Pico da Rajada, Mountain summit in Maranguape, Brazil

Pico da Rajada, also called Pedra da Rajada, is a natural rock formation on the Serra de Maranguape in Maranguape, Ceará, at about 1,000 metres; the summit itself is given as 920 metres. It is the third-highest point in Ceará. Its name comes from the strong wind gusts felt there. Two main trails lead up, the Gavião and the Pirapora.

Indigenous peoples lived in the region around Pico da Rajada long before European settlers arrived in the state of Ceara. The mountain has been part of the area's history for centuries.

The name Pedra da Rajada comes from the strong wind gusts felt at the top. A local legend says huge chains once held the rock so it would not roll down the Serra and destroy Maranguape; the story was long passed between generations but is now seldom told to children. The old cruzeiro built in 1944 on the Gavião trail still serves as a meeting point for prayers.

The best time to hike is during the dry season when weather is more stable at higher elevations. Bring good walking shoes and water, as conditions can change quickly on the mountain.

From the peak you can see across the northeastern Brazilian landscape and choose from several hiking trails of different difficulty levels. This variety makes the summit accessible to different types of visitors with varying experience.