Itabira Natural Monument, Natural monument in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Brazil

The Itabira Natural Monument is a protected area featuring a striking vertical rock formation that resembles an upward-pointing finger. The site spans several hundred hectares and contains remaining fragments of Atlantic Forest vegetation.

The Itabira Sustainable Development Reserve was created by municipal decree 6159 of 25 August 1988, covering 104.75 hectares. In 2002 it became part of the Central Atlantic Forest Ecological Corridor. Municipal law 5774 of 3 October 2005 recategorized it as the Itabira Natural Monument, and in November 2014 it was enrolled in the National Register of Conservation Units (CNUC), making it eligible for environmental compensation funds and management assistance.

The name Itabira comes from the Tupi-Guarani language and refers to the steep rocky features that define the landscape. Visitors can see this linguistic origin reflected in the distinctive shape of the place itself.

The monument is located near Cachoeiro de Itapemirim and is best explored on foot, with hiking and rock climbing being popular activities. Visitors should bring good footwear and water, as the rock formations are steep and sun exposure can be intense.

The Pedra do Itabira, the vertical rock at the heart of the monument, was first climbed in 1947. The 452-hectare site lies about 6 km from the centre of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim and also draws mountain bikers and mountaineers.