Pireneus State Park and Peak, Pirenópolis: how to visit

The Serra dos Pireneus is the landscape that gave Pirenópolis its name — the town changed its name from Meia Ponte to Pirenópolis in 1890 in its honour. Since 1987, the top of the range has been protected by Pireneus State Park (Parque Estadual dos Pireneus), a state conservation area created by Law No. 10,321, with boundaries defined by a 1997 decree.

What the park offers

Pico dos Pireneus: the highest point of the range, about 1,385 metres according to the Tourism Portal (SEMAD gives 1,380 m). From the top, the view opens out over the region.
Springs: the park protects the springs of the Rio das Almas, which flows through the historic centre, and of the Rio Corumbá.
High-altitude Cerrado: grasslands, rock outcrops and vegetation adapted to shallow soil and wind.

The park covers parts of Pirenópolis, Cocalzinho de Goiás and Corumbá de Goiás. Sources disagree on its total area — Instituto Socioambiental records about 2,833 hectares, while the SEMAD page gives a different figure — so we prefer not to highlight a number.

The Festa do Morro

Every year, on the full moon of July, pilgrims climb the Pico dos Pireneus for the Festa do Morro (“Festival of the Hill”), in honour of the Holy Trinity. The tradition dates back to 1927, and in 2024 a state law recognised it as intangible cultural heritage of Goiás. In the City Hall’s 2026 calendar, the festival — the 100th pilgrimage — is listed from 30 July to 2 August. Learn more in Festa do Morro.

Getting there

Access is from town along the road to the park and the mountain area, with long unpaved stretches. Other attractions lie along the way, such as the Vargem Grande Ecological Reserve. An ordinary car is usually enough in the dry season (May to September); in the rainy season (October to April), the road may require more care. More guidance in how to get to Pirenópolis.

How to fit it into your itinerary

Time	Suggestion
Early morning	Drive up to the park and the Pico dos Pireneus
Late morning	Swim at the Vargem Grande Ecological Reserve, on the way
Afternoon	Return to town and rest

The park appears from the 3-day itinerary onwards and is a good outing for those who already know the centre and the most popular waterfalls.

Precautions

Stay on the trails and do not take plants or rocks: this is a protected area.
Take all your rubbish back with you.
In the dry season, the risk of fire in the Cerrado is high: no fires of any kind.
Avoid the top of the range in overcast weather and when there is lightning.

Practical tips

The road to the park is unpaved: check conditions before driving up, especially after heavy rain.

Bring a jacket: the wind is constant at the top of the range and it gets cool in the late afternoon.

Go early, with water and snacks; there are few services in the park area.

During the Festa do Morro, in July, the mountains get much busier.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Pico dos Pireneus?

The City Hall's Tourism Portal gives about 1,385 metres; the SEMAD page says 1,380 metres. It is the highest point of the range that gave the town its name.

Is there an entrance fee for Pireneus State Park?

We found no up-to-date official information on fees or booking. The SEMAD page was suspended during the 2026 election period. Check at the Tourist Information Centre (CAT) before you go.

What is the Festa do Morro?

It is a pilgrimage in honour of the Holy Trinity to the top of the Pico dos Pireneus, held since 1927 on the full moon of July. It was recognised as intangible cultural heritage of Goiás in 2024.

Pireneus State Park and Pico dos Pireneus