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The Pedra do Baú rock complex, which in addition to Baú also includes Bauzinho and Ana Chata, is one of the classic destinations Mantiqueira Mountain Range and, without a doubt, is also among the most beautiful.

Located in the municipality of São Bento do Sapucaí, the complex can be accessed from either São Bento or Campos do Jordão. If you prefer a city with plenty of dining, lodging and nightlife options, stay in Campos do Jordão. But if you prefer a smaller and quieter town, stay in charming São Bento, where you can see the formations directly from the city.

This rock complex is very famous among climbers, but if you’re not a rock climber, you can also reach the summit of Bauzinho and Ana Chata simply by walking or, in the case of Pedra do Baú, using a via ferrata, which is an iron ladder attached to the rock. It’s not mandatory to hire a guide to climb Baú, but it is mandatory to wear a helmet, harness, and two safety devices — either two slings and carabiners or a lanyard. If you’re inexperienced using this equipment, I strongly recommend climbing with a guide. If you know how to use the equipment but don’t have it, you can rent it in São Bento.

For those in a hurry or feeling lazy, I recommend the Bauzinho trail, as it’s the easiest and, in my opinion, it has the most beautiful viewpoint. But if you have time, take the three-peak route and enjoy views of Baú from every angle, not to mention the view from the summit of Pedra do Baú, the highest peak in the region, at 1,950 meters above sea level.

There are three places to start the Three Summits Trail: the official entrance to MONA (State Natural Monument of Pedra do Baú, which is the official name of this conservation unit); the parking lot of Pedra do Baú Restaurant; the parking lot of Chico Bento trail.

The advantage of starting at the MONA entrance is that you’ll start at a higher altitude than at the other parking lots, and after sunset you’ll be very close to your car. The disadvantage is that this entrance only opens at 9:00 a.m., so it’ll be difficult to reach the summit of Baú before it’s already crowded.

Another option is to start at Pedra do Baú Restaurant parking lot, but as it is not open at night, you will have to finish the trail during the day and will miss the sunset at Bauzinho.

Finally, my preferred option is Chico Bento Trail parking lot, and this preference is because, even though it’s the longest trail, there’s no set time to pick up the car. Just remember that after sunset at Bauzinho you’ll have to hike almost 4 km in the dark, so only do this trail if you’re used to it and have good flashlights. If you don’t want to hike at night, opt for the MONA parking lot.

Starting at Chico Bento parking lot, the trail is 10 km long (round trip, passing through the three peaks) and has an elevation gain of 1,100 meters, so don’t be fooled by the short distance because there is a lot of climbing involved.

Click to open my Wikiloc page and download the GPX file for your GPS.

Pedra do Baú and São Bento do Sapucaí (below the fog) seen at dawn.

In winter, the city it’s usually covered in fog early in the morning. Photo taken on the road to Chico Bento Trail parking lot.

Via ferrata of Pedra do Baú.

Ana Chata seen from the climb of Pedra do Baú.

São Bento do Sapucaí seen from Pedra do Baú summit.

Bauzinho seen from Pedra do Baú.

360-degree photo at the summit of Pedra do Baú. Click to open and rotate it.

To get to Ana Chata summit you have to pass through a small cave, from where you have this view of Pedra do Baú.

Pedra do Baú seen from Ana Chata.

360-degree photo at the summit of Ana Chata. Click to open and rotate it.

Pedra do Baú seen from Bauzinho.

Sunset at Bauzinho with a view to Pedra do Baú.

360-degree photo at the summit of Bauzinho. Click to open and rotate it.