Pigeon Breast Peak
25-11-2021
Pico Peito do Pombo - Arraial do Sana - Rio de Janeiro
If you want to experience intense days in the middle of nature, with waterfalls, trails, and a perfectly starry night sky - then you must do the hike to Pico do Peito do Pombo, in the municipality of Macaé (Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro - RJ).
A one to two hour walk through the Atlantic Forest is necessary to reach this wonder located at an altitude of about 1400 meters. Sana is part of a nature conservation unit, an environmental protection area. Important detail for those who want to face the hike: it is recommended to meet with the local guides at 2:00 in the morning if you want to reach the summit by the rising sun. The rough climb, with mud, streams, pasture crossings and rock climbing with only a few exceptions of paved and protected sections, makes this trail moderate to difficult. But as it should be, the reward is up to it!
Depending on the season, you can choose to leave early to see the sunrise or start the trail later in the morning to enjoy the splendid view on much of the coast, with many hills and mountains.
If you are in Arraial do Sana, do not miss the beautiful and varied waterfalls that are to be seen there. There is for instance a wonderful circuit of the "7 waterfalls". Each waterfall in the conservation area is unique and offers a different attraction. You can simply bathe or slide on the algae covered rocks, which make beautiful natural slides for older children, or even take a dip in the waterfall from the top of the rock.
In addition to the fun in the beautiful waterfalls, you will be transported to another reality at night as you look up to the sky. Residents enjoy stargazing through telescopes. One can distinguish with great clarity the rings of Saturn, stars about to explode, etc.
To enjoy the night, you can also count on the local bars. Dressed in warm clothes, because so much nature creates a chilly atmosphere, you can have a few beers while listening to a good rock and chat with the locals, who make a living from tourism and are open and friendly people!
Arraial do Sana is one of the natural treasures of the state of Rio de Janeiro and, if you pass by, take the opportunity to visit this little town.
Do not miss to live unforgettable moments and let yourself be transported in the incomparable peace and joie de vivre of a place full of riches!
Picture: Igor Prata Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, CC BY-SA 2.0 Wikimedia Commons