Serra dos Órgãos National Park, National park in Teresópolis, Brazil
Serra dos Órgãos lies in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro state, stretching over four municipalities with towering rock walls, waterfalls and dense forest cover. The name refers to the jagged peaks that resemble the vertical pipes of a church organ, rising sharply above the canopy.
Established in 1939 as Brazil's third national park, this protected area was created to safeguard river headwaters and preserve the mountainous ecosystem of Serra do Mar.
The park maintains 200 kilometers of hiking trails, including the renowned Petrópolis-Teresópolis crossing, attracting mountaineers and nature enthusiasts from across Brazil.
Entry requires a photo identification and a CPF number, with staff limiting the number of visitors each day at all access points on a first-come basis. Most trails cross wet forest and steep slopes, so closed shoes and drinking water are necessary.
The steepest peaks serve as a training ground for climbers, with many routes requiring several days and overnight stays on the rock faces. Several headwater streams within the reserve later supply drinking water to surrounding towns.
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