Caparaó Mountains, Mountain range in Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, Brazil.
The Caparaó Mountains span the border between Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, covered by dense Atlantic Forest vegetation. The highest peaks reach over 2400 meters and define the landscape with their steep terrain and thick plant cover.
In the 1960s, the mountains served as a hideout for the Guerrilha do Caparaó, an armed resistance group fighting against Brazil's military government. This period left a lasting mark on the region's recent past.
The name Caparaó comes from the Tupi indigenous language and refers to woven structures built in this mountainous region. The land holds deep meaning for local communities as a place shaped by generations of mountain life.
Temperatures at higher elevations regularly drop below freezing, especially in the colder months, so warm clothing is essential. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and factor altitude into their planning.
The range contains several peaks above 2500 meters, including Pico do Calçado and Pico do Cristal, forming part of Brazil's second highest mountain system. These summits often go unnoticed by hikers, yet they offer sweeping views and rare alpine plant species.
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