park · Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ
Jequitibá-Rosa do Parque dos Três Picos
At the Jequitibá headquarters of the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos, a 400-meter interpretive trail leads to a thousand-year-old jequitibá-rosa tree. The tree is about 40 meters tall and 19 meters around at the base.
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 Jequitibá-Rosa do Parque dos Três Picos
The jequitibá-rosa at the Jequitibá headquarters is the star of the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos, an area of Atlantic Forest managed by Inea that spans five municipalities in the Rio de Janeiro mountains. The headquarters is in Cachoeiras de Macacu, in the Boca do Mato neighborhood, and the trail that leads through the forest to the tree starts there.
The tree is a jequitibá-rosa (Cariniana legalis), a species known as the giant of the forest. It is about 40 meters tall and 19 meters around at the base, and its age is estimated at more than a thousand years. Standing at the foot of the trunk and looking up is the highlight of the visit.
The trail is short, flat and easy. It passes through stretches of dense forest and a small grotto and crosses a stream before reaching the jequitibá. It suits families with children and people with no hiking experience.
The headquarters has parking, restrooms and a small exhibit about the park. If you want to extend the outing, you will find other easy trails there, such as Gruta dos Cristais and the viewpoint trail.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow one to two hours to walk the trail at a relaxed pace, spend some time by the tree and explore the headquarters.
Best time
In the morning, any time of year: the forest is cooler and the light filters better through the canopy. After heavy rain the trail gets slippery.
How to get there
The Jequitibá headquarters is on Estrada do Jequitibá, in the Boca do Mato neighborhood of Cachoeiras de Macacu, near km 50 of the RJ-116 and the highway toll plaza. From Rio de Janeiro, take the BR-101 to Itaboraí and then the RJ-116 toward Nova Friburgo. Access is by car; the trail starts at the headquarters.
Tip
Wear sneakers with good grip and bring insect repellent: the trail crosses a stream and the forest is damp.
A look at the place
Jequitibá-Rosa do Parque dos Três Picos 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 Jequitibá-Rosa do Parque dos Três Picos
Is there an entrance fee at the Parque dos Três Picos to see the jequitibá-rosa?
No. Entry to the Jequitibá headquarters and parking are free. Check visiting hours on the park's official channels before you go.
Is the jequitibá-rosa trail difficult?
No. It is a short, flat, easy trail, good for children and people who do not usually hike. It passes a small grotto and crosses a stream.
How old is the jequitibá-rosa at Três Picos?
The tree's age is estimated at more than a thousand years. It is about 40 meters tall and 19 meters around at the base.
Where is the Jequitibá headquarters?
On Estrada do Jequitibá, in the Boca do Mato neighborhood of Cachoeiras de Macacu (RJ), near km 50 of the RJ-116 and the toll plaza.
Are there facilities at the park headquarters?
Yes. There is parking, restrooms and a small exhibit about the park, as well as other easy trails starting from the headquarters.