High above the bustling city, a hidden giant sleeps. That giant is Pico do Guandu. It is the culminating point of the Gericinó-Mendanha Massif.
Pico do Guandu stands at an elevation of 975 meters. Its summit marks the meeting point of Nova Iguaçu, Mesquita and Rio de Janeiro. It is a natural tri-point.
The mountain lies within the Serra de Madureira. Its slopes are covered in dense forest. This makes access difficult. There is no defined trail. Hikers must navigate through thick vegetation.
The peak’s vegetation is well-preserved. It is so dense that it obscures panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. Only glimpses of the city can be seen from the top of Pico do Guandu.
The Guandu River originates nearby. This river is vital to Rio de Janeiro. It supplies water to 9 million people in the Greater Rio area. Many tributaries rise in Mendanha State Park. This park covers 4,398 hectares. The Guandu River faces serious pollution issues. It receives raw sewage and industrial waste. This threatens the water supply. CEDAE, the state’s water company, acknowledges the challenge of purifying the river’s waters.
Adventurers seeking to conquer Pico do Guandu should be prepared. The journey often begins via the Serra do Vulcão. This route has been viewed 2551 times and downloaded 43 times according to Wikiloc.
Hikers attempting the final ascent should possess strong navigational skills. The trail is often unclear. Some rely on GPS or look for machete marks on trees. Getting lost is easy.
Local hikers sometimes ascend via Chatuba. This route passes the Rampa do Sinai. Christians gather here for prayer. Paragliders launch from this point. Military presence was once common in the area. Now, only the Gericinó field remains active.
The mountain is a haven for flora researchers. Gabriel Stive, a flora researcher is seeking assistance and guidance to do the trail on Pico do Guandu, more than once, to find some plants for his Doctoral research. He was told that it is also possible to arrive through the PNM of Nova Iguaçu.
Despite its challenges, Pico do Guandu offers a unique experience. It provides a sense of isolation and connection with nature.