Brazil
Eight Ribus shaped our two-week drive through southeastern Brazil, but difficult access roads repeatedly controlled the itinerary. Between them came Atlantic Forest, two Ultras and milestone summits for both Rob and me.
Range Southern Brazilian Highlands
Pedra do Sino became my 400th Ribu, although the morning began with a wrong approach road rather than a celebration. Beyond the crowded Atlantic Forest trail, granite opened onto distant Rio and Guanabara Bay.
Range Southern Brazilian Highlands
A spider at the trailhead was only the first surprise on Pico dos Marins. Higher up, slabs required hands, and the broad-looking mountain narrowed into one of the sharpest summits of our Brazil trip.
Range Southern Brazilian Highlands
Before dawn, a steep road and awkward registration were the first obstacles. The trail then spent hours presenting convincing summit candidates before the real Pedra da Mina finally appeared. On the windy top, Rob celebrated a remarkable milestone: his 1,000th Ribu.
Range Southern Brazilian Highlands
Pico do Tira Chapéu was a Ribu and one of the easier walks of our Brazil trip. Reaching the trailhead was another matter: a failed road approach, rough driving from the other side, no phone signal, and Petter coming back to look for us.
Range Southern Brazilian Highlands
When the cars could go no farther, Pedra do Desengano became an 18.9 km day with 1,243 m of ascent, a steep final slab and a descent that ended with 2 km of road walking by headlamp.
Range East-Central Brazilian Highlands
Pico do Soares joined our route because it is a Ribu, but the day is easier to remember for forest, high meadows and a generous pousada feast after the walk.
RegionEspírito Santo (Highest Point)
One of the world’s most isolated major summits and an Ultra, Pico da Bandeira was non-negotiable on our Brazil trip. The bigger uncertainty was not the trail but whether our rented car would reach the trailhead.
Range Southern Brazilian Highlands
We wanted a short hike before a long drive, and Pico da Caledônia looked ideal until a locked gate stopped us. Two rangers appeared, opened it, and 632 damp steps later we were crossing a metal bridge between two summit bumps in the cloud.
Range Southern Brazilian Highlands
With time left before Rob’s flight landed, Dave and I continued from Corcovado to Pão de Açúcar. Two cable cars, climbers on the rock face and too many photographs still left us enough time to reach the airport.
Range Southern Brazilian Highlands
While waiting for Rob to land, Dave and I chose the Corcovado train over faster-looking minibuses. The queue probably cost us time, but the railway, the crowded summit and Rio opening in every direction made the choice worthwhile.