The 5 Lakes and Pedra do Altar Circuit in Itatiaia National Park is an ideal itinerary for beginners in mountaineering, trekking, or families with children who are used to hiking tours. The route offers stunning landscapes, contact with unspoiled nature, and learning about the fauna, flora and geology of the Mantiqueira Mountains.

The meeting takes place in the Garganta do Registro, at the Bar do Miguelzinho, a traditional meeting point for mountaineers. From there, the group follows the dirt road to the park entrance, starting the hike at approximately 2,400 metres on the Itatiaia Plateau, an area of highland grasslands with low vegetation, hardy shrubs, and endemic species.

The route is about 12 km long and is in the form of a crossing, allowing you to explore a large part of the park without repeating sections. During the hike, participants follow marked hiking tours, cross streams, traverse rocky areas, and observe impressive geological formations.
Along the way, they find the five high-altitude lakes, which reflect the mountains and the sky, creating perfect settings for photos and contemplation. Each lake has its own characteristics, surrounded by rocks or undergrowth, with the opportunity to observe birds and small animals typical of the high-altitude environment.
The highest point is Pedra do Altar, at 2,665 metres, the 11th highest mountain in Brazil. There, the group takes a break for a snack and rest, taking in views of Agulhas Negras Peak, Couto Hill, and the park's valleys and peaks. The experience provides a unique feeling of accomplishment and connection with nature.
After the break, the hiking tour continues along the base of Agulhas Negras to Abrigo Rebouças, the highest refuge in the country. The return is along the road to the entrance, ending the route around 4:00 PM. Despite the 12 km, the circuit is an easy level one, with few ascents and descents, low technical difficulty and few natural obstacles, suitable for people with a basic level of physical fitness or children with experience in short hiking tours.
The package includes a certified guide, admission to Itatiaia National Park, travel insurance, and a group first aid kit. Does not include transport, parking, snacks or drinks. It is recommended to bring a small backpack (20L), snack, comfortable boots, raincoat or anorak, hat or cap, sun cream, and a water bottle with at least 1 litre of water.
This itinerary is more than a hiking tour: it is an immersion in Brazilian mountaineering, among lakes and mountains, providing adventure, contemplation, and learning in one of the most important parks in the country.