The name and elevation
The technical reference used for this guide lists Pico do Piraquara at 881 m. Some secondary pages give different figures, so I use the park’s orientation material as a reference, not as a new geodetic measurement.
Pedra do Ponto, listed at 932 m in the same document, is another peak in Serra de Bangu. Neither should be confused with Pico da Pedra Branca, the massif’s main summit. In an area with similar names, confirming your track and destination before starting matters.
Route and map: what I can confirm
I found no reliable, separate public distance, duration or route to Pico do Piraquara from the park site. That is why this map marks the general Piraquara entrance rather than placing a fictional pin at the summit. A mislabeled approximate point can lead you onto the wrong route.
Navigation may be complex through dense forest. I recommend setting out only with a verified track and offline maps, ideally with an experienced person who knows the area or a local guide. I would not automatically substitute the Pedra do Ponto route or Section 08.
Hours and planning
INEA lists general park hours Tuesday to Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm. Those hours do not say how long the summit hike takes or how late a specific route may be started. Ask directly about a safe time window and current access; start early and leave plenty of time to return.
With a storm threat, heavy rain, dense fog, fire or a closure, I change the plan. In the mountains, navigation experience and return time matter more than reaching a summit. Tell someone your itinerary and return deadline.
Recommended gear and skill level
For a route requiring navigation, I would bring a full day’s water, food, hiking shoes, rain and sun protection, insect repellent, first-aid kit, power bank, compass and offline maps. Do not rely only on your phone’s GPS or internet service. Keep the group together and do not create a new route through vegetation.
This guide does not recommend the route for beginners or as a family outing with children. If you lack experience navigating unclear trails, choose an easier authorized outing at Piraquara or consult a licensed guide before considering the summit.
Ernestinho's tip
I check the track name twice: “Pico do Piraquara,” not “Pedra do Ponto.” Then I ask about access and return time. No summit is worth losing the trail or entering the forest without a plan you can follow.
What to combine it with
If the summit is not a good fit that day, enjoy the area at an easier pace at Núcleo Piraquara or learn about the heritage of Aqueduct. For a marked traverse nearby, also see the guide to Transcarioca Trail, Section 08, without assuming it shares access to the summit.
