Pico do Jaraguá – The Highest Point in São Paulo

Rising 1,135 meters above sea level, Pico do Jaraguá is the highest point in the city of São Paulo, offering a unique perspective on a place usually seen from below. From the top, you can see the city stretch endlessly toward the horizon—a sea of buildings, green patches, distant hills, and endless movement.

Located in the Parque Estadual do Jaraguá, this natural landmark is more than just a lookout point. It’s a protected area of Atlantic Forest, home to native wildlife, hiking trails, waterfalls, and fresh air—a rare and welcome contrast to the dense urban life of São Paulo.

There are several ways to reach the summit: the Pico do Jaraguá Trail (also known as Trilha do Pai Zé) is a popular hike, while a paved road also leads to the top for those arriving by car. Up there, you’ll find panoramic viewpoints, radio antennas, and often a few curious monkeys watching visitors come and go.

A Note on Photography

When I visited, I noticed that guards at the entrance or near the viewpoints often ask about photography gear—especially if you're carrying a camera that looks professional. It seems that commercial photography is not allowed unless you’ve obtained a permit or paid a fee. Casual photography for personal use is generally fine, but it's something to be aware of if you're bringing more serious gear. It's a common rule in many Brazilian parks, especially in state-managed areas.

A Place to Pause and Reflect

What makes Pico do Jaraguá so special isn’t just the view—it’s the feeling of being above it all, in every sense. For a moment, São Paulo’s constant movement quiets down, and the city becomes something you observe from a distance instead of being consumed by.

It’s also a reminder that nature still survives inside one of the world’s biggest cities, if you know where to look. Whether you go for the hike, the quiet, or to catch a sunset over the skyline, Pico do Jaraguá is one of those places that grounds you—and offers a new way to look at São Paulo.