Pico da Bandeira

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.

• 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.