National park · Brazil
Serra dos Órgãos National ParkParque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos
Enter Serra dos Órgãos National Park for a day hike: pay the entry fee (R$ 30–45), take the Trilha da Pedra do Sino (≈4 h, moderate) in the dry season, and avoid weekends in peak summer.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
20 km² (8 sq mi)8 sq mi (20 km²)
approximate
Established
1939
Best months
Apr–May
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Brazil ↗US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (about US$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
At a glance
- Country
- Brazil
- Area
- 20 km² (8 sq mi)8 sq mi (20 km²)
- Officially about 20 km², but some sources list a larger protected area including surrounding forest; figures may vary (check).
- Established
- 1939
- Best months
- Apr–May
- Permits
- For some areas
Serra dos Órgãos National Park protects the dramatic mountain range near Rio de Janeiro, with peaks over 2 200 m, well‑marked trails to iconic viewpoints, and rich cloud‑forest biodiversity. The park is managed by ICMBio and offers day‑hike options such as the moderate Pedra do Sino trail, while longer ridge routes require a guide.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteManaged by ICMBio.
Size and age
20 km² (8 sq mi)8 sq mi (20 km²) · national park since 1939
Officially about 20 km², but some sources list a larger protected area including surrounding forest; figures may vary (check).
Why go
- Mountain scenery with peaks over 2 200 m.
- Well‑marked trails to iconic viewpoints such as Pedra do Sino.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCooler, less rain
- FebCool, occasional showers
- MarTransition to drier season
- AprDry, pleasant temperatures
- MayDry, ideal for hiking
- JunRainy start, higher humidity
- JulRainy, possible trail closures
- AugRainy, trail conditions variable
- SepImproving weather
- OctDry, cooler evenings
- NovDry, warm
- DecCool, dry
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endemic cloud‑forest birds (e.g., white‑eyed parakeet)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Small mammals (e.g., armadillos)Mar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Petrópolis
Bus line 700 to Terminal Corrêas, then line 611 to park entrance; walk from stop.
≈1 h total
From Rio de Janeiro
Bus to Petrópolis (≈1 h 30 m) then transfer as above; or drive 70 km (43 mi) via BR-040.Bus to Petrópolis (≈1 h 30 m) then transfer as above; or drive 43 mi (70 km) via BR-040.
≈2 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Trilha da Pedra do Sino | Main summit trail with viewpoint and stone marker. | Open with entry ticket; no guide required. |
| Trilha da Pedra do Açu | Longer ridge trail, more demanding. | Open with entry ticket; guide recommended. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate for main trailhead and summit.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | BRL 30–45 (≈ US$6–9) | person | 2026 estimate; official rate may vary |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs must be on a leash and are not allowed on trails during breeding season (check).
- Camping
- Only permitted in designated campgrounds; wild camping prohibited.
- Fire
- Open fires are banned; use portable stoves only.
Where to stay
Near the park
Bonfim guesthouses
Budget rooms 5–10 km (3.1–6.2 mi) from park entrance.Budget rooms 3.1–6.2 mi (5–10 km) from park entrance.
Near the park
Petrópolis hotels
Wide range of options, 15 km (9.3 mi) away.Wide range of options, 9.3 mi (15 km) away.
Safety
Steep, slippery sections medium
Sudden weather change medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Trailheads reachable by car; parking available.
- Main summit trail has steep stairs, not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in locally owned lodging.
- Carry out all waste.
- Use official trail maps; avoid off‑trail shortcuts.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Serra dos Órgãos National Park?
Entry is R$ 30–45 per adult; children have reduced rates. Tickets are bought at the gate or via the ICMBio website.
What are the best hikes in Serra dos Órgãos National Park?
The most popular is the Pedra do Sino trail (≈4 h, moderate). For a longer challenge try the Pedra do Açu ridge (≈8 h, hard).
When is the best time to visit Serra dos Órgãos National Park?
The dry season from April to November offers the most reliable trail conditions; April–May are especially pleasant.
Can I camp inside the park?
Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds; wild camping is prohibited.
Is a guide required for any trail?
A guide is mandatory for the longer ridge routes (e.g., Pedra do Açu). The short summit trail does not require one.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Serra dos Órgãos National Park
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