Conquering Pedra da Mina ('Water Spring Rock'): A Tale of Rain, Wind, and One Very Stubborn Mountain.

**Day 1: The Ascent – Or, How I Learned to Love the Pain**

I woke up at the crack of dawn, fueled by a hearty breakfast at Hostel El Refúgio Rosetal in Itanhandu, Minas Gerais. Little did I know, this would be the last warm meal I’d truly enjoy for the next 24 hours. Our trusty steed for the day? A vintage Kombi (VW van) that rattled its way to Paiolinho, the starting point of our epic trek.

The trail greeted me with open arms—and by "open arms," I mean relentless uphill climbs, technical rock scrambles, and a cruel sense of humor. First up was the infamous *Deus-me-livre* (which roughly translates to "God-free-me"), a never-ending mountain that made me question every life choice that led me here. Next, the *Enganador* (or "The Trickster"), a false summit that mocked me with its fake promise of victory.

But finally, after what felt like a lifetime of sweat, tears, and questionable decisions, I reached the summit of Pedra da Mina "Water Spring Rock"—the fourth highest peak in Brazil and the crown jewel of the Mantiqueira Range. The view? Breathtaking. The weather? Less so. Rain poured down like the sky had a personal vendetta against me, the wind howled like a pack of angry wolves, and the cold? Let’s just say I’ve felt warmer in a freezer.

Dinner was a soggy affair, courtesy of the Entre Picos team. No campfire stories, no drinks, just the soothing sound of rain pounding on our tents and wind trying to blow us off the mountain. Safe to say, my tent became my fortress of solitude.

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**Day 2: The Descent – Or, How I Survived the Mountain’s Revenge**

I woke up early, hoping for a majestic sunrise. Instead, I got dark clouds and the ominous promise of more rain. Breakfast was served right on the summit, because apparently, eating pancakes at 2,798 meters (9,180-foot) is a thing. Spoiler: It’s cold.

The descent was a race against time and weather. We retraced our steps (and our regrets) back to Paiolinho, where our trusty Kombi awaited to whisk us back to civilization. As I collapsed into the van, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of accomplishment. Sure, I was wet, cold, and probably smelled like a wet dog, but I had conquered Pedra da Mina.

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**Technical Details (Because I Like to Brag):**

- **Physical Difficulty:** Hard/Advanced (aka "Why did I sign up for this?")

- **Technical Difficulty:** Moderate (aka "I’m basically a mountain goat now.")

- **Total Distance:** 13km / 8,07 miles (aka "Feels like 130km / 80,77m") each way

- **Total Elevation Gain:** 1,300m / 4,265ft (aka "My legs hate me.")

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**Final Thoughts:**

If you’re looking to level up your trekking game and experience the raw, unfiltered beauty (and brutality) of Serra Fina, this is the trek for you. Just don’t forget your rain gear, a sense of humor, and maybe a therapist for when you’re halfway up *Deus-me-livre*.

Pedra da Mina, you win this round. But I’ll be back.

***

10 highest in Brazil:

Neblina -2.995,30
31 de março -2.974,18
Bandeira- 2.891,32 ✅
Pedra da Mina - 2.798,06 ✅
Agulhas Negras - 2.790,94 ✅
Cristal - 2.769,05 ✅
Monte Roraima - 2.734,05
Morro do Couto - 2.680
Pedra do Sino de Itatiaia - 2.670
Pico dos Três Estados - 2.665

PS My personal record is the Veintimilla Summit at 6,234 meters (20,452 ft) SML, 'El Chimborazo' Volcano at 6,263 meters (20,702 ft) SML, Equador.

The summit of Mount Everest is higher above sea level, but the summit of Chimborazo is widely reported to be the farthest point on the surface from Earth's center.

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Taken in: Brazil / São Paulo / Campo Alegre (show map)

Taken on: August 24, 2024

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