Pico das Agulhas Negras

Pico das Agulhas Negras is a summit in the Mantiqueira Mountains located within Itatiaia National Park and rises to 2,791 meters in elevation. The peak is defined by dark needle-like rock formations that stand out dramatically from the surrounding terrain.

Carlos Spierling and Osvaldo Leal achieved the first documented ascent in 1919 after several earlier attempts by other explorers had failed. This climb became an important milestone in the region's mountaineering history.

The name comes from the Tupi language and refers to the rough stone character of the place. Local mountaineers speak of the dark needle-like rock formations as the defining feature of this summit.

The climb begins from the Abrigo Rebouças shelter at 2,350 meters elevation, accessible via a gravel road from the BR-354 highway. The route is demanding and requires solid physical fitness and mountaineering experience.

The rock formations are known for their unusual stability and offer climbers interesting technical challenges during the ascent. These distinctive structures were shaped over millions of years through erosion and weathering in the region's highest elevations.

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Elevation above the sea: 2,791 m

GPS coordinates: -22.38024,-44.66155

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:31