Pico da Bandeira

Mountain One of Brazil's highest peaks, popular with hikers

On the border of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, Pico da Bandeira reaches near 2,900 metres and is Brazil’s third-highest peak. Hikers come for sunrise climbs, mountain lodges and high-altitude grassland.

Main image

Pico da Bandeira is a mountain on the border between the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, rising to 2,891 metres and ranking as the third-highest peak in Brazil.

The summit offers wide panoramic views over the Caparaó range and is reached by marked hiking trails; many visitors plan an overnight approach to arrive at the summit for sunrise. Trail infrastructure and park rangers operate within the surrounding Caparaó National Park, which protects the mountain’s high-elevation ecosystems.

The peak sits within Caparaó National Park and has long been a focal point for mountaineering and rural tourism in the region, with established paths and small shelters to support ascents.

Geographically the mountain lies on the inter-state border near the small towns that serve as common base points for climbs, including Alto Caparaó on the Minas Gerais side.

  • Elevation and ranking: At 2,891 metres above sea level it is the third-highest peak in Brazil and a popular target for hikers seeking sunrise views from the summit.
  • Access and routes: Trailheads and mountain huts on both the Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais sides provide main access routes; guides are commonly used for overnight ascents.

What to See #

  • Summit plateau: The rocky summit area forms a broad plateau with marked trails to viewpoints and a highpoint cairn reached by a day hike from nearby mountain shelters.
  • Caparaó National Park access: Located within Caparaó National Park, which manages trails, shelters and access routes from nearby towns to the mountain's foot and ridge paths.
Pico da Bandeira
Pico da Bandeira, Caparaó National Park (Espírito Santo / Minas Gerais border), Brazil
-20.4339, -41.7971

Tips for Visiting Pico da Bandeira #

  • Start the main ascent before dawn from an official Caparaó National Park trailhead so you reach Pico da Bandeira for sunrise - this is the most popular and rewarding time to be on the summit.
  • Register at the park entrance and confirm trail/park opening times and any fees in advance; Caparaó National Park manages the established routes and overnight camping/shelter options.
  • Stay or base yourself in the nearby Alto do Caparaó/park gateway village to cut travel time to trailheads and to begin your summit push very early without long daily transfers.

Best Time to Visit Pico da Bandeira #

Best visited in the dry season (roughly May-September) when trails are drier and summit conditions are clearest.

Dry season (best for hiking)
May-September · Daytime ~5-20°C; summit nights can approach or drop below 0°C
Drier, clearer conditions and the most reliable period for summit hikes and sunrise views; popular with hikers.
Rainy season
October-April · Warmer at low elevations; wet and cloudy at altitude
Frequent rain and cloud reduce visibility and make trails slippery; not ideal for summit attempts.

Weather & Climate near Pico da Bandeira #

Climate

Pico da Bandeira'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 0°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1635 mm/year), wettest in January.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (264 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

264 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

175 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

174 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

155 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (240 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

240 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (264 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

264 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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