Pedra da Mina
Mountain High Mantiqueira Range peak and prominent summit
A high peak in the Serra da Mantiqueira on the Minas Gerais-São Paulo border, Pedra da Mina attracts hikers for steep trails, mountain views and alpine-like terrain.
Pedra da Mina is a high mountain peak in the Serra da Mantiqueira on the border between Minas Gerais and São Paulo in southeastern Brazil, with a summit at about 2,798 metres. It is recognised as one of the country’s highest peaks.
Hiking routes across steep ridges and rocky terrain lead to the summit; approaches are lengthy and typically use marked mountain trails that require good fitness and mountain navigation. The summit offers wide panoramic views over the surrounding Mantiqueira highlands and alpine-like ridgelines.
The peak is a natural feature of the ancient Mantiqueira orogeny and has been measured and mapped by Brazilian geographic surveys; it has no built structures and was never a constructed site. Over recent decades it has grown in prominence among Brazilian mountaineers and trail runners.
Geographically it sits within the Serra da Mantiqueira massif in southeastern Brazil, straddling the Minas Gerais-São Paulo boundary in a remote, high-altitude zone of forested ridges and grassland plateaus.
- Elevation: Summit reaches 2,798 metres above sea level, making it one of Brazil's highest peaks.
- Access: Located in the Serra da Mantiqueira range on the Minas Gerais-São Paulo border; access requires multi-kilometre mountain trails and often a multi-day trek.
How to Get to Pedra da Mina #
Access typically begins from small towns on the Minas Gerais or São Paulo side of the Serra Fina; trailheads require 4x4 access and local knowledge. Organise transport and guides from the nearest regional centres (e.g., Passa Quatro or Piquete) and allow multiple days for the trek.
Tips for Visiting Pedra da Mina #
- Start very early if hiking - Pedra da Mina sees dramatic sunrise light and temperatures can climb quickly.
- Bring navigation tools; the Serra Fina ridge area can be maze-like and requires route-finding skills.
- Acclimatise - the summit is nearly 2,798 metres (9,180 ft) and weather changes quickly at higher elevations.
Best Time to Visit Pedra da Mina #
Best visited in Brazil's dry months (May-September) for stable trail conditions and clear summits.
Weather & Climate near Pedra da Mina #
Pedra da Mina's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 19°C. Heavy rainfall (2365 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (396 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (339 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (289 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (278 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (377 mm).
