Pico do Itambé, Mountain summit in Espinhaço Mountains, Brazil.
Pico do Itambé is a 2,062 meter mountain peak in the Espinhaço Mountains in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The summit is surrounded by dense forests and varied landscapes that change as you move from lower elevations toward the rocky top.
A protected park surrounding the peak was established by decree in 1998 and later integrated into a larger conservation network in 2010. This formal protection has helped preserve the region's natural diversity over time.
The name comes from indigenous languages and means sharp stone, reflecting the deep connection local people have with this distinctive mountain. Visitors today can see how the peak shapes the region's identity and remains woven into daily life here.
To reach the summit, visitors need permission from park authorities and then follow a trail marked with white arrows that extends about 3.5 kilometers. The climb is demanding, so plan for several hours and bring plenty of water.
Scientists have discovered two animal species found nowhere else in the world near this peak: a bromeliad plant in 2007 and an amphibian in 2011. These rare discoveries show how important the area is for global biodiversity.
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