Parque Estadual Cantareira - Nucleo Pedra Grande

Welcome to the Nucleo Pedra Grande, the most iconic and frequently visited sector of the Cantareira State Park. We are embarking on a journey to the 'Great Rock,' a geological landmark that stands at an altitude of approximately…

Our journey begins at the entrance that connects the Horto Florestal to the Pedra Grande nucleus. Historically, the Horto was the main gateway, but today, modern administration has created a more streamlined access point. …

As we continue the climb, we pass the entrance to the 'Trilha do Bugio.' This path is named after the Alouatta, or Howler Monkey, a flagship species of the Cantareira. The 'bugio' is famous for its powerful vocalizations, which…

Another significant branch from the main road is the 'Trilha da Suçuarana,' named after the Puma concolor, or the mountain lion. As the sources point out, the fact that pumas still inhabit the Cantareira is a biological miracle. …

We have reached the two-kilometer mark of our ascent. At this point, the gradient often increases, and many hikers begin to feel the exertion. …

We have arrived at the summit, the 'Pedra Grande' itself. This is a massive granite outcrop, a geological formation that has been exposed through millions of years of erosion. …

From the summit of Pedra Grande, a side trail leads toward the 'Lago das Carpas.' As the sources describe, this path is not paved like the main road; it is 'calçado com pedras'—paved with rough stones and gravel, making for a…

Our visit to the Nucleo Pedra Grande is coming to an end. We have climbed from the urban edge to the high granite peaks, explored the trails of the monkeys and pumas, and stood atop the great rock to witness the meeting of two…