04. Morgado x Rio da Prata
Section: Morgado x Rio da Prata
Park where this section is located: Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca
Summary
Discover the rural side of Rio in this region known as the "sertão carioca". Of all the sections of the Transcarioca Trail, this one stands out the most for its rural environment amidst the buzz of the metropolis. Enjoy the views from Alto da Bela Vista and Alto da Capelinha. To this day, the section is an important route for agricultural products, especially fruits, organic vegetables and small animal farming. There are several crops grown on local farms by local families for many generations. Attention to an alternative route: in Cabungui at the top of the ridge there is a shorter alternative of the Transcarioca Trail that goes straight to Casa Amarela (point of the next section). In this case, you walk along the top of the mountain without descending to Rio da Prata. The fork is at Alto da Capelinha, one of the main attractions of the section, which can shorten the path by about 6 km.
Orientation
11.5 km
7 h
Climbing: None
Direction
Morgado x Rio da Prata
Direction
Rio da Prata x Morgado
Technical Information
Difficulty
High
Risk
Low
Sun
Medium
Orientation
Difficult
Signage
Partial
Hydration
Yes
Attractions
Viewpoint
Fauna/Flora
Conservation
Poor
Section Map
Interactive Map
Route Description
(Direction West x East / Barra de Guaratiba x Morro da Urca)
From this point we continue on the Main Trail following yellow/black base footprints, crossing a small stream and passing through another banana grove. We walk for (700 m) until a small property on the right and then (350 m) more to go around a house with some chained dogs. After this house we walk another (600 m) until a small clearing on your right. You will go around it and continue climbing for (1.3 km) passing a viewpoint until reaching the top of Bela Vista and start descending an open field. Now we have a privileged view of the West Zone, being able to see the sea on one side and Campo Grande on the other.
In this part the vegetation is grass with "yellow and black striped" signage until entering the forest again. We continue now for another (1.1 km) along a forest trail where you can find several sections with wire fences until a fork. At this point the hiker can choose between continuing straight to the end of the Rio da Prata section (3.1 km) passing a soccer field until a fork with a power tower ahead (exit branch to the Farol da Prata bar/camping) or turning right towards the Rio da Prata x Casa Amarela section towards the Pau da Fome headquarters of the Pedra Branca State Park.
How to Get There
This section of the Transcarioca Trail can be reached by trail at the end of the Grota Funda x Cabungui section. Another option is to start from Estrada dos Bandeirantes via Estrada do Morgado to an orange guardhouse. From this point, turn right and go up until the road becomes an access trail to the Main Trail. It can also be accessed from Campo Grande at Farol da Prata, which offers accommodation and food for hikers. The hike from this point begins with a moderate climb on a signed route to the Main Trail, where hikers can choose between heading towards Cachoeira do Engenho towards Casa Amarela/Pau da Fome or towards Cabungui/Morgado/Grota Funda. You can also take the Cachoeira do Engenho/Alto da Capelinha circuit returning to Farol da Prata in a circular trail.
Trail Entrance
Estrada dos Bandeirantes, Nº 24.845
Trail Exit
Espaço Farol da Prata
Infographic
Attractions
Forest area with viewpoints and climbs to Alto da Capelinha. Don't miss visiting Espaço Farol da Prata with camping area, accommodations, organic fair and healthy food. http://sitiofaroldaprata.blogspot.com.br/
Commerce/Lodging
The only existing commerce is found at the end of the Rio da Prata section towards Campo Grande "Espaço Farol da Prata" where they are accredited by "Movimento Trilha Transcarioca" to serve quality food and lodging to Transcarioca Trail hikers. Tel: 21 3117-2251. http://sitiofaroldaprata.blogspot.com.br/
Water Points
At Cabungui (start of the section) there is a river with good water. Along the route there are small streams with water.
Photos
Historical Facts
Before the Rural Parish of Campo Grande began to prosper, its occupation was influenced by the old Jesuit farm in Santa Cruz. Initially, sugarcane cultivation and cattle raising developed in the region. The work of the Jesuits was extremely important for the development of Rio de Janeiro. In addition to the engineering works they carried out, such as opening canals and building dikes and bridges for the regularization of the Guandu River, the flow of products from the Santa Cruz Farm, originating from sugarcane cultivation and beef production, was done through the Estrada da Fazenda dos Jesuítas, later Estrada Real da Fazenda de Santa Cruz, which went to São Cristóvão and interconnected with other paths and waterways that reached the city center.
As the region was a clearly rural area, the human settlements formed for almost three centuries were restricted to the vicinity of farms and mills and small fishing villages along the coast. By the end of the 18th century, the Parish of Campo Grande began to prosper. In Rio da Prata, Mendanha and near Guaratiba, there are still establishments dedicated to agriculture and livestock. Among the most developed crops are bananas, oranges, mangoes, avocados, cassava, chayote, among others. In livestock and poultry farming, the breeding of birds, goats, pigs, cattle and rabbits stands out.
Source: Wikipedia - Campo Grande
Adopting Group
Ivo Carvalho (Amigos da Zona Oeste – AZO)
Phone: (21)99142-8529
Email: ivo_carvalho@oi.com.br