Everything You Didn’t Want To Know About Using The Toilet In The Medieval Period
If you like extreme sports, hiking and rock climbing, we have a post dedicated to you! This post has the purpose to present the most important information about Pico da Tijuca. One of the best viewpoints in the whole city. Read more.
If you want to go to Pico da Tijuca, but you’re not sure how to go on your own. We will leave at the end of the text some recommendations for tours with reliable agencies through Civitatis.
PICO DA TIJUCA
Pico da Tijuca is located in Tijuca Forest and it’s a part of Tijuca State Park – Parque Nacional da Tijuca. This is the highest point of the park, with 1022 meters high, and the second highest point of the city of Rio de Janeiro, the first one being Pico da Pedra Branca – Pedra Branca Peak, with 1024 meters high. WOW! From the top of the peak it’s possible to have a 360º view of the city.
HISTORY OF PICO DA TIJUCA TRAIL
It is believed that the first person to open a trail to Pico da Tijuca was a German biologist Hermann Burmeister in 1853. He was doing research on fauna and flora in our Atlantic Forest.
Only in 1885 that the then forest administrator Baron D ‘Escragnolle decided to signal this trail to assist the next climbers.
HISTORY OF THE STAIRS
There are some controversial stories regarding the construction of the staircase that leads to the end point of the peak of Pico da Tijuca. The most accepted version is that it was made by the President of the Republic Epitácio Pessoa.
The president was looking forward to make easy the rise of a distinguished guest. The important visit would be King Albert I of Belgium, who came to visit the site in 1920, as an invitation of the president.
WHAT THE KING THOUGHT ABOUT THAT?
But there’s a detail in this story, despite the tribute, the king was an experienced climber, and thought it was absurd to make the staircase in the stone. He preferred to climb the rock and go down throw the coast, which is a trail with a high level of difficulty.
So at that time, the staircase was not much use. After reaching the top of Pico da Tijuca , he stayed observing the landscape there and got marveled with the beauty of our Brazil. The king further stated that our nature is the most beautiful and exciting in the world!
PARK ACTIVITIES
Pico da Tijuca is a reference in climbing activities, since the peak allows a wide view of the entire city. From the top of the peak you can see Pedra da Gávea, Guanabara Bay, Maracanã, the South and West Zone of Rio, and the city of Niterói.
TRAIL
The trail has a duration of approximately 01h30. And it’s an option recommended for beginners, because it is well laid out and with lighter slope, so it does not present a high level of difficulty.
To reach the summit of the peak, after passing many trees and forks along the way, it is necessary to climb 117 steps, almost at the end of the trail. The steps were dug into the rock itself and have handrails on both sides. Do not panic! HAHA
BEST TIME TO DO THE TRAIL
The trail to Pico da Tijuca can be done throughout the year, but with some caveats.
1This activity is not recommended in the summer. In this period the temperature in the city easily reaches 40 degrees, even being in a zone with vegetation;
2 Be aware of weather conditions. Especially after summer storms, the rocks tend to be much slippery, which can make the journey difficult.
