Parana Peak Trail - Trilha Pico Paraná (PP)

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Be ready for abrupt weather changes, the mountain has harsh tropical climate. The feet of the Serra do Ibitiraquire has areas where the annual rain meets around 3.000mm.
Along the way water springs (pt: bicas) supply hikers.
Some expertise and regional knowledge is required. It is not mandatory, but consider hiring ecotourism agencies for a safer journey.

The section after bifurcation to Pico Itapiroca (second half the trail) has sections with very challenging terrain and areas with predominance of roots, where running seems to be not ideal.

Known as the highest peak in the Southern region in Brazil, the Pico Paraná (PP) feeds the imaginary of every mountaineer of the region. The Serra do Ibitiraquire, which is part of the Serra do Mar mountain range and where the PP is, marks the step between the coastal plain and the continental plateau.

The trail starts in the rural area of Campina Grande do Sul and has in its first four hours, until the bifurcation to Pico Itapiroca, landscapes switching between areas of high altitude and areas with dense vegetation in the feet of mountains. The second half on top of a ridge has very challenging sections, with dense roots where, indeed, the trail does not touch the ground. Approaching to the Pico Paraná"s ridge some rocky areas require use of installed metal grips and chains to climb four meter high boulders. Consider that the camping area #2 is only after this climbing section. After this the alta montana area starts, where altitude vegetation and rather flatter areas persist. There the PP greets its visitors!

Usually the run is done in two days. The first one being done until the camping areas #1 or #2. Obviously, the #2 is closer to the last summit (between 1 and 1.5h demanding run), but its location on the very ridge turns it more exposed. A sunrise view on top of the PP toasts all the effort in the next morning. From it, if the weather allows, the view will show you the whole of the Paranaguá Bay and its entrance to the Atlantic Ocean. On the other side, a view to the continental plateau, regionally known as primeiro planalto paranaense, intermingled with the other prestigious peaks (Graciosa, Olimpo, Itapiroca and etc...) gives you a complete geography notion of this area, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.