Pico Parana – Curitiba – Brazil - 2 days
About
Pico Parana – Curitiba – Brazil - May until NovemberPico Parana is the highest mountain in southern Brazil and highest of Serra do Mar massif. It is certainly one of the most spectacular mountains of Brazil, both for its scenic beauty and for its history. Motivated by scientific research carried out by the famous German geographer Reinhard Maack, Pico Parana was first climbed in 1941 by Rudolf Stamm and Alfred Mysing. They wanted to discover the true altitude of the mountain.
PP is not an easy mountain and certainly physically quite demanding. It requires basic experience for the most exposed parts. These are climbed by metal steps and do not require climbing equipment.
Requirements for joining this expedition are:
- Will to have fun;
- Basic trekking experience;
- Good health and physical prepared;
- Fill the booking and medical form;
- Read all the information available in this website.
Itinerary
Pico Parana – Curitiba – Brazil - 2 daysDay 1 – Curitiba – Pico Itapiroca
After meeting at 7am for the briefing and equipment check, the depart is at 8am from Curitiba. The drive will take about 1 hour to the start of the trek. Initially through forest and later through open fields, the trek takes about 5 hours to the summit plateau of Itapiroca that allows great views of Pico Parana. Included: transport, tax for PP entry, trail snack, dinner and night in a tent.
Day 2 – Itapiroca – Pico Paraná – Curitiba
After a nice breakfast at 7am, we start moving towards Pico Parana fast and light as we stash our heavy camping equipment on the way between the two mountains. After 3 hours we reach the summit of Pico Parana, enjoy the views while eating lunch and then start moving back down. The descent back to the cars might take 4 to 5 hours and we should get back to Curitiba just before night. Included: breakfast, lunch, trail snack and transport.
** The above itinerary is subject to change due weather conditions, performance of the group, political / administrative problems and any other events not described.
Equipment
Having good mountaineering equipment is one of the key points to have a safe and enjoyable trek. Please note all your personal equipment will be checked by our guide. All equipment can be purchased in Curitiba, we recommend you to do so a day in advance.
Head
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Sunglasses (cat 3 or 4)
With side protection to fit your face
Quantity: OPTIONAL -
Sunscreen and lip balm
30 FPS or more
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Headtorch
Working headtorch and spare batteries
Torso
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Snowproof jacket
A good snow, rain and windproof jacket
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T-shirt
Synthetic fibre long or short sleeve t-shirt
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Fleece jacket
Used alone or as part of a layer system for better performance
Legs
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Trekking pants
Light trekking pants
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Snowproof pants
Goretex or similar pants will be used for high wind or during snow conditions
Hands
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Gloves
Fleece or polartec gloves for every day use
Feet
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Trekking boots
Waterproof trekking boots, try wearing them before the expedition
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Trekking socks
Good thick trekking socks
Other Equipment
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Carbo gels
These gels help out on recovery
Quantity: 1 -
Stuff sacks or bin bags
Helps to keep your stuff dry and organised
Quantity: 1 -
Sleeping Bag
A good down sleeping
Quantity: -5C (Comfort temperature) -
Rucksack
A decent rucksack with hip belt and rain cover
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Altitude medicine
Our guides already have pretty much any drugs you might need during any trip. However, it would be great if you could have a spare tab of the most used drugs:
Ibuprofen (Advil)– This is an anti-inflammatory and works great for high altitude head aches
Loperamide (Imodium) – controls diarrea (not to be used in case of digestive infections. Ask our guides) -
Personal Hygiene kit
Soap, tooth brus, come, etc
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Sleeping mattress
We prefer taking 2 foam sleeping mattress because of sharp rocks. If you have an inflatable mattress you should also bring a foam mattress to protect the inflatable one against sharp rocks. Don’t forget bringing a repair kit if you have an inflatable mattress.
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Water bottle
Nalgene 1 litre bottles or similar are great for expeditions! We prefer to not use camelbacks as its hose pipe might freeze
Quantity: 1 x 1 litre or 2 x 600ml -
Trekking poles
Gives you more stability during walk and summit push.
FAQ
What’s the best time of the year to go?
Although PP can be climbed pretty much any time of the year, we prefer to limit it to the drier months of the year. Climbing PP during the wet season can be a nightmare and we don’t want that.
I don’t have quite a lot of trekking equipment, can I get it in Curitiba?
Yes! As our client you can get a great discount at our partner’s shop LojaAltaMontanha.com. Let us know what you need. We can even get the equipment to be sent to us and hand it over to you just before the trek.
Are there toilets on Pico Parana?
We will spend the night in tents in a wilderness camp with no toilet facilities or any sort of structures.
What if weather is bad?
Winter months usually have the best weather conditions (dryer). However Serra do Mar is one of the wettest places in Brazil. We will be monitoring weather forecast and decide if the trip is happening a day before. If weather is bad we will cancel the trip and postpone it.
Do you include any equipment?
We include group gear such as kitchen and camping equipment. In addition we will take a first-aid kit. All individual equipment such as jackets, socks, backpack, etc, is not included.
Can small children go as well?
13 year old kids or older are very welcome, provided they are active and have basic experience.
What if I get hurt?
Our guides are trained rescuers and carry a complete first aid kit.
Are there any group discounts?
Yes, please check the cost tab.
Can I drive to the base of Pico Parana?
Yes. Your car can be parked safely for the night and there’s no additional cost.
I’m not in Curitiba, can you organise transport from somewhere else?
Yes, please let us know where you are so we can check your best options.
What if it rains during the trek and we cannot make it to the top?
Our priority is safety. Even with some adverse conditions, we can make it to the summit. If any participant cannot attend the new date, the money will be returned.
I’m a vegetarian, will you serve vegetarian food?
Yes, we base our menu on whatever dietary restrictions you’ve listed in the booking form. Let us know if you have any dietary restrictions ASAP.
Do you serve food for the walks?
Trail snacks will be prepared by the guides. These are light meals such as chocolates, sports drinks, sandwiches, etc. We normally add fruit such as apples and pears.
Is there an age limit to participate in this trip?
We accept adventurers from 13 to 65 years old.
What’s the experience needed for this trip?
It is important that you have already done any sort of treks before, preferably on mountains. It is essential that you have no fear of heights as we’ll pass over some very exposed cliffs.
Map
Cost
Expedition cost varies according to the number of participants, contact us to know payment methods:
Price for 1 person: U$ 315
Price for 2 persons: U$ 300
Price for 3 persons: U$ 285
Price for 4 persons: U$ 265
Price for 5 persons: U$ 245
Price for 6 persons: U$ 205
What’s included:
- English speaking leader guide;
- 1 or 2 local guides depending upon the number of clients;
- breakfasts, lunch, dinners and trail snacks;
- Tents, pots, gas and all group gear;
- First aid kit;
- Transport Curitiba > Trail > Curitiba;
What’s not included:
- Transport to Curitiba (we can arrange it for you, let us know where you are)
- Personal equipment (check equipment tab);
- Food and drinks at Curitiba;
- Dinner on last day;
- Money return in case you abandon the trip;
- Travel insurance;
- Reimbursement for loss or damage of your personal equipment.