Mirante do Soberbo
The best viewpoint.
Amanda Sartor — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Vanessa Fersan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original uploader was Limongi at pt.wikipedia — Public domain · Ana Paula Figueiredo Cidade — CC BY-SA 3.0 · paulsmithrj — CC BY-SA 3.0
The «Finger of God» is a 1,692-metre rock peak in the Serra dos Órgãos whose outline looks like a hand pointing its index finger at the sky, hence the name. It stands on the edge of Serra dos Órgãos National Park in the municipality of Guapimirim, between Petrópolis and Teresópolis in the state of Rio de Janeiro. On 9 April 1912 five men from Teresópolis reached its summit for the first time, and Brazilian mountaineering traces its beginnings to that climb. The peak has become a symbol of the whole state: its outline appears on the flag and coat of arms of Rio de Janeiro state and on the arms of Magé, Teresópolis and Guapimirim. Climbing the peak itself is a technical roped ascent, only for those with a specialist guide and gear. Most visitors are content to see it from the «Mirante do Soberbo», the viewpoint on the BR-116 near the entrance to Teresópolis, where the peak towers over the forest and, on clear days, Guanabara Bay shows on the horizon. It pairs with a visit to Serra dos Órgãos National Park on a day trip from Petrópolis.
The best viewpoint.
On Rio de Janeiro's flag.
For the experienced, with a guide.
Serra dos Órgãos National Park, Guapimirim; seen from the Mirante do Soberbo on the BR-116
From the Mirante do Soberbo on the BR-116 near the entrance to Teresópolis; viewing is free.