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  • Passa Quatro, MG
  • Passa Quatro, MG
  • Camping
  • Portuguese, English
  • Up to 8 people
Price From R$2.100,00 price per person
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  • Handpicked Local Partners
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  • Book with Flexibility

About the adventure

Spending four days in one of the world’s most impressive mountains is not for everyone. After all, it takes physical fitness, experience, and a true spirit of adventure to tackle the Serra Fina trekking, considered one of the best hikes in Brazil.

Pico do Capim Amarelo (Yellow Grass Peak)
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Located in the Serra da Mantiqueira, about 274 km from São Paulo city (approximately 4 to 6 hours by car), Serra Fina forms a natural border between the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.

The traditional traverse passes the iconic Pedra da Mina and Pico dos Três Estados, two of Brazil’s highest mountains. So, on this trip, you’ll explore inhospitable places with no infrastructure, carrying only your backpack with essential survival equipment and the desire to reach the other side with a sense of fulfillment.

The full hike covers approximately 33.3 kilometers over four days, challenging both body and mind.

Pico do Capim Amarelo (Yellow Grass Peak)
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Steep climbs, narrow ridges, and wild campsites will be part of the adventure, as well as breathtaking landscapes, the deep silence of the mountains, and the privilege of walking among the highest altitudes in the country. Shall we share this adventure?

Highlights of the adventure

  • Step on three states at once: São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro
  • Get to know two of Brazil's highest mountains: Pedra da Mina (4th - 2798m) and Pico dos Três Estados (10th - 2665m)
  • Stay overnight at the top of the mountains and watch the sunrise
  • Do one of the most difficult trekkings in Brazil
  • Challenging hike: 33 km with a total elevation gain of 2,946 m and a total descent of 2,660 m

Day by day

Departure from Passa Quatro – MG at 5 a.m.

The Serra Fina trekking begins at 5 a.m. in Passa Quatro – MG, so you’ll need to arrive the day before at Hostel Caminho dos Ventos, where accommodation is already included.

Serra Fina trekking
Photos by @‌mf.terra

To start our crossing, transportation will pick us up at 6 a.m. to take us to the starting point of this trip. Toca do Lobo is where it all begins! Here, you’ll have to say goodbye to society and the internet and welcome a complete immersion in the Atlantic rainforest.

Descent via Pedra da Mina
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At 2:30 p.m., we’ll reach the Capim Amarelo summit, our first stop. At an altitude of around 2,500 meters, the summit offers breathtaking views of the Serra da Mantiqueira and is covered in the golden vegetation that gives the place its name.

Serra Fina hiking group
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You can see Pico das Agulhas Negras and Pico dos Três Estados on clear days. It’s certainly the perfect setting for a well-deserved break. Next, we’ll set off for Maracanã Camp, where we’ll arrive at 4:30 p.m. to enjoy the mountain and spend the night. It’s time to relax, admire the scenery, and prepare for dinner!

 

  • Total distance by car: 20km
  • Total time by car: approximately 1 hour
  • Total walking distance: 8.6km 
  • Total walking time: approximately 10 hours
  • Total elevation gain of 1,079 m and total descent of 396 m

Breakfast, Dinner
Inn

How about starting the second day of the Serra Fina hike by watching an amazing sunrise? 

Sunrise on the Serra Fina Trek
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We’ll wake up at 5:30 in the morning. Be sure to enjoy this unique moment and then have breakfast, break camp, and set off at 7:45 am towards Pedra da Mina.

Serra fina trekking
Photos by @mf.terra

We’ll reach the imposing summit of Pedra da Mina at 4:30 p.m., where we’ll set up our second camp. This is an important milestone on the traverse, as Pedra da Mina is the highest point in the Serra Fina trekking and the fourth highest mountain in Brazil, at an impressive 2,798 meters. When you reach it, you feel like you’re on top of the world – surrounded by a sea of mountains, open skies, and the powerful silence of nature.

Climbing on Serra Fina mountain
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  • Total walking distance: 7.5km
  • Total walking time: between 8 and 9 hours
  • Total elevation gain of 756 m and total descent of 238 m

Breakfast, Dinner
Camping

Another day of trekking in Brazil begins with an invitation to contemplate the sunrise at the highest point of the Serra Fina hiking, at 5:30 am. After renewing our energy with breakfast and breaking camp, we’ll set off at 7:45 am towards Pico dos Três Estados.

Sunrise at Pico dos Três Estados (Three States Peak)
Photos by @‌mf.terra

This is one of the most emblematic points of the Serra Fina trekking expedition. Its altitude of 2665 meters and the opportunity to set foot in three states (Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro) at the same time make it all more magical.

We’ll reach the final destination on the third day of the traverse, against a grand backdrop of mountains, valleys, and open sky. The summit offers an impressive panoramic view, especially at dusk, when the golden lights touch the landscape with surreal beauty.

 

  • Total walking distance: 6.9 km
  • Total walking time: between 8 and 9 hours
  • Total elevation gain of 630 m and total descent of 776 m

Breakfast, Dinner
Camping

Our last day at the Serra Fina trek has arrived – but the journey still holds special moments. So get ready for another chance to watch the sun rise over the mountains of Serra da Mantiqueira.

Serrra Fina Trekking
Photos by @‌mf.terra

At 5.30 a.m., we’ll start the morning calmly: time to take a deep breath, have a good breakfast, and break camp before setting off at 7.45 a.m. towards our next destination. At around 3 p.m., we’ll make a strategic stop to rest, celebrate our achievement, and recharge our batteries before the final leg of the trip.

Hiking in the Serra Fina
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  • Total distance walked: 10.3km.
  • Total walking time: approximately 10 hours
  • Total elevation gain of 630 m and total descent of 776 m

Arrival in Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais at 5:30 pm

Breakfast

What is included?

  • 1 night in a hostel (shared room) in Passa Quatro - MG + breakfast + closed parking;
  • Transportation (in/out) from Passa Quatro;
  • Certified Guides;
  • All dinners on the mountain* (3 nights);
  • Cooking utensils for collective* use (gas, pans, stoves, etc.);
  • Personal accident insurance;
  • Bath at the end of the trail;
  • *The weight of the food and cooking utensils will be divided among all the participants. Everyone will have to help the guides make the food and clean the utensils (cutlery, pans, etc.).

What is not included?

  • Voucher for entry to Serra Fina;
  • Breakfast and trail snacks;
  • Shit tube (obligatory);
  • Charger;
  • Personal cooking utensils (plate, cutlery, glass);
  • Tent, sleeping bag, and thermal insulation: all of these items can be rented from our local partner if needed.
  • Any other item not listed under “Includes”.

Accommodation

Serra Fina trekking will take place in inhospitable environments with little structure, so each traveler should bring a fully equipped backpack to spend the four days. This includes a tent, sleeping bag, and thermal insulation, as well as plates, glasses, and cutlery for personal use.

Everyone in the group will help with loading the cooking items, preparing dinner, and setting up camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the distance from São Paulo to Serra Fina?

The distance between São Paulo and the Serra Fina (more precisely to Passa Quatro, MG) is about 274 km, which is an average of 4 to 6 hours by car, depending on traffic and the starting point.

How do I get to Passa Quatro - Minas Gerais?

If you’re coming by car, the most common route is to take the Rodovia Presidente Dutra (BR-116) to Cruzeiro (SP) (a 3-hour drive of about 217 km), and then follow the road to Passa Quatro (MG) (drive for 16km in 20 minutes). 

If you’re coming by bus, the best option is to travel to Itanhandu (MG) and then take a taxi to Passa Quatro, which is just a short 20-minute drive (around 16 km).

What to take for the Serra Fina Trekking?

This is a high-level trek, so preparation is essential. Here’s what you should pack:

  • Cargo backpack – minimum 60L;
  • Tent suitable for the activity;
  • Sleeping bag – minimum comfort 0°C;
  • Thermal insulation with a minimum thickness of 1cm – prefer inflatable;
  • Flashlight – prefer a headlamp for practicality;
  • Trekking poles – prefer a pair (mandatory);
  • Minimum container for 5L of water – abuse PET bottles – A hydration bag is HIGHLY recommended;
  • Shittube (mandatory);
  • Plate, cutlery, and cup/mug for personal use;
  • Specific boots for outdoor activities, with grippy soles and softened;
  • One pair of hiking pants – prefer specific polyamide or polyester pants.
  • Three quick-drying t-shirts (dryfit type) for hiking – prefer long sleeves;
  • One pair of post-trekking pants – for cold weather – preferably windproof;
  • A fleece jacket or similar;
  • A goose down or synthetic jacket;
  • A windbreaker jacket;
  • Gloves;
  • Hat;
  • Four pairs of socks (minimum) – prefer those specifically for trekking (coolmax type) – do not use cotton;
  • Croc-type sandal, papete or similar – to relax your feet after trekking – don’t take Havaianas;
  • Spare batteries;
  • Sunscreen;
  • Cap or hat;
  • Sunglasses;
  • Personal first aid kit;
  • Personal hygiene material;
  • Spare plastic bags for garbage.
  • In the event of unstable weather, take a waterproof bag for your clothes/sleeping bag and a personal raincoat/backpack.

Do I need approval before booking the trek?

Yes. Since the hike is rated moderate to extreme, we assess the profile of everyone interested. Submit your inquiry, and we’ll get back to you.

When is the best time to do the crossing?

The best time is during the dry season, between May and August. Temperatures are lower, but there is less risk of rain, which is essential for safety on the ridges and exposed crossings.

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    Price From R$2.100,00 price per person
    • Hassle-Free Booking
    • Handpicked Local Partners
    • Sustainable Travel
    • Book with Flexibility