Ilhabela, on the north coast of São Paulo, is not only about idyllic beaches, peace, and relaxation. There are also adventures such as trekking on Pico do Baepi, the most famous in the city. The 1,048-meter-high mountain is the seventh largest on the island.
The name Baepi is Tupi-Guarani, which means “bald mountain.” The Tupinambás indigenous people named it this because there is a rocky face without vegetation on the mountain. It is considered a natural postcard, as it is used to promote the island and has been a favorite of mountaineers for decades.
Located in a fully protected area of Ilhabela State Park, the mountain’s importance lies in the Atlantic Forest that surrounds it and in the rare and sensitive species it shelters. Centenary trees, bromeliads, and vines are part of the local landscape, in addition to the presence of wild animals such as snakes, lizards, and birds of prey.
How to get to the top?
According to the State Park, the trail that takes tourists to the summit is highly difficult. It begins near the Itaguaçu neighborhood, still within urban territory. After a short walk, the scenery changes, and the Atlantic Forest appears and accompanies the trail for almost the entire route.
There are sections with stairs made of tree roots and loose stones, steep climbs, and places where the trail narrows and requires more agility and physical effort. The trail is well marked, with signs and ribbons indicating altitude and distance, as well as information about the local fauna and flora .
The total length is 8 kilometers (round trip), with 3.6 of them just on the climb to the top. The average time to complete the ascent and descent is 5 to 7 hours, varying depending on the pace.
The first Baepi viewpoint is a good option for those who want to take a shorter hike and still enjoy the local nature. The stretch offers a wide view of the channel and a stunning sunset. The route is 400 meters long and takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the pace of the climb. The terrain is steep, but much easier than the rest of the trail.
The view from the summit of Pico do Baepi
The biggest attraction of Pico do Baepi is its breathtaking view. The mountain summit offers a privileged 360-degree view. The top overlooks the Serra do Mar, the Alcatrazes Archipelago, and other peaks in the region. In addition to the channel that separates São Sebastião from Ilhabela, where you can see the city and boats at sea.
The best time to visit is during the fall, when the weather is cooler and makes the climb more pleasant, and the view is even more impressive with the blue sky. The sunset is a spectacle in itself, and the best time to leave to watch it is at six in the morning.
