trail · Conceição do Castelo, ES
Trilha Imperial do Jequitibá Centenário
A route of about 9.5 km that follows stretches of an old stone-paved road from the imperial period. The highlight is a centuries-old jequitibá tree whose trunk takes at least nine people to hug.
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 Trilha Imperial do Jequitibá Centenário
The Trilha Imperial do Jequitibá Centenário (trail) is a walk through the rural area of Conceição do Castelo, in the Espírito Santo mountains. The name comes from history: the route follows stretches of the old Estrada Real, the Imperial Route that linked Espírito Santo to the mines of Minas Gerais, traveled by Emperor Dom Pedro II and his entourage.
The path crosses farms, pastures, lakes and large boulders before entering the Mata Carolina, a stretch of dense Atlantic Forest. The final part is in the shade of the trees, on a single trail inside the forest.
The highlight is the centuries-old jequitibá tree at the end of the walk. Its trunk is so wide that it takes at least nine people with outstretched arms to hug it. The same forest has other, smaller jequitibás.
The trail is considered easy to moderate and is popular with families and groups. You can shorten it by driving to near the forest and walking only the final stretch, or walk the full route from downtown, which is much longer.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
From about an hour, if you drive to the forest entrance, to half a day, if you walk the full route from downtown.
Best time
In the drier months, from April to September, the trail is less slippery and muddy. Start in the morning, to walk in the cool air and have plenty of time to get back in daylight.
How to get there
The trail starts in downtown Conceição do Castelo, near the Praça da Matriz, and follows roads and farms to the Mata Carolina (forest), where the jequitibá tree stands. If you prefer to shorten it, drive to near the forest and walk the final stretch. From Vitória, you reach Conceição do Castelo via the BR-262.
Tip
Wear sneakers or boots with good grip, bring water and insect repellent and, if you do not know the area, check with the town hall or a local guide before setting out, since the route crosses farmland.
A look at the place
Trilha Imperial do Jequitibá Centenário 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 Trilha Imperial do Jequitibá Centenário
Is the Jequitibá trail hard?
No. It is considered easy to moderate and is popular with families. The full walk from downtown is long and takes some fitness; the final stretch, inside the forest, is short.
How many people does it take to hug the jequitibá?
At least nine people with outstretched arms to go all the way around the trunk of the centuries-old jequitibá.
Where does the Trilha Imperial in Conceição do Castelo start?
The full route starts downtown, near the Praça da Matriz. You can shorten it by driving to near the Mata Carolina and walking only the final stretch to the jequitibá.
Why is it called the Trilha Imperial?
Because it follows stretches of the old Estrada Real, the Imperial Route between Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, traveled by Dom Pedro II and his entourage.
Do I need a guide for the trail?
Sources do not say one is required. Since the path crosses farmland, check beforehand with the Conceição do Castelo town hall.