peak · Nova Friburgo, RJ
Três Picos de Salinas
A formation of three great granite peaks in the district of Salinas, whose Pico Maior, at 2,316 meters, is the highest point of the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos. It has more than a hundred climbing routes and trails through high-altitude grasslands.
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 Três Picos de Salinas
The Três Picos (Three Peaks) are a group of great granite mountains rising above the village of Salinas, in the countryside of Nova Friburgo. The highest of them, the Pico Maior, is the highest point of the entire Serra do Mar. The mountains give their name to the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos, created in 2002 and managed by Inea, the largest state park in Rio de Janeiro.
Salinas is one of the country's top climbing destinations. The walls of the Pico Maior, the Capacete and the neighboring peaks have long, classic routes, some hundreds of meters high. The summit of the Pico Maior can only be reached by technical climbing.
For non-climbers, there are trails through the valleys at the foot of the mountains, such as the Vale dos Deuses, with high-altitude grasslands, forest and close-up views of the great rock walls. The Pico Médio and Pico Menor can be reached by intermediate to difficult trails, with steep rocky stretches.
Even without climbing, the trip along the Salinas dirt road is worth it, past small farms and pastures, with the peaks dominating the landscape. The hikes and climbs require good fitness, and for the longer trails and climbing routes it is best to hire a licensed guide.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A full day is enough to get to Salinas and hike a trail to the foot of the peaks; climbing and traverses take two days or more.
Best time
In the drier months, from May to September, in the morning, when the sky is usually clear and the rock dry, which makes trails and climbing routes safer.
How to get there
Salinas is in the countryside of Nova Friburgo (RJ), about 30 km from downtown. The last stretch is a steep, rough dirt road to the Vale dos Deuses area, where the trails start.
Tip
Hire a licensed guide for the longer trails and for any climbing, and bring a jacket and a rain poncho: the weather changes quickly in the mountains.
Official website
A look at the place
Três Picos de Salinas in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Três Picos de Salinas
Can you climb the Três Picos de Salinas without technical climbing?
The Pico Maior can only be reached by technical climbing. The Pico Médio and Pico Menor have intermediate to difficult trails, and there are easier walks through the valleys at the foot of the mountains, such as the Vale dos Deuses.
Do I need a guide to visit the Três Picos?
For the trails to the peaks and for any climbing, it is recommended to go with a licensed guide. Check the visiting rules with the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos.
Are the Três Picos good for climbing?
Yes. Salinas is one of Brazil's top climbing destinations, with long, classic routes on the Pico Maior, the Capacete and the neighboring peaks.
What is the best time of year to visit the Três Picos?
The drier months, from May to September. With less rain, the rock is dry and the trails and climbing routes are safer.
Where are the Três Picos de Salinas?
In the village of Salinas, in the countryside of Nova Friburgo (RJ), about 30 km from downtown, inside the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos. The last stretch of the approach is a dirt road.