Location and surroundings
Pico do Tracuá is located in Brazil within the administrative area of Rondônia. Following the regional hierarchy, it belongs to the Brazilian Highlands, the Central Highland, the Parecis Plateau, and finally the Pacaás Novos Mountains. The surrounding landscape consists of protected terrain within the Pacaás Novos National Park, featuring the natural vegetation and wildlife typical of the tropical highlands of South America.
Neighbouring peaks
The surrounding area features several hills and peaks at various distances from Pico do Tracuá. The nearest elevations include:
- Morro Duas Pontas (hill), 289 m, 39.5 km SE
- Morro da Piroca (hill), 192 m, 43.7 km E
- Morro do Oriente (hill), 201 m, 106.9 km NW
- Morro São Domingos (peak), 302 m, 112.9 km E
- Serra da Cutia (hill), 499 m, 123.3 km SW
- Serra Gabriel Antunes Maciel (hill), 171 m, 168.3 km SE
- Serra Preta (hill), 249 m, 168.7 km S
- Morro Ouro Fino (hill), 500 m, 173.3 km SW
Standing at 1,126 metres with a prominence of 856 metres, Pico do Tracuá is substantially higher and more prominent than these surrounding hills and lower peaks in the region.
The view from the summit
From the top of Pico do Tracuá, visitors can look out across the surrounding landscape. The highest peaks located within a 25-kilometre radius are:
- Morro Do Jagube, 430 m, 22.3 km N
- Morro Do Odio, 440 m, 23.4 km N
These nearby elevations sit well below the summit elevation of Pico do Tracuá, allowing for wide views over the forested terrain and plateaus of the national park.
The range
Pico do Tracuá belongs to the Pacaás Novos Mountains, which form part of the Parecis Plateau, the Central Highland, and the wider Brazilian Highlands. The Pacaás Novos Mountains range spans Brazil. Within this range, Pico do Tracuá serves as the highest point.
Climate and weather
The climate data are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 through 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit, the mean temperature reaches its warmest in September at about 24 °C and its coldest in January at about 20 °C. The mean temperature remains above freezing at the summit throughout all twelve months of the year: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,450 mm a year, with December being the wettest month at about 230 mm and July the driest at about 15 mm. Typical weather hazards in this tropical region include sudden heavy tropical downpours and lightning storms.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Pico do Tracuá aligns with the drier months of the year when precipitation drops significantly. July is the driest month with only about 15 mm of rain, offering more stable conditions for travel compared to the wettest month of December, which receives about 230 mm. Temperatures at the summit remain well above freezing throughout the year, ranging from about 20 °C in January to about 24 °C in September.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain environment supports the diverse tropical vegetation and wildlife characteristic of the Brazilian highlands and the local ecosystem. Pico do Tracuá is located within the Pacaás Novos National Park, which provides protection for the local flora and fauna. Hikers can expect dense vegetation, varied wildlife typical of the region, and protected natural habitats throughout the park.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking organised support in Brazil, the national mountaineering and climbing federation is the Brazilian Mountaineering and Climbing Confederation (CBME). Established guiding companies operating in the country include Climb in Rio based in Rio de Janeiro. Certified guides are advisable for hikers unfamiliar with remote tropical terrain, dense vegetation, and regional weather conditions. Guided ascents typically depend on factors such as duration, group size, and necessary equipment. For emergency situations in the mountains, the emergency number for mountain rescue is 193 for the Fire Department (Corpo de Bombeiros), while police can be reached at 190 and ambulance services at 192.
Safety and preparation
Ascending Pico do Tracuá requires proper preparation for tropical conditions, including adequate water, navigation tools, and protection against rain and sun. The emergency number for mountain rescue in Brazil is 193 through the Fire Department (Corpo de Bombeiros), while the police can be reached at 190 and ambulance services at 192. Hikers should ensure they carry sufficient supplies, as remote mountain environments offer limited assistance.
Interesting facts
Pico do Tracuá stands as the highest point of the Pacaás Novos Mountains with an elevation of 1,126 metres and a significant prominence of 856 metres. Located entirely within Brazil in the state of Rondônia, the peak is completely enclosed by the Pacaás Novos National Park.
FAQ
How high is Pico do Tracuá? Pico do Tracuá reaches an elevation of 1,126 metres with a prominence of 856 metres.
Where is Pico do Tracuá located? It is located in Brazil, within the administrative region of Rondônia.
What mountain range does Pico do Tracuá belong to? It is part of the Pacaás Novos Mountains, within the Parecis Plateau, Central Highland, and Brazilian Highlands, and serves as the highest point of the range.
How does Pico do Tracuá compare to neighbouring peaks? Standing at 1,126 metres, it is significantly higher than nearby hills and elevations such as Morro Duas Pontas and Morro da Piroca.
Is there water on the way to Pico do Tracuá? Natural water sources along the way are limited, so hikers should carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water per person depending on the heat and length of the hike.
Are there huts on Pico do Tracuá? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
Is there mobile phone coverage on Pico do Tracuá? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. Hikers should download maps before setting out, keeping in mind that emergency calls can be made over any available network.