Morro do Couto
Morro do Couto: Brazil's 8th highest peak offering beginner-friendly hikes and breathtaking 360° views in Itatiaia National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, cooler temps
Morro do Couto
Best Time
Clearer views, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Morro do Couto: Brazil's 8th highest peak offering beginner-friendly hikes and breathtaking 360° views in Itatiaia National Park.
"The summit offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the Itatiaia Plateau."
🥾 Beginner-Friendly Hike
Excellent for beginners! Mostly flat with a fun rock scramble at the end.
💧 Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and warm layers. Mountain weather changes quickly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
360° Summit Views
Summit of Morro do Couto
Panoramic vistas of Itatiaia Plateau, Agulhas Negras, and surrounding peaks. A true reward for your climb.
The Rock Scramble
Final ascent to the summit
A fun, short rock-climbing section that adds a touch of adventure to the hike.
Altitude and Scenery
Throughout the trail
Experience Brazil's 8th highest peak (2,680m) with diverse flora and fauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Park Entry & Trail Access
Trail Difficulty & What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Beginner-Friendly Hike
Excellent for beginners! Mostly flat with a fun rock scramble at the end.
💧 Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and warm layers. Mountain weather changes quickly!
🚗 Improved Access Road
The road to the park is much better now, making the journey smoother.
📸 Capture the Views
The 360° summit views are breathtaking and a must-photograph moment. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Beginner-Friendly Hike
Excellent for beginners! Mostly flat with a fun rock scramble at the end.
💧 Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and warm layers. Mountain weather changes quickly!
🚗 Improved Access Road
The road to the park is much better now, making the journey smoother.
📸 Capture the Views
The 360° summit views are breathtaking and a must-photograph moment.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Follow park guidelines for waste disposal, especially for human waste.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Morro do Couto's stunning panoramic views and its accessibility for beginners. The well-maintained trail and the manageable rock scramble are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects. While generally positive, some may find the final ascent a bit challenging if unprepared.
"A trilha do morro do couto fica dentro do parque nacional de Itatiaia. Não tem limite de pessoas e não é necessário guia, tornando-se mais simples de programar o passeio.
É uma trilha de nível leve, boa parte plana e com uma bela paisagem. para chegar no cume, ponto mais alto, é necessário um esforço maior, subindo algumas pedras - escalaminhada. Mas independente se vai até o ponto mais alto ou não vale a pena. Uma vista incrível.
Sempre levar água e alguns lanches simples e leves como frutas. Passar protetor e se agasalhar."
Willian M
"Um dos picos mais altos do Brasil, mas de fácil acesso. Pequeno trecho de sobe pedras, mas feito com tranquilidade é muito agradável. O pessoal que cuida do parque tem feito um excelente trabalho de cuidado e manutenção. Esse pico não tem livro para assinar."
Rebeka Anbinder
"O Morro do Couto fica localizado dentro do Parque Nacional do Itatiaia e é uma trilha leve que pode ser feita sem guia. Em alguns trechos é necessário fazer um trepa pedra mas não é necessário equipamentos de escalada e nada do tipo. A trilha é bem sinalizada e tem vista para o Agulhas, Pedra do Altar e Asa de Hermes, visu incrível."
Monique Ambrosio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Morro do Couto is located within the Itatiaia National Park. The access road to the park has been significantly improved, making it easier to reach. You can typically access the park via Itamonte, MG, or other nearby towns.
Public transportation options directly to the park entrance can be limited. It's often recommended to travel by car or arrange private transport. Check local tourism websites for the most up-to-date information on transport links.
The trailhead is within the Itatiaia National Park. Once inside the park, follow the signs for Morro do Couto. The improved road makes driving to the park a convenient option.
It's advisable to check the official website of Itatiaia National Park for current entrance fees and operating hours, as these can change.
No, you cannot drive to the summit. The trail involves hiking and a short section of rock scrambling to reach the peak.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no limits on the number of people and guides are not required for Morro do Couto, making it simple to plan your visit without advance booking.
A guide is not mandatory for the Morro do Couto trail, making it accessible for independent hikers. +1
Park hours can vary. It's best to consult the official Itatiaia National Park website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date opening and closing times.
While there are no specific entry limits for Morro do Couto, always be aware of park regulations regarding pets, fires, and waste disposal to help preserve the natural environment.
While there might not be a dedicated visitor center directly at the Morro do Couto trailhead, the Itatiaia National Park generally has facilities and information points. Check park maps upon arrival.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Morro do Couto trail is considered easy to moderate, ideal for beginners. It's mostly flat with a short, manageable rock-scrambling section near the summit. +1
The hike is approximately 6 km round trip. It typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
The summit offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the Itatiaia Plateau, Agulhas Negras, Pedra do Altar, Asa de Hermes, and the Serra Fina. +1
Yes, the trail is generally well-marked, making it easy to follow even without a guide.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. Layers are recommended as mountain weather can change rapidly. Bring a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no food services or restaurants directly at the Morro do Couto trailhead or on the trail itself. It's essential to bring your own food and drinks.
Light and energy-rich snacks are ideal. Think fruits, nuts, energy bars, and sandwiches. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so bring plenty of water.
Picnicking is a great idea! Find a scenic spot along the trail or at the summit to enjoy your packed meal. Remember to pack out all your trash.
After your hike, you can find dining options in nearby towns like Itamonte or Penedo, which offer various restaurants and cafes.
Fires and open cooking are generally prohibited within national parks to protect the environment. Always adhere to park regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible 360-degree panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The rock formations along the trail and the unique flora also make for great shots.
Mornings often provide clearer skies and softer light, ideal for photography. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour light, but be mindful of the time needed to descend before dark.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of Morro do Couto. If you're serious about landscape photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens would be beneficial.
The summit itself is the primary viewpoint. However, keep an eye out for interesting rock formations and clearings along the trail that offer unique perspectives.
Popular hashtags include #morrodocouto, #parquenacionaldoitatiaia, #itatiaia, #trekkingbrasil, #montanhismo, and #trilhas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Emphasize the importance of staying on marked trails and respecting the park's environment. The stunning summit views provide a fantastic reward and a memorable experience for the whole family. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed outing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Beginners
It's always wise for solo hikers to inform someone of their plans, carry a fully charged phone, and pack essential safety items. The welcoming environment of the Itatiaia National Park and the clear trail make it an ideal destination to start your hiking journey. The breathtaking views from the summit are a fantastic motivator and a testament to what you can achieve.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive panoramas. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely find yourself taking far more photos than you initially planned!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Morro do Couto Trail Experience
The final ascent to the summit is where the trail introduces a bit of excitement. It involves a short, manageable section of rock scrambling, often referred to as 'trepa pedra'. This isn't technical climbing and doesn't require specialized equipment, but it does add a fun, adventurous element to the hike. Even if you don't reach the very top, the views along the way are considered well worth the effort.
Hikers are advised to come prepared with essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing. The mountain weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key. The trail is well-marked, and a guide is not necessary, empowering visitors to explore independently.
Summit Views and Natural Grandeur
+2The surrounding landscape is a testament to the ecological richness of the Itatiaia National Park. The trail itself showcases the unique high-altitude campos de altitude (altitude fields) and the resilient vegetation adapted to these conditions. The park's commitment to conservation is evident, with efforts to maintain the natural environment, including guidelines for responsible waste disposal.
This majestic peak is more than just a high point; it's a gateway to experiencing the serene beauty and grandeur of one of Brazil's most important natural reserves. The combination of an accessible trail and spectacular summit views makes Morro do Couto a highly recommended destination for nature lovers and hikers of all levels.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit