By Charlotte Markham, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Parque Estadual dos Três Picos (PETP, or the State Park of the Three Peaks) in Rio de Janeiro’s Região Serrana has been preparing for this four-day holiday weekend of Corpus Christi which began on Thursday (May 26th) and runs through Sunday (May 29th). Each year this period is marked by an influx in people hiking and camping, and this year the government has invested to improve signage, and security with park rangers.
The park is located in the Região Serrana (mountainous region) and is named after the Friburgo Three Peaks, imposing set of granitic mountains, rising to 2,366 meters above sea level.
Covering an area of approximately 65,113 hectares, it is the largest state park in Rio de Janeiro, with portions spread into the municipalities of Cachoeiras de Macacu, Teresópolis, Nova Friburgo, Silva Jardim, and Guapimirim.
As part of the upgrade this year to the popular hiking and camping destination, new updated tips and signage are in place to clarify the different routes, along with round the clock park guards to ensure more security.
Mario Nery, a writer for TrekkingBrasil.com explained, “It is good to be advised of one thing: you will fall in love with the place! Three Peaks offers numerous opportunities for climbing and hiking. Furthermore it is possible to camp in PETP or even stay in one of the [guest house shelters] who rent spaces.”
To get there from Teresopolis and Nova Friburgo, take the RJ-130 about 45km and then look for signage. Cars are not permitted in the park, so vehicles must be left at designated parking areas. The camping area is located approximately fifty minutes uphill on foot from the parking lot.