Agulhas Negras

Rio de Janeiro State


Parque Nacional do Itatiaia's highest peak, Agulhas Negras (2791m) gets its name – meaning 'Black Needles' – from the serrated form of its imposing ridgeline. For serious climbers, this is Itatiaia's ultimate challenge.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rio de Janeiro State attractions

1. Prateleiras

1.45 MILES

In the upper section of Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, this jumble of massive boulders is one of the park's highest peaks (2548m) and a favorite climbing…

3. Parque Nacional do Itatiaia

2.9 MILES

Brazil’s oldest national park, Itatiaia shelters a stunning variety of landscapes, from dense rainforests to spare and rugged upland peaks. Most visitors…

4. Itaporani Waterfall

4.02 MILES

Accessible via a 750m trail a few kilometers up the road from park headquarters, this broad series of falls tumbles over rocky shelves into a deep emerald…

5. Véu de Noiva Waterfall

4.25 MILES

Reached by a 500m trail through the forest, a few kilometers up the road from park headquarters, this 40m-high waterfall tumbles down a cliff face into a…

6. Cachoeira do Maromba

4.29 MILES

Just below the point where the lower park road dead-ends, Maromba's waters surge through a rocky gorge into a sun-dappled natural swimming hole.

8. Lago Azul

5.75 MILES

From park headquarters, a 500m trail descends to this natural pool in the Rio Campo Belo, a popular spot for swimming.