Launch ramp
Paragliders taking off.
Fadbrício da Silva — CC BY 3.0 · Jeanbovo82 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sturm — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Isack Ryuji Minowa — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Isack Ryuji Minowa — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Sturm — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Guilherme Goulart de Miranda — CC BY-SA 4.0
Pico do Gavião, «Hawk's Peak», is a mountain in the Serra do Caracol on the border between Andradas in Minas Gerais and Águas da Prata in São Paulo state, part of the Serra da Mantiqueira range, not far from Poços de Caldas. The peak rises to 1,663 metres, about 722 metres above Andradas, and is considered one of the best places in the world for free flight, having hosted stages of national and international championships. It marks the border between the two states and carries a geodetic marker of the Brazilian geography and statistics institute. Its height gives a wide view over the mountains of southern Minas Gerais and north-eastern São Paulo, with several towns visible from the top, amid granite rock, open grassland and patches of mountain forest. Visitors come to watch paragliders take off and for the sunset; go on a clear day.
Paragliders taking off.
Two states.
Over the mountains.
Serra do Caracol on the border of Andradas (Minas Gerais) and Águas da Prata (São Paulo)
Yes, local operators run paid tandem flights; check in advance.