Every year, National Park Day at Itatiaia in Rio de Janeiro invites hikers and nature lovers to engage with one of Brazil's oldest protected areas. This celebration isn’t just a chance to see dense Atlantic Forests or crystal-clear waterfalls; it’s an invitation to experience a terrain that challenges and rewards with every step. The heart of Itatiaia is a network of trails weaving through steep ridges and cool forest floors. The flagship hike, from the park's entrance to the plateau near Pico das Agulhas Negras, covers roughly 10 kilometers with an elevation gain of 600 meters. The terrain shifts from packed dirt to slippery rock slopes, so boots with good grip are essential. Trees lean as if to whisper encouragement, and streams dare you to cross their rushing currents with nimble steps.

Start early to catch the crisp mountain air before it softens into midday warmth. Hydration needs are high here; a minimum of two liters is recommended. The forest canopy filters sunlight, but rain can arrive unexpectedly, turning some paths slick. At the summit, expansive views open to valleys punched with sharp granite peaks — a rare reward for steady effort. Itatiaia’s trails are fiercely themselves, demanding respect through preparedness rather than shortcuts. Beginners will find challenges but manageable, while seasoned trekkers can push further into lesser-traveled routes.

Practical planning includes checking entrance hours (usually 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and packing layers — mornings are cool, afternoons can heat up. Guides are available and help illuminate localized flora and fauna details which might otherwise be missed. National Park Day also often features interactive environmental workshops and ranger-led tours, enhancing awareness alongside exploration.

Itatiaia’s wilderness is an engagement — not a mere backdrop — where the forest breathes and the peaks challenge. For those ready to meet it head on, National Park Day offers both a celebration and a test of endurance, awakening a connection to nature that lasts well beyond the final step back to the trailhead.