Pico do Itaguaré, Mountain peak in Serra da Mantiqueira, Brazil
Pico do Itaguaré is a mountain peak in the Serra da Mantiqueira range that rises to approximately 2,300 meters. Its slopes grow increasingly steep and rocky higher up, eventually reaching exposed ridges and bare rock faces near the summit.
The name comes from the Tupi language of the indigenous people and may refer to either a sacred stone or a cracked rock formation. The peak has held significance in the local landscape for centuries as a natural landmark.
Local people call this mountain the 'Sleeping Giant' because its shape looks like a person lying down when seen from Cruzeiro city. This distinctive silhouette is what gives the place its character in the region.
The climb is demanding and requires technical skills on several sections, with good physical fitness needed throughout. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and experience with mountain hiking before attempting this route.
Inside the mountain sits a cave sheltering thousands of tame swallows that have made it their natural home. Access to this place is known by few people and involves a challenging path, keeping it one of the area's hidden secrets.
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