rock formation and trail · Itatiaia, RJ
Prateleiras
A group of granite slabs stacked like shelves in the upper part of the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, with a trail of moderate difficulty. The landscape of high-altitude grasslands and rocks is unlike anything else in Southeast Brazil.
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 Prateleiras
The Prateleiras (Shelves) are a massif of large stacked rock blocks in the upper part of the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, Brazil's first national park, created in 1937. The summit is over 2,500 meters above sea level and is one of the best-known points on the plateau, alongside Pico das Agulhas Negras.
The trail starts at the Abrigo Rebouças (mountain hut) and runs for about 2.5 km through high-altitude grasslands, with views of the Agulhas Negras, Morro do Couto and other rock formations on the plateau. Near the end, the climb gets steeper and rockier up to the base of the massif.
From the base, the view opens onto the Paraíba Valley and, on clear days, the Serra Fina. All around are other famous rocks in the park, such as the Pedra da Maçã, the Pedra da Tartaruga and the Pedra Assentada.
Going to the base is a moderate hike, doable for anyone with some fitness. The summit is another story: it requires scrambling through cracks and narrow passages, with a stretch where you use a rope, and is only recommended for experienced hikers or those going with an accredited guide. The whole route is exposed to sun and wind, and the weather closes in quickly in the mountains.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow half a day to get to the base and back from the Abrigo Rebouças; with the climb to the summit, plan on the whole day.
Best time
In winter, from June to August, when the sky is usually clear and the weather closes in less often; set out early, because clouds and rain tend to arrive in the afternoon, especially in spring and summer.
How to get there
It is in the upper part of the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, which has its own entrance (Posto Marcão) on the BR-485, reached via the Garganta do Registro, between Engenheiro Passos (Resende) and Itamonte (MG). The road to the entrance has dirt stretches and poor asphalt. From the entrance, continue to the Abrigo Rebouças (mountain hut), where the trail starts. There is no public transportation there.
Tip
Bring a windbreaker, sunscreen and water, even on sunny days: in the upper part it gets very cold, the wind is strong and there can even be frost in winter. Buy your ticket in advance on the park's official website.
Official website
A look at the place
Prateleiras 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 Prateleiras
Is there an entrance fee at the Prateleiras?
Yes. The Prateleiras are inside the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, and there is a park entrance fee. Tickets are bought on the park's official website.
How long does the Prateleiras trail take?
From the Abrigo Rebouças to the base is about 2.5 km. For the round trip to the base, plan on about two and a half hours of walking; climbing to the summit takes much longer.
Is the Prateleiras trail difficult?
To the base it is moderate, with a rocky climb at the end. The summit is difficult: it requires scrambling through cracks and narrow passages, with a stretch where you use a rope.
Do I need a guide to climb the Prateleiras?
To reach the base, experienced hikers usually go without a guide. For the summit, it is recommended to go with a park-accredited guide and safety equipment.
When is the best time to visit the Prateleiras?
Winter, when the sky is usually clear. Set out early: in the upper part the weather closes in quickly, especially in the afternoon and in the rainy months.