park and trail · Domingos Martins, ES
Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul
A protected area that safeguards the monolith that symbolizes Espírito Santo, with a guided trail of about six kilometers to natural pools carved into the rock. Entry is free and requires booking because the number of daily visitors is limited.
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 Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul
The Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul (state park) protects the most famous rock formation in the Espírito Santo mountains, in Domingos Martins (ES). The highlight is Pedra Azul, a granite massif 1,822 meters above sea level, next to Pedra das Flores and Pedra do Lagarto. The name comes from the lichens that cover the rock and give it bluish tones when seen from afar.
The area was first protected as a forest reserve in 1960 and became a state park in 1991. It is managed by Iema, the state environmental institute. Around the rocks there is high-altitude Atlantic Forest, with orchids, bromeliads and ipê trees, and animals such as coatis, armadillos and monkeys.
You visit on self-guided, signposted trails that start at the visitor center. There is a short circuit, which passes the base of the rock, and a longer full circuit that reaches the natural pools, hollows in the rock formed by water. The last stretch to the pools is a steep climb, done with the help of ropes. Up there, you can cool off and enjoy a wide view of the region. Observation decks along the way show the whole of Pedra Azul and Pedra do Lagarto.
The short circuit suits anyone who just wants to see the rock up close. The full circuit requires reasonable fitness, sneakers with good grip and willingness to tackle the rope climb. Climbing to the summit of Pedra Azul is a separate activity, only for experienced climbers with equipment and prior registration.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About an hour for the short circuit and two to three hours for the full circuit to the natural pools.
Best time
In the morning: entry to the trails is at set times and access closes in the early afternoon, so arriving early gives you time to do the full circuit at a relaxed pace.
How to get there
The park is on the Rota do Lagarto, the road linking the BR-262 to the ES-164 in the Pedra Azul area, in Domingos Martins. The entrance is signposted on the Rota do Lagarto itself, and the easiest way to get there is by car.
Tip
Book your visit in advance on the Espírito Santo Government booking portal, because the number of visitors per day is limited. Bring water, a light snack, swimwear and sturdy shoes for the rope-assisted climb.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul 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 Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul
Is there an entrance fee for the Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul?
No. Entry is free, but you need to book your visit in advance on the Espírito Santo Government booking portal.
Do I need a guide for the trails?
No. The trails are self-guided and signposted, and they start at the park's visitor center.
How long does the trail to the natural pools take?
The full circuit, which passes the natural pools, takes two to three hours. The short circuit, only around the base of the rock, takes about an hour.
Can you swim in the natural pools at Pedra Azul?
Yes. The pools are hollows in the rock, most of them shallow. The last stretch to reach them is a steep climb with the help of ropes.
Can I bring my dog to the Pedra Azul park?
No. Pets are not allowed in the park.