Travessia Couto x Prateleiras

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Travessia Couto x Prateleiras
Travessia Couto x Prateleiras
Travessia Couto x Prateleiras
Travessia Couto x Prateleiras
Travessia Couto x Prateleiras
Description

The Couto x Prateleiras Crossing is one of the most classic and beautiful in the Itatiaia National Park. The trail goes through the unique rock formations of this conservation unit, passing by viewpoints that offer an impressive view of the peaks, hills, and mountains of the Park. From the summit of Morro do Couto, the 9th highest point in the country, it is possible to see the mountain range of Serra Fina on one side and the imposing Pico das Agulhas Negras, the 6th highest point in Brazil, on the other. As you descend from Morro do Couto towards the base of the Prateleiras, you walk along the ridge of the rocks, and along the way, you can spot the Itatiaia National Park Plateau and the Paraíba Valley, appreciating the beauty of the springs that join the Campo Belo River, adding more volume to it.

Guidelines
Extension: 12 Km
Difficulty Hard
Orientation Moderate
Signaling Level Complete
Conservation Excellent
Risk Exposure Medium
Sun Exposure High
Hydration Point Available
Climbing There is
Minimum Altitude: 2400m
Maximum Altitude: 2680m
Negative Unevenness: 454m
Positive Unevenness: 454m
Tips

The Park's entrance in the upper part is at 2,400 m above sea level, which can cause the usual discomfort for those not used to altitude. Physical activity at altitude can be exhausting, and having at least a basic level of fitness helps a lot. Breathe slowly and respect your body. The Parque Nacional do Itatiaia also tends to record low temperatures, so come prepared. You need to buy your Park entry in advance at the link https://pnitatiaia.com.br/cards/entrada/ For this traverse, choose tickets for the Parte Alta (upper part). There is no public transportation to the Parte Alta entrance, and there is parking in the Park, which must be booked in advance.

Map
Guidelines
Extension: 12 Km
Difficulty: Hard
Orientation: Moderate
Signaling Level: Complete
Minimum Altitude: 2400m
Maximum Altitude: 2680m
Negative Unevenness: 454m
Positive Unevenness: 454m
Route

The traverse is a loop, starting and ending at the Posto Marcão, the entrance to the upper part of the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, on the border between the states of Rio de Janeiro (Resende) and Minas Gerais (Itamonte). The trail is open, exposed to the weather along the entire route, with more technical climbing sections (scrambling) to reach the summit of the Morro do Couto, at 2,680 m above sea level, a spacious plateau with a stunning view of the entire Parque Nacional do Itatiaia and the Serra Fina. On the way to the base of the Prateleiras, the trail has little cumulative elevation gain and passes interesting attractions, such as the Toca do Índio, a cave that is ideal for a rest and a snack. Farther on, we pass the Pedra do Sofá, an unusual rock formation, and reach the base of the Prateleiras, at 2,450 m above sea level, with a privileged view of this incredible rock formation. At the base, you can see the Pedra da Maçã and the Pedra Assentada, famous in the region. The return route follows the BR highway that runs through the Park, considered the highest national road in Brazil (no longer used as a road for cars). On the way to the Posto Marcão, we pass the beautiful Cachoeira das Flores, with a huge natural pool that is worth a swim - for those who brave the icy waters of Itatiaia,

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