05. Rio da Prata x Casa Amarela
Section: Rio da Prata x Casa Amarela
Park where this section is located: Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca
Summary
To access this section from the asphalt, you first need to take a connecting trail. From Pau da Fome, a two-hour trail connects the Pedra Branca Park headquarters to Casa Amarela, an old house of the Engenho Santa Bárbara. Since the section is at the top of the mountain range, you feel like you are in a wild environment, perfect for enjoying the silence and the sounds of the forest. Along the way, varied vegetation, several springs, rare bromeliads, giant ferns, a 250-year-old jequitibá tree and historic "pé de moleque" stone pavements. The highlight of the section is Alto do Mangalarga, with a 360º view of the Pedra Branca Massif, from where you can also see the Tijuca Massif, Guanabara Bay and Pedra do Quilombo, as well as the coastline of Barra da Tijuca, Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Grumari and Restinga da Marambaia. Don't miss the round trip to Pico da Pedra Branca, the highest point of the Transcarioca Trail, at 1,024 m. An alternative is to take the trail that connects Cabungui to Casa Amarela without needing to descend to Rio da Prata, or in the opposite direction, take the trail that connects Casa Amarela to Cabungui without descending to Rio da Prata.
Orientation
8 km
5 h
Climbing: None
Direction
Rio da Prata x Casa Amarela
Direction
Casa Amarela x Rio da Prata
Technical Information
Difficulty
High
Risk
Low
Sun
Medium
Orientation
Moderate
Signage
Complete
Hydration
Yes
Attractions
Viewpoint
Fauna/Flora
Conservation
Good
Waterfall
Section Map
Interactive Map
Route Description
(Direction West x East / Barra de Guaratiba x Morro da Urca)
Starting from "Espaço Farol da Prata" we follow the signage for (600 m) until reaching the Main Trail. From this point we climb towards Cachoeira do Engenho (1.6 km) following yellow/black base footprints. Swimming is recommended, but the water is not suitable for drinking. We now climb another (280 m) to the centenary Jequitibá tree and from this point another (1.2 km) to the fork: left to Casa Amarela or right towards Rio da Prata x Cabungui x Grota Funda with black/yellow base footprints.
From this fork we walk towards Casa Amarela for another (300 m) until we find a house on the left and a viewpoint on the right where you can see a large part of the west zone. Now we pick up the pace for (1.7 km) between houses and forest until a stream with a water spout where a stop for hydration and snack is recommended. Continuing the hike through the forest, we go another (660 m) to a fork to the right that leads to Alto do Manga Larga. This is a short out-and-back section where you can see the sea, forests, Recreio dos Bandeirantes and Grumari. Returning to the Main Trail, you will soon see the ruins of a small house in the middle of the forest. Walking firmly for (1.6 km) you will have on your left the entrance (out-and-back) to Pico da Pedra Branca with (2.8 km) of hiking to the peak. Be careful when deciding to go to the peak, as the hike is long and steep and depending on the time of year, daylight in the forest disappears quickly.
Following the Main Trail we now have a reasonable descent of (800 m) to Casa Amarela where the section ends. From this point the only option to return to asphalt is to descend the trail to the left towards the Pau da Fome headquarters of the Pedra Branca State Park (3.7 km).
How to Get There
This section of the Transcarioca Trail can be reached from "Espaço Farol da Prata" in Rio da Prata, Campo Grande, or from the previous section coming from Cabungui. It can also be accessed through the Pedra Branca State Park headquarters coming from Largo da Taquara, where there is a BRT station and several vans that go to the park entrance.
Trail Entrance
Espaço Farol da Prata
Trail Exit
Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, Sede Pau da Fome
Infographic
Attractions
Cachoeira do Engenho waterfall, Centenary Jequitibá tree, Alto Manga Larga, viewpoints, native forest, Pedra Branca State Park headquarters, Pico da Pedra Branca (the highest point in the city). Don't miss visiting Espaço Farol da Prata with camping area, accommodations, organic fair and healthy food. http://sitiofaroldaprata.blogspot.com.br/
Commerce/Lodging
In Rio da Prata we have "Espaço Farol da Prata" where they are accredited by "Movimento Trilha Transcarioca" to serve quality food and lodging to hikers. Tel: 21 3117-2251. http://sitiofaroldaprata.blogspot.com.br/
Upon arriving at the Pau da Fome headquarters of the Pedra Branca State Park, a few meters away there is the great kiosk of Sr. João serving sugarcane juice, cassava puff pastries and other snacks.
Water Points
There are several water points along the trail.
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
Monique C. Lopes Cardoso / Elias da Costa Cardoso
Phone: (21)97235-5657