Pico do Urubu, Mountain summit in Serra do Itapeti, Brazil
Pico do Urubu is a mountain summit reaching 1,169 meters in the Serra do Itapeti range, where thick forest and steep terrain define the landscape. The peak sits within a protected area known for its dense Atlantic Forest vegetation and challenging terrain.
Local inhabitants named the peak after observing black vultures circling around it during their daily flights. The mountain has existed as a natural feature in the region for millennia, serving as a landmark for communities living in the surrounding lowlands.
The region around this mountain serves as a training ground where Brazilian skyrunning athletes prepare for competitions at national and international levels.
The main trailhead is near Vila Santista Club in Mogi das Cruzes, though several entry points serve this mountain. Wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water, as the route crosses steep and often wet terrain throughout the climb.
From the summit, views spread across multiple states revealing both the remaining Atlantic Forest and São Paulo's urban sprawl in one panorama. On clear days, the contrast between natural woodland and metropolitan expansion becomes strikingly visible.
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