Rio de Janeiro Brazil Holiday locations :  Itatiaia National Park, Agulhas Negras - The Black Needles

Itatiaia National Park - Lush Green Woodland, Mountain peaks, Waterfalls, Rapids

The Itatia National park is situated on the shoulders of the Serra Mantiqueria, a range of mountains that straddles the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In the park itself are two of the highest peaks in Brazil - Pico das Agulhas Negras ( whose name is often used for the entire region ) and Pico das Prateleiras, at 2791m and 2548m respectively. The Black Needles region is an ecological sanctuary, situated 170kms from Rio de Janeiro, known for its exuberant nature and natural beauty. All of this natural wealth has been preserved in the National Park of Itatiaia , the first one created in Brazil, comprising 30 thousand hectares. The european culture - noticeable in the local food and architecture is comprised of Itatiaia, Penedo, Resende, Quatis and Visconde de Mauá. Some of these small towns, notably Visconde de Maua are connected by unpaved roads and an offroad vehicle is the prefered form of transport although not essential. The park itself shelters animal and vegetal species that only occur in this region., including a rare panther. It is the perfect place for long strolls, diving in cool crystalline water & waterfalls or, simply observe the wonderful nature in one of the prettiest regions of the State of Rio de Janeiro.


Trails of varying exertion, waterfalls and streams, are accessible from the visitors portal which can be accessed from the small town of Itatiaia. To visit the peaks you must take the road BR354 that passes through Engenheiro Passos to arrive at the other visitors portal. The road that branches off from BR354 to the visitors portal is 17Km of unpaved road and again an offroad vehicle is advisable.To walk the peaks you must employ the services of an authorized environmental guide. This can be arranged at the visitors portal.

National Park from Itatiaia

Stay at a Hotel,Pousada ( self service chalet ) or camp; in Itatiaia or Penedo. Trek in the park, visit waterfalls and rapids or go fishing. Visit the Artist colony of Visconde de Maua and the many lakes in the vicinity. Beautiful scenery surrounds you.
For familys the national park offers gentle walks to enjoy the natural scenery including abundant wild flowers, waterfalls and views, all located in the lower altitudes. The more adventurous can take more arduous routes to the heights of the Agulhas Negras ( black needles)

Penedo

Penedo, situated at the foot of the Black Needles, in the shadow od a small mountain range called the Serra India is a tranquil picturesque village surrounded by mountain streams and waterfalls. Settled by people from Finland in the 1920's and 30's the area retains a Scandinavian feel. A great base for a holiday in the Itatiaia national park. The main type of accommodation available in Penedo is Pousadas. Normally they are self contained chalets, some but not all have cooking facilities. There is generally a small restaurant that serves at least breakfast. Some are located in the town itself but the more picturesque ones are up in the foothills, only accessible along small unpaved roads. To get the most out of Penedo and the Itatiaia national park it is best to hire some form of motorised transport.
More photos of >>Penedo and Pousadas<<

How to get to Itatia and Penedo from Rio de Janeiro
Driving:- Head to city center and follow signs to Avenida Brasil and then follow the signs to Sao Paulo. This will lead you to the toll road Via Dutra BR116. Continue directly on this road, and after approximately 2hours you will pass through Resende. A few miles after this will be the turn off on the right to Penedo. Go directly up this road for approximately 5 minutes and you will turn left through the Penedo gateway. The "center" of penedo such as it is is a further 5 minutes up this road.

For Itatia you do not turn off the BR116 but continue straight and Itatia turn off will be signposted shortly there after
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By Bus/Coach: Go to the Rodoviario Novo Rio located in Sao Cristovao central Rio ( 15-30 minutes in a tax/busi from Copocabana, depending on traffic). You will find a multitude of bus companies operating from here. There will be buses to Resende and Itatiaia at intervals of approximately 1 hour from various companies. If possible get an "executive" bus as this will have air conditioning and only costs a few dollars more than the normal . Prices are cheap -around 15 dollars. Buses stop at Itatia where there is a small taxi rank. For Penedo you will need to disembark at Resende and take a taxi. There is a large taxi rank at the Rodoviario.

Taxi: You can come to a deal with a taxi driver for a fixed price. An approximate price would be R$200 - R$250 ( just over $100).

Tips: At night, in the winter months June- September it can get cold especially high up in the park over 2000 metres where it can even reach zero centigrade. Bring appropriate clothing.
Penedo has very few ATM's, there is one inside the Post Office, one in Finlandia shopping center and one at the Gas Station on the access road to Penedo ( this one definitely works with foreign cards).