Trilha da Branca de Neve

Route

The trail starts inside the Fazenda Itatyba, which does not restrict access for mountaineers as long as they leave their vehicles outside and respect the property and its residents. Right after going through the gate, the path goes to the right. After crossing a long pasture, there is a passage between eucalyptus trees, and the trail itself begins after a water source – take the chance to fill your canteens. From this point on, the trail goes through pasture until it enters dense forest. Steep, with one section to be climbed using a short rope fixed in place. From the middle of the trail onward, the effort is rewarded with views of the region's mountains. After crossing the rock slab sections, which can become quite dangerous on rainy days, all the grandeur of the granite and the formations of the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos reveal themselves on a giant scale. The vegetation starts to become low-growing – typical high-altitude vegetation – alternating between vegetation and rock slab. Pay close attention on the slab part of the trail, as there are no trail markers or directions. Always head upward and look for the most worn parts of the rock. Ideally, bring a GPS or climb with a guide. From this point some mountains can already be seen: Caixa de Fósforos, Cabeça do Dragão, Pico Maior dos Frades, Sanhaço, Três Municípios, Palmital, Quarteto, 21 de Abril… Reaching the summit, at 2,020 meters of altitude, other mountains in the valley can be seen, including the Seio da Mulher de Pedra, Morro do Carmo, Dois Bicos… You return the same way you came. At the end of the trail, you can take a refreshing dip in a waterfall – the Cachoeira do Frade.