of its territory, demand the pursuit of development alternatives that incorporate the preservation of its natural resources as a basic principle. For residents, visitors, and tourists, there are numerous leisure alternatives, work opportunities, and opportunities to learn about environmental preservation behavior and culture.

When to visit

The Três Picos State Park is open to public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8AM to 5PM, it does not open on Monday.

Ticket and price

There is no entrance fee into the Três Picos State Park, it is for free.

How to get there

Well, there are five entrance gate into the park, spread in five headquarters that are located in different cities, please use Google Map and find the below addresses to arrange best route for you to get to the park.

Jequitibá headquarter in Cachoeiras de Macacu city

Address: Estrada do Jequitibá, nº 145 – Bairro Boca do Mato – Cachoeiras de Macacu – RJ

Sub-headquarter Paraíso in Guapimirim city

Address: Estrada do Paraíso – Jardim Paraiso, 6734, Guapimirim – RJ, 25940-000

Três Picos (Salinas) headquarter in city of Nova Friburgo

Sub-headquarter Vale da Revolta in city of Teresópolis

Address: Estrada BR-116 km 85,5 – Teresópolis – RJ

Jaracandá Station in city of Teresópolis

Attractions

There are many attractions in the Três Picos State Park, they are also spread in different sections of the park.

I list the attractions by their locations on the map, depending which entrance gate you are visiting from, prioritise the nearest attractions first.

Here below I translated some portuguese names into english names for your reference. Also, check their locations!

Portuguese Name	English Name	Visit from
Centro de Visitantes	Visitor Center	Núcleo Jequitibá
Jequitibá-rosa milenar	Millennial Pink Jequitibá	Núcleo Jequitibá
Ruínas do antigo Leito Ferroviário	Ruins of the Old Railway Bed	Núcleo Jequitibá
Pico da Caledônia	Caledônia Peak	Núcleo Jequitibá
Gruta dos Cristais	Crystal Cave	Núcleo Jequitibá
Cachoeira Furna da Onça	Jaguar cave Waterfall	Núcleo Jequitibá
Mirante do Capacete	Capacete Lookout (Rodolfo Chermond)	Tres Pico headquarter
Caixa de Fósforos	Matchbox Rock	Tres Pico headquarter
Pico Menor	Minor Peak	Tres Pico headquarter
Cabeça do Dragão	Dragon’s Head	Tres Pico headquarter
Pico Maior	Highest Peak	Tres Pico headquarter
Pedra do Sofá	Sofa Rock	Tres Pico headquarter
Vale dos Deuses	Valley of the Gods	Tres Pico headquarter
Mulher de Pedra	Stone Woman	Tres Pico headquarter
Morro do Gato	Cat Hill	Tres Pico headquarter
Dois bicos	Two peaks rock	Tres Pico headquarter
Torres de Bonsucesso	Bonsucesso Towers	Tres Pico headquarter
Morro dos cabritos	Goat hill	Tres Pico headquarter
Bosque da Preguiça	Laziness Bush	Jaracandá
Jacarandá x Prata dos Aredes	Jacarandá x Prata dos Aredes	Jaracandá
Pico Dominguinhos	Dominguinhos peak	Jaracandá
Pedra do Elefante	Elephant rock	Jaracandá

Attractions near Núcleo Jequitibá headquarters

Visitor Center

Located at the headquarters, it features a permanent exhibition about the park. The staff and park rangers also welcome groups, by appointment, for visits and special activities.

How to get there:

Jequitibá Road, No. 145, near km 49 of RJ-116 – Boca do Mato neighborhood – Cachoeiras de Macacu

Jequitibá-rosa milenar

Popularly known as the “forest giant,” estimated to be over a thousand years old and about 40 meters tall, it is located near the headquarters. The interpretive trail to reach it is short and with few obstacles, covering about 400 meters, making it suitable for visits by groups with little experience. There are informative signs about nature’s cycles. It is highly sought after by school groups and nature lovers in general.

How to get there:

Jequitibá Road, No. 145, near km 49 of RJ-116 – Boca do Mato neighborhood – Cachoeiras de Macacu

Ruins of the Old Railway Bed

The 8.4 km trail passes through the historic path where the train used to pass between Nova Friburgo and Cachoeiras de Macacu. The ruins are located on the edges of the Old Railway Bed trail, adding to the attractions of this trail.

Caledônia Peak

With an altitude of 2,257 meters, it is one of the highest points of the Serra do Mar. Access is via a steep road, suitable for cars with traction, or by hiking. The last stretch is a staircase of over 600 steps that unveil a beautiful 360-degree view.

Crystal Cave

The small trail leading to the cave passes through a small stream and large trees. It’s possible to continue walking for a few more minutes to reach the millennial jequitibá tree. This trail is in the immediate surroundings of the headquarters in Cachoeiras de Macacu.

Furna da Onça Waterfall

Formed by large rock blocks and a small waterfall, which flow into a shallow and transparent natural pool. Locals say that a jaguar (in portuguese: Onça) used to hide in this area, that how the name of waterfall comes. The access trail is the same as the Seven Falls Waterfall.

Attractions near Tres Pico headquarter

If you enter the park from Nova Friburgo city, then, those below attractions are nearest and your priority to visit:

Capacete Lookout (Rodolfo Chermond)

It can be reached by a trail also known as Rodolfo Chermond, a legendary mountaineer from Rio de Janeiro. Starting at the entrance to Vale dos Deuses, it is possible to reach the base of the Salinas Helmet Mountain, at 2,197 meters, located next to the Major Peak. At the end of the hike, there is a stone lookout, at an altitude of 1,900 meters at the base of the mountain, from where it is possible to see the entire Vale dos Três Picos, as well as the Caledônia Range in the background.

Caixa de Fósforos Rock

One of the most visited attractions in the park, the trail to Caixa de Fósforos Rock requires a long hike, about two hours, through flatter sections inside Vale dos Deuses, and steeper sections that require more preparation to reach the base of the rock. There, it is possible to closely observe the unique rock formation, as well as the Vale dos Frades, from a unique angle. This rock formation bears the curious name Matchbox, and also Stone of Miracles, as it is supported on a small base.

Pico Menor

The only mountain in the Three Peaks rock formation that can be reached on foot, the Minor Peak is to be enjoyed by well-prepared visitors. The trail, considered difficult, is characterized by steep sections and a large elevation gain. It is also very important to consider the weather conditions, given the characteristics of the place. However, the effort to reach the 2,310 m summit is rewarded with a fantastic 360° view of the entire region, including the Guanabara Bay and the sea, on clearer days.

How to get there:

Access is in Vale do Toledo, towards the Three Peaks Core, at a location known as Casa do Português.

Cabeça do Dragão peak

The Dragon’s Head mountain, at 2,082 m, is one of the most visited attractions of the Three Peaks Core. From its top, you have one of the most beautiful views of the entire region. It can be said that it is divided into two parts, which makes it even more attractive.

First, there is a beautiful forest of high montane ombrophilous type, typical of the Atlantic Forest. The final stretch is made on a stone ridge, which requires more attention due to greater exposure to risk. From its top, you can wonderfully see the Major Peak, the Helmet, and the Matchbox, as well as the Caledônia massif and the Jaborandi and Frades valleys.

Pico Maior

The Pico Maior is part of the group of three peaks that gives its name to the park. This is the highest peak of the Serra do Mar, standing at 2,366 meters above sea level, and its summit can only be accessed by climbing.

Pedra do Sofá

The Pedra do Sofá is a ‘must-visit’ spot for photographs of the rock formation of the Three Peaks and Capacete due to its proximity and perfect angle with these mountains. It is located on the trail to the Vale dos Deuses.

Vale dos Deuses

Located in the upper part of the park between Nova Friburgo and Teresópolis, it is the starting point for several trails and attractions in the region. It houses the Três Picos nucleus and the park’s camping area.

Mulher de Pedra

The Mulher de Pedra, located in Teresópolis, is formed by a set of rocks that, from certain angles, resembles a reclining woman. The most sought-after trail to this attraction is the Seio da Mulher de Pedra, which is long and challenging.

Morro do Gato

Known by its name due to the mountain’s shape resembling a cat, the Morro do Gato is located near the trail leading to the Vale dos Deuses. However, it is not possible to reach its summit by walking.

Dois Bicos

The rock formations are imposing mountains in the Frades Valley, in the municipality of Teresópolis. Their names are due to their pointed shape, resembling peaks.

Torres de Bonsucesso

Located in the district of Bonsucesso, in the municipality of Teresópolis, the rock formation is not close to the PETP nuclei. However, its ‘negative’ formation, challenging trail, and beautiful landscape are an invitation to adventure.

Morro dos Cabritos

The Morro dos Cabritos is located in the Frades Valley, a set of mountains that connects to the Vale dos Deuses through a crossing. The Morro dos Cabritos is located in the municipality of Teresópolis and is surrounded by other mountains and waterfalls.

Attractions near Jacarandá/Vale da Revolta headquarters

If you are visiting the park from city of Teresópolis, entering from Jacaranda or Vale da Resolva gates, so you should visit the below attractions first.

Pico Dominguinhos

The Pico Dominguinhos is the highest point in the Jacarandá region. From its summit, you can see the city of Teresópolis and the Três Picos, a rock formation that gives its name to the park.

Pedra do Elefante

With a privileged location, the trail leading to the 1,180 meters high peak offers stunning scenic beauty and beautiful viewpoints along its route. During the trail and from its summit, there is a beautiful view of the city and the Serra dos Órgãos.

Bosque da Preguiça

Designed to accommodate student groups and families, the Bosque da Preguiça Trail is short, with picnic and rest areas for visitors. Close contact with flora and water resources facilitates environmental interpretation. Its simple route allows walks along the banks of a watercourse through a unique wooden walkway, allowing social interaction, gatherings, with mandatory stops for photos next to waterfalls.

How to get there:

Access is through the gatehouse, in the Jacarandá core.

Jacarandá x Prata dos Aredes

The name refers to the neighborhoods at the beginning and end of the crossing. The route is extensive, totaling 4.5 km, surrounded by preserved nature. Moderately difficult, it is also widely used for cycling, with ideal sections for bird watching. The locality of Prata dos Aredes is a rural area of Teresópolis, known for organic production, which can be included in the visit itinerary, at the end of the crossing.

How to get there:

Access can be made through the gatehouse of the Jacarandá core or through the locality of Prata dos Aredes, a rural area near RJ-130.

Trails

Trails are indispensable part for adventure and experience of a park. Find out the must-hike trails in Três Picos State Park below:

Portuguese Name	English Name
Trilha Mirante da Sede	Headquarters Lookout Trail
Trilha da Cachoeira Sete Quedas	Seven Falls Waterfall Trail
Trilha Pedra do Elefante	Elephant Rock Trail
Trilha Dominguinhos	Dominguinhos Trail

Headquarters lookout Trail

The trail is circular and takes the visitor to the lookout point that unveils the mountain range of the municipality, with a breathtaking landscape. There are two access options to choose from. One can embark on the longer trail, approximately 700 meters in length, with a steep ascent and a long downhill stretch to the final point. The second option, of shorter length, follows the road to the headquarters, where the trail is flat and short. In just five minutes, it’s possible to see the entire mountain range, with highlights including the Caledônia Peak, one of the highest points of the Serra do Mar, at 2,257 meters.

• Distance: 700 m
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Seven Falls Waterfall Trail

The grandeur of the waterfall makes it one of the main attractions of the park and the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu. The trail to get there is easy to navigate with few obstacles, but allows visitors to venture across small streams and observe the waterfalls along the way. The trail also provides access to the Onça Cave, large rock formations creating a beautiful scenery, near the “pool where the jaguar used to hide,” as told by the region’s oldest residents.

• Distance: 1.07 km
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Elephant Rock Trail

Well-known among the city’s residents, the trail has been attracting visitors, becoming an important attraction for the municipality. Its privileged location, near the Soberbo Lookout, easy access, incredible viewpoints, and the scenic beauty of the trail and its surroundings are its attributes. In total, just under 700 meters, but with an initial section of steep incline, which is rewarded with a privileged view of part of the city and the Serra dos Órgãos. There’s a section of unique “Rope Climb.” Visited by various age groups, it’s an excellent option for nature integration.

• Distance: 680 m
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Dominguinhos Trail

Belonging to the 1st section of the Paths of the Serra do Mar, the trail has an incline that ends at the Dominguinhos peak, the highest point in the Jacarandá region. From its summit, it’s possible to see the city of Teresópolis and the Three Peaks. The walk, ranging from light to moderate sections, provides an extra challenge to the visitor, and its end offers a breathtaking view.

• Distance: 870 m
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Facts about Três Picos State Park

History

The name of the park is linked to the history of explorers in the region of the Três Picos (three peaks), visited by mountaineers since the 1920s. This important set of mountains formed by the Minor, Medium, and Major Peaks, with the latter approximately 2,366 meters high, the highest point of the entire Serra do Mar (Mar mountain range), is located between the municipalities of Nova Friburgo and Teresópolis. The place became renowned for concentrating the largest number of long routes in the country since the 1990s, attracting climbers from various countries, and today emphasizes its vocation for responsible ecotourism.

The park headquarters are located in the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu, whose city has colonization records dating back to the late 16th century. It has a rich history, which can still be observed in different locations. In the city center, for example, the Municipal Forum building. In the district of Japuíba, in the mansion, in the bandstand symbolizing the square, and in the historic Church of Sant’Anna.

In the beautiful mountains of the municipality, in the Boca do Mato neighborhood, memories of the time when the train crossed the mountains are visible in the old buildings, in what is now known as the “Railway Bed” trail. The trail passes through constructions of the old railway, whose name was “The Leopoldina Railway Co”. Another important historical record of the municipality is the ruins of the Church of São José da Boa Morte, from 1834. The ruins have been protected by the State Institute of Cultural Heritage, INEPAC, since 1989.

Flora

The park has vegetation cover from the Atlantic Forest biome throughout its extension. The forest disposition presents montane dense ombrophilous forest, submontane dense ombrophilous forest, high montane forest, and also altitude fields, due to its wide range of altitudes, from 100 m on certain slopes to the 2,366 m of the Major Peak. However, in the surrounding areas, it is possible to observe changes introduced by human activity, such as vegetation for grazing animals, reforestation of exotic species, and agriculture.

With rich diversity, it harbors rare species such as the Gaylussacia pruinosa orchid and species from the Melastomataceae family, in addition to the millennium-old pink jequitibá (Cariniana-legalis), over 40 m tall, one of the symbols of the unit.

Fauna

The wide variety of habitats supports an enormous diversity of fauna, including mammals, birds, arthropods, amphibians, and reptiles. Research indicates approximately 100 different species of mammals, 22 of reptiles and amphibians, and 133 species of arthropods, and over 370 species of birds.

With peculiar fauna characteristics, Três Picos State Park stands out as an important refuge for wildlife, playing a significant role in this regard. Among the relevant species are: the cougar or puma (Puma concolor), oncilla (Leopardus wiedii), Brazilian squirrel (Guerlinguetus ingrami), agouti (Dasyprocta agouti), Brazilian porcupine (Sphiggurus insidiosus), nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), among others.

Climate

The park has rugged relief characteristics, with direct influences from the Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It is classified as a tropical region, providing a humid to superhumid, mesothermal climate. It presents high temperatures with rain in the summer and a dry season in winter, which can reach close to 0°C in the higher regions.

The period of heaviest precipitation occurs in the months of November, December, January, February, and March. This intense precipitation phenomenon is due to the South Atlantic Convergence Zone, which causes cold fronts to stall in the region for several days. The rainfall in Três Picos State Park is considered one of the highest in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

At the same time, winter months tend to be harsh, with dry characteristics. Frost is common on colder nights in the higher regions.

Hydrology

The park plays an important role in supplying water to the surrounding cities, living up to its reputation as the “water tank” of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Parts of its territory are in five hydrographic basins: the Macaé River Basin, the Guanabara Bay Basin, the São João River Basin, the Macacu River Basin, and basins of tributaries of the Paraíba do Sul River, reinforcing the importance of its preservation for these water sources, not only regarding water supply but also for leisure and recreation, ecological balance, and other activities.

Geology

The park region is characterized by being of significant geological interest. Predominantly consisting of granitic and gneissic rocks, four main geomorphological domains are found in its fields, which are observed in the relief of the Serra do Mar in the state of Rio de Janeiro: southern scarp (Atlantic), plateau and the northern slope of the Serra dos Órgãos, plateau of the Serra de Macaé de Cima, hilly lowlands.

All these domains configure the important geological characteristic, from the lower areas, in the municipalities at the “foot of the mountain,” such as Guapimirim, Silva Jardim, and Cachoeiras de Macacu, to the important rocks at high altitudes, such as the Caledônia, the Três Picos, and the Torres de Bonsucesso, in Nova Friburgo and Teresópolis, respectively, characterizing the unique relief found in this conservation unit.

Contact

Headquarters address: Jequitibá Road, 145, Boca do Mato, near Km 49 of RJ-116, Cachoeiras de Macacu – RJ.

Phone: (24) 3387-2318, (21) 2649-6847