Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the trails from here with a
guide
, and these must be
pre-booked
at least 24 hours in
advance (usually in Portuguese only); check ahead, as trails close after heavy rain (in
the summer).
The two most popular trails are the easy
Trilha da Pedra Azul
(1.9km round-trip)
to the base and viewpoints along the way, and the harder
Trilha das Piscinas Naturais
(2.5km round-trip), which takes you up to a series of nine, crystal-clear freshwater
pools, 97m up the slopes via rope walk (scaling the peak itself is strictly forbidden).
You can swim in the pools, but it's icy cold.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
2
PEDRA AZUL
By bus
Travelling here by bus is a hassle but possible; you
can take frequent Aguia Branca buses (17 daily; 2hr;
W
aguiabranca.com.br) from Vitória to Belo Horizonte and
ask to get off at
Pousada Peterle
(BR-262 Km 88); you'll
have to walk the 2.5km from here. All buses to Belo
Horizonte will pass here, but express services may not want
to stop - check before you get on.
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
★
Casa da Bica
BR-262 Km 69, Alto Santa Maria
T
27
3288 4064,
W
casadabica.com.
Great spot on the main
highway, 20km east of the park, with an exceptional buffet
($31.99/kg) of local and mountain specialities (beef,
sausages, mash, pumpkin, beans, hash) served in a rustic
setting opposite a waterfall and old-fashioned water wheel.
There's also a huge dessert selection.
Daily 6.30am-7pm.
Pousada Aargau
ES-164 Km 7, São Paulo do Aracê
T
27 3248 2175,
W
pousadaaargau.com.br.
On the
continuation of the park access road, ES-164, some 6km
beyond Pedra Azul, this simple, clean and friendly option is
located in some of the most beautiful countryside in the
area. Owned and run by the son of Swiss immigrants, the
pousada
a
lso offe
rs an enormous
café colonial
, available
every day.
R$150
Pousada Peterle
BR-262 Km 88
T
27 3248 1243,
W
pousadapeterle.com.br.
Near the access road for the
park (ES-164), this rustic-looking hotel consists of several
modern chalets, all with superb views and
an It
alian
buffet-style restaurant.
Daily 11am-3.30pm.
R$200
