Pico da Bandeira

Pico da Bandeira
File:Pico da bandeira.jpg
Highest point
Elevation
Prominence
Listing	Ultra
Coordinates
Geography
Pico da Bandeira Location in southeastern Brazil
Location	Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Climbing
Easiest route	Alto Caparaó (Minas Gerais)

Pico da Bandeira, or Mount Bandeira (Portuguese for Flag Peak) is the third highest mountain in Brazil, situated on the border of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais states. It is the highest point in both states. It was historically considered the highest mountain in Brazil until 1965, when Pico da Neblina and Pico 31 de Março, next to the Venezuelan border, were explored, measured, and both found to be higher. The peak is said to have been so named after Pedro II, Emperor of Brazil, ordered a flag to be flown on top of it.

It is one of the major attractions of Caparaó National Park (Portuguese: Parque Nacional do Caparaó), accessible from the nearby town of Alto Caparaó. That town and the entrance to the park lie in Minas Gerais, but the summit of Pico da Bandeira lies in Espírito Santo.

The summit is accessible to hikers of most age groups, with only very limited fitness requirements. The track from the park entrance to the summit track [8 km (5.0 mi)] can be driven by most vehicles, and the summit track itself runs for approximately 9 km (5.6 mi), with a further 1,000 m (3,280 ft) climb.