national park and trail · Teresópolis, RJ
Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos e Pedra do Sino
A protected area created in 1939 with about 200 kilometers of trails, natural pools and climbing walls. The Pedra do Sino, at 2,275 meters, is the highest point in the range and the classic destination for hikers who sleep at the shelter to watch the sunrise.
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 Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos e Pedra do Sino
The Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, known as Parnaso, protects the granite mountains and Atlantic Forest between Teresópolis, Petrópolis, Magé and Guapimirim. It was created in 1939 and is one of the oldest national parks in Brazil. It is managed by ICMBio.
The range's pointed peaks resemble the pipes of a church organ, which is where the name (Organ Mountains) comes from. The most famous is the Dedo de Deus, a landmark of climbing in the country, visible from many points in Teresópolis. The park has more than 200 kilometers of trails, from short walks to multi-day traverses.
The Teresópolis headquarters, in the city's urban area, has the visitor center and the easiest trails. The Trilha Suspensa is a wooden boardwalk through the forest, adapted for wheelchairs. The Trilha da Primavera is short and good for children. The Trilha Cartão Postal leads to a viewpoint facing the Dedo de Deus.
The Pedra do Sino is the highest point of the Serra dos Órgãos, at more than 2,200 meters. The trail starts at the Teresópolis headquarters, is about 11 kilometers one way and climbs steadily. It is a long, tough hike, for fit hikers. Many people sleep at Abrigo 4 (shelter), near the top, to watch the sunrise from up there. From the summit you can see Teresópolis, Petrópolis and, on a clear day, Guanabara Bay.
The park is also the starting point of the Petrópolis-Teresópolis Traverse, about 30 kilometers along the mountain ridges, and has waterfalls and swimming holes.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the short trails at the Teresópolis headquarters; a full day (or two, with an overnight stay) for the Pedra do Sino.
Best time
From April to September, in the drier weather, when the chance of clear skies at the viewpoints is higher; arrive early, because fog usually rises during the day.
How to get there
The Teresópolis headquarters is on Avenida Rotariana, in the city's urban area, and you can get there by car, taxi or ride-hailing app. There are also headquarters in Petrópolis (Bonfim neighborhood) and in Guapimirim, on the BR-116.
Tip
The park closes on Mondays for maintenance (it opens if Monday is a holiday) and there is a daily visitor limit; bring a photo ID, a jacket and a rain poncho, and check the ICMBio website for Pedra do Sino entry times and overnight bookings.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos e Pedra do Sino 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 Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos e Pedra do Sino
How long does the Pedra do Sino trail take?
The climb is about 11 kilometers from the Teresópolis headquarters and takes 5 to 6 hours on average. Many people do it over two days, sleeping at Abrigo 4.
Do I need a guide to climb the Pedra do Sino?
A guide is not required, but it is recommended if you do not know the trail. Fog can roll in quickly and make it hard to find your way.
Is the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos open every day?
No. The park is open Tuesday to Sunday and on holidays, and closes on Mondays for maintenance. Check entry times on the ICMBio website.
Can you see the Dedo de Deus in the park?
Yes. The Trilha Cartão Postal, at the Teresópolis headquarters, leads to a viewpoint facing the Dedo de Deus, which is also visible from many points in town.
Does the park have an accessible trail?
Yes. The Trilha Suspensa, at the Teresópolis headquarters, is a wooden boardwalk through the forest adapted for wheelchairs.