trail and viewpoint · Angra dos Reis, RJ
Pico do Papagaio
A 982-meter summit on Ilha Grande reached by a demanding trail of about 12 kilometers, often hiked before dawn to see the sunrise. From the top you see the whole bay dotted with islands.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pico do Papagaio
Pico do Papagaio (Parrot Peak) is one of the highest points on Ilha Grande, in Angra dos Reis (Rio de Janeiro), inside the Parque Estadual da Ilha Grande. The name comes from the rock at the top, which, from certain angles, looks like a parrot's beak.
The trail, T13, leaves from Vila do Abraão. It starts on the same path that leads to Dois Rios and soon enters the Atlantic Forest, passing streams and bamboo groves. The climb is long and steep almost the whole way, with roots, rocks and poorly marked stretches.
The summit is a narrow rock with sheer drops on the sides. On a clear day, the view takes in almost the entire island, the beaches, the bay, the mainland and the Restinga da Marambaia. When the peak is covered in clouds, you see nothing.
It's one of the hardest trails on the island and requires good fitness. It's not recommended for small children or anyone afraid of heights. The advice is to go with a local guide, as people have gotten lost in the forest.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside the whole day: the climb and descent take several hours, and you need to start early to get back before dark.
Best time
In the drier months, from fall to winter, on a clear day, because the top is often clouded over. Start early in the morning and avoid the days after rain, when the trail gets slippery.
How to get there
The T13 trail starts in Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande's main village, which you reach by boat from Angra dos Reis, Mangaratiba or Conceição de Jacareí. The first minutes follow the trail to Dois Rios, up to the T13 sign.
Tip
Bring plenty of water, a hearty snack and a flashlight, tell your pousada where you're going and don't climb if the peak is covered in clouds.
A look at the place
Pico do Papagaio in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pico do Papagaio
Do I need a guide to climb Pico do Papagaio?
It's highly recommended. The trail has poorly marked stretches and people have gotten lost in the forest. There are local guides in Vila do Abraão.
How long does the Pico do Papagaio trail take?
Plan on the whole day for the climb, the descent and time at the top. Start early so you don't come back in the dark.
Is the Pico do Papagaio trail hard?
Yes. It's one of the hardest on Ilha Grande: long, steep almost the whole way, with roots and rocks. It requires good fitness.
Where does the Pico do Papagaio trail start?
In Vila do Abraão. It's trail T13, which at first follows the path to Dois Rios.
Can I see the sunrise from Pico do Papagaio?
Yes. There are guided hikes that go up before dawn to reach the top at sunrise.