Pedra da Mina Mountain

Address: Pedra da Mina, Serra Fina, Minas Gerais/São Paulo border, Brazil

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.

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.

• 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.