Pico Paraná – Climbing Notes
Pico Paraná climbing notes shared by Mountain-Forecast users
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(NOTE: Texts may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
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August 07, 2024
Laza Musiek from Brazil
Pico Paraná cannot be considered an easy trail: it is long and requires prior preparation. It is not recommended for beginners. For all intents and purposes, it is considered a "moderate" level trail, with segments that demand a lot of attention. Plan for at least 6 hours of hiking to reach the summit. Those with good experience and preparation may do it in 4 to 5 hours.
The best months to hike, without a doubt, are the winter months in the southern hemisphere, especially June, July, and August, because this is when the average precipitation is lower, the trails are drier, and insects are much less prevalent. However, the cold can be an issue for some: it is not uncommon to encounter freezing rain or snow at the summit, and the wind chill can drop to -10 degrees Celsius on the coldest mornings, so it is advisable to be prepared. Aside from the temperature spikes caused by seasonal polar air masses, the typical minimum temperatures recorded during this period range between +2 and +5 degrees Celsius.
Despite being the highest peak in the range, Pico Paraná is not considered the most difficult climb in the area. This is a subject of controversy among local mountaineers, who cannot decide whether the title belongs to Ferraria, Taipabuçu, Ciririca, or Agudo da Cotia peaks.
For less experienced hikers, it is highly suggested to climb some other peaks considered less demanding before heading to Pico Paraná. In the same section of it, there are Itapiroca and Caratuva peaks, the latter being a bit more difficult than the former but still at a friendly level for beginners. A few kilometers to the south, but still in the same mountain range, are Camapuã and Tucum, excellent mountains for beginners, which can be conquered in around a 3-hour hike.
It is highly recommended to use GPS and pre-recorded tracks in applications like Wikiloc on the mountain. The region is vast, and it is not uncommon for mountaineers to lose their way. A miscalculation in the route can take many hours or even days to correct. Depending on the weather, rainfall, and the movement of hikers, the trails can vary greatly within a few days. Paths in dense forest can quickly become overgrown after consecutive rainy days and/or little hiking activity. Even without rain, the humidity levels are always high, and it is possible that some sections of the trails (or even the terrain at the summits) to be in very difficult conditions due to mud accumulation, which dries in a slower pace during the winter.
Additional care is also needed with rocks, roots, and gullies that suddenly appear along the trails. The risk of ankle sprain should not be underestimated, and rescue options are very limited in these mountains as they are quite remote. It is recommended to be very careful with each step and to complete the routes calmly, without rushing, to minimize the possibility of injuries.
Access is through farms located in private areas, with free passage, but a small fee (around 3-5 USD) is charged per person for conservation purposes. Parking is available for an extra fee. One of the farms (Sítio Pico Paraná) gives access to trails that lead directly to the Pico Paraná-Caratuva-Itapiroca-Ferraria complex, and the other (Sítio do Bolinha) leads to the Camapuã-Tucum-Ciririca set. Both trails are connected at some points and it's virtually possible to hike from one farm to another, although after an endeavor of many hours. Both farms are located at the end of dirt roads, approximately 6 km from the Curitiba-São Paulo highway.
There is no public transportation to the area. The mountains and the farms that provide access to them are about 40 km from downtown Curitiba. Basically, transportation is only possible by private car, but it's possible, although challenging, to negotiate with a taxi/uber to reach the farms. To return, these options are not available, since there are no taxi/uber coverage on the area. If you aren't in a group with local people, the only comprehensive ways to secure your way back are to pre-schedule your driver, or to rent a car and drive yourself to the farms, by far the most convenient option and cost-effective if you're in a group of at least 3 people.
Generally, adventurers schedule accommodation in Curitiba, a large city with a lot of options and amenities. While in Curitiba, exercise common sense when walking in public areas and take precautions you commonly need in large metropolitan areas. For overnight stays, less distant options are limited, but it is possible to find simple hotels in the municipality of Quatro Barras, 20 km from the farms, or in small establishments along the highway, still at least 10 km from the access to the mountains.
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May 31, 2021
Jão da montanha from Brazil
Os melhores meses para realização da trilha do PP e também outras no sul do Brasil são na alta do inverno. Sendo o fim de abril, maio, junho, julho e agosto os melhores meses. Com clima seco e céu aberto. Início de setembro já temos clima em transição para a primavera, que começa aqui no dia 22/09 e consequentemente aumentando a incidência de chuvas.
The best months to visit Pico Paraná and the rest of the mountain range here in south Brazil is in the winter's summit. Being the end of April, May, June, July and august the best ones. With dry climate and cloudless skyes. In September the climate is already in transition to spring, that here starts in September 22th, increasing rain frequency.
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November 07, 2019
Marco Carlim from Brazil
Inverno é a melhor época. Tempo costuma ser estável e seco.
Winter is the best season. Weather is normally dry and more stable.
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May 24, 2016
Getulio Rainer Vogetta from Brazil
Olá visitantes!
Já encaminhei diversas mensagens ao site informando que a localização geográfica descrita para o Pico Paraná está incorreta.
A localização apresentada, se notarem bem, está dando a indicação de posição do Monte Araçatuba, não a do Pico Paraná.
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July 21, 2013
Nando from Brazil
To pensando em ir amanhã!!
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July 21, 2013
Harvey F. Schlenker from Brazil
Com o devido respeito, me manifesto para apoiar o "Parofes", que, certamente, conhece muito bem o PP e a Serra do Mar. É a informação correta, e é a que deve prevalecer no sentido da orientação aos montanhistas quando escalarem naquela região.
Att.
Harvey
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April 20, 2012
Parofes from Brazil
Neimar me desculpe mas vou ter que discordar. Os melhores meses são final de maio, junho, julho, agosto e início de setembro. Quando é seco e é inverno.
Até dá pra chegar ao PP no ano todo, mas com muita sorte no tempo.
Sorry Neimar but I have to disagree with you. The best months to hike Paraná Peak are late may, june, july, august and early september, when it's dry and cold.
You can try year round but in hope for luck with weather conditions.
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June 15, 2011
Neimar Ruthes from Brazil
Só um comentário, mas os meses descritos como os melhores para escalar, não são os mais aconselhados, as melhores meses para escaladas são na primavera quando o tempo não é chuvoso e é calor, na primavera do hemisfério sul é claro.
Only one comment, but described as the best months to climb are not the most recommended, the best months for climbing are in the spring when the weather is not rainy and hot in the spring in the southern hemisphere of course.
(NOTE: Texts may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
Laza Musiek from Brazil
Pico Paraná cannot be considered an easy trail: it is long and requires prior preparation. It is not recommended for beginners. For all intents and purposes, it is considered a "moderate" level trail, with segments that demand a lot of attention. Plan for at least 6 hours of hiking to reach the summit. Those with good experience and preparation may do it in 4 to 5 hours.
The best months to hike, without a doubt, are the winter months in the southern hemisphere, especially June, July, and August, because this is when the average precipitation is lower, the trails are drier, and insects are much less prevalent. However, the cold can be an issue for some: it is not uncommon to encounter freezing rain or snow at the summit, and the wind chill can drop to -10 degrees Celsius on the coldest mornings, so it is advisable to be prepared. Aside from the temperature spikes caused by seasonal polar air masses, the typical minimum temperatures recorded during this period range between +2 and +5 degrees Celsius.
Despite being the highest peak in the range, Pico Paraná is not considered the most difficult climb in the area. This is a subject of controversy among local mountaineers, who cannot decide whether the title belongs to Ferraria, Taipabuçu, Ciririca, or Agudo da Cotia peaks.
For less experienced hikers, it is highly suggested to climb some other peaks considered less demanding before heading to Pico Paraná. In the same section of it, there are Itapiroca and Caratuva peaks, the latter being a bit more difficult than the former but still at a friendly level for beginners. A few kilometers to the south, but still in the same mountain range, are Camapuã and Tucum, excellent mountains for beginners, which can be conquered in around a 3-hour hike.
It is highly recommended to use GPS and pre-recorded tracks in applications like Wikiloc on the mountain. The region is vast, and it is not uncommon for mountaineers to lose their way. A miscalculation in the route can take many hours or even days to correct. Depending on the weather, rainfall, and the movement of hikers, the trails can vary greatly within a few days. Paths in dense forest can quickly become overgrown after consecutive rainy days and/or little hiking activity. Even without rain, the humidity levels are always high, and it is possible that some sections of the trails (or even the terrain at the summits) to be in very difficult conditions due to mud accumulation, which dries in a slower pace during the winter.
Additional care is also needed with rocks, roots, and gullies that suddenly appear along the trails. The risk of ankle sprain should not be underestimated, and rescue options are very limited in these mountains as they are quite remote. It is recommended to be very careful with each step and to complete the routes calmly, without rushing, to minimize the possibility of injuries.
Access is through farms located in private areas, with free passage, but a small fee (around 3-5 USD) is charged per person for conservation purposes. Parking is available for an extra fee. One of the farms (Sítio Pico Paraná) gives access to trails that lead directly to the Pico Paraná-Caratuva-Itapiroca-Ferraria complex, and the other (Sítio do Bolinha) leads to the Camapuã-Tucum-Ciririca set. Both trails are connected at some points and it's virtually possible to hike from one farm to another, although after an endeavor of many hours. Both farms are located at the end of dirt roads, approximately 6 km from the Curitiba-São Paulo highway.
There is no public transportation to the area. The mountains and the farms that provide access to them are about 40 km from downtown Curitiba. Basically, transportation is only possible by private car, but it's possible, although challenging, to negotiate with a taxi/uber to reach the farms. To return, these options are not available, since there are no taxi/uber coverage on the area. If you aren't in a group with local people, the only comprehensive ways to secure your way back are to pre-schedule your driver, or to rent a car and drive yourself to the farms, by far the most convenient option and cost-effective if you're in a group of at least 3 people.
Generally, adventurers schedule accommodation in Curitiba, a large city with a lot of options and amenities. While in Curitiba, exercise common sense when walking in public areas and take precautions you commonly need in large metropolitan areas. For overnight stays, less distant options are limited, but it is possible to find simple hotels in the municipality of Quatro Barras, 20 km from the farms, or in small establishments along the highway, still at least 10 km from the access to the mountains.
Jão da montanha from Brazil
Os melhores meses para realização da trilha do PP e também outras no sul do Brasil são na alta do inverno. Sendo o fim de abril, maio, junho, julho e agosto os melhores meses. Com clima seco e céu aberto. Início de setembro já temos clima em transição para a primavera, que começa aqui no dia 22/09 e consequentemente aumentando a incidência de chuvas.
The best months to visit Pico Paraná and the rest of the mountain range here in south Brazil is in the winter's summit. Being the end of April, May, June, July and august the best ones. With dry climate and cloudless skyes. In September the climate is already in transition to spring, that here starts in September 22th, increasing rain frequency.
Marco Carlim from Brazil
Inverno é a melhor época. Tempo costuma ser estável e seco.
Winter is the best season. Weather is normally dry and more stable.
Getulio Rainer Vogetta from Brazil
Olá visitantes!
Já encaminhei diversas mensagens ao site informando que a localização geográfica descrita para o Pico Paraná está incorreta.
A localização apresentada, se notarem bem, está dando a indicação de posição do Monte Araçatuba, não a do Pico Paraná.
Nando from Brazil
To pensando em ir amanhã!!
Harvey F. Schlenker from Brazil
Com o devido respeito, me manifesto para apoiar o "Parofes", que, certamente, conhece muito bem o PP e a Serra do Mar. É a informação correta, e é a que deve prevalecer no sentido da orientação aos montanhistas quando escalarem naquela região.
Att.
Harvey
Parofes from Brazil
Neimar me desculpe mas vou ter que discordar. Os melhores meses são final de maio, junho, julho, agosto e início de setembro. Quando é seco e é inverno.
Até dá pra chegar ao PP no ano todo, mas com muita sorte no tempo.
Sorry Neimar but I have to disagree with you. The best months to hike Paraná Peak are late may, june, july, august and early september, when it's dry and cold.
You can try year round but in hope for luck with weather conditions.
Neimar Ruthes from Brazil
Só um comentário, mas os meses descritos como os melhores para escalar, não são os mais aconselhados, as melhores meses para escaladas são na primavera quando o tempo não é chuvoso e é calor, na primavera do hemisfério sul é claro.
Only one comment, but described as the best months to climb are not the most recommended, the best months for climbing are in the spring when the weather is not rainy and hot in the spring in the southern hemisphere of course.
