Morro da Placa

Gazing towards the summit of Morro da Placa, can you imagine the challenge of reaching that distinct landmark? Morro da Placa isn’t just a peak. It’s a beacon, visible for miles around, including from the air. This isn’t by accident. The massive white and orange checkered structure crowning Morro da Placa isn’t there for hikers to admire. It serves a crucial function as an air traffic reference point. Pilots, even the most myopic ones, rely on this 25-meter high, 15-meter wide sign to navigate the skies above Cajamar. The climb to the top isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a winding path up a sometimes steep and exposed slope, leading through changing terrain, from dusty roads to shady forests and scrubland. But the panoramic vista that unfolds from Morro da Placa is worth every ounce of effort. From this vantage point, you can take in the entire journey you’ve just completed. You can spot Cajamar, Jordanésia, Polvilho, and even the distant Pico do Jaraguá to the south. Turning north, the emerald wall of the Serra do Japi stretches before you, along with views of Jundiaí, Franco da Rocha, Caieiras, Santana do Parnaíba, and Pirapora do Bom Jesus. With a bit of focus, you might even make out Morro Negro in the Serra do Voturuna to the west. Morro da Placa is more than just a peak; it’s a launching pad for further adventures. The main ridge offers paths to Jundiaí or Japiapá to the north. To the south, you could extend your trek to the “Fornos de Ponunduva,” historic kilns along the Rio Ponunduva valley towards Pirapora do Bom Jesus. Morro da Placa sits at the heart of a network of thrilling possibilities, each waiting to be explored.