Atibaia: Trail Running at Pedra Grande

In Atibaia, Pedra Grande is a favorite destination for trail runners around São Paulo — it’s close to the capital, with flowing trails and plenty of climbing and descending. You can also drive up and take in the view, but where’s the fun in that?

• Trail difficulty: moderate
• Altitude: 1,450 m (4,757 ft)
• Free parking and park entry
• Hiring a guide is recommended

Getting to Pedra Grande in Atibaia

From São Paulo: take the Fernão Dias highway (BR-381) to around km 44, following the signs for “Atibaia - Lucas N. Garcez.”

There’s a Frango Assado restaurant right at that exit. From there it’s another 4.3 km — set “Pista de Pouso Paraglider Asadelta” as your final destination on GPS. It’s about 64 km and 1 hour from São Paulo. Google Maps route.

Other trail events in Atibaia

We’ve done this trail both in the morning and at night. In the morning, we trained with my team, JVM, coached by José Virgínio — a major champion in the trail running world, known as the “King of the Mountain.”

At night, we joined a session with Pedra Grande Trail Runners, organized by our friend and fellow runner Arthur Vianna, who also runs the Trail Run Medita Experience with classes led by coach Mika Castro. What started as a training run has since grown into an official UTMB-circuit race, awarding ITRA points.

About the Atibaia race

Training sessions start from a few different points, but the easiest place to meet is at the paragliding launch site. If you’re doing the race or the Pedra Grande Trail Runners session, head there — that’s where bracelets are handed out and where the support structure is set up. From there, you can start the run either through the neighborhood or along the side streets.

At night, the group is split into smaller groups, each following a guide to the end — which cuts down the chance of getting lost and helps you hold a steady pace. Great for training.

The whole trail is marked with tape and reflectors to reduce the risk of getting lost, and even though I managed to get turned around both in daylight and at night, you’re less likely to lose your way than I did.

The markers Arthur sets up are spaced closely together, so if you’re unsure, you can just backtrack the way you came. If you started with a fast group and you’re gassed, just wait and rest where you are — the next group is close behind, so you won’t be left alone.

Our tips

The climb is steep, but the view is absolutely worth it! Don’t forget your hydration pack, and bring a snack to enjoy at the top. Once you’re up there, you can keep going along the dirt road for extra mileage, and on the way down you can loop through the paved neighborhood roads.

For a night training run or race, you’ll need a few extra items: a headlamp, and something warm, since it gets cold up there — an anorak, fleece, or windbreaker all work. Nights on the mountain cool down fast.

Also bring a change of clothes — you might not notice the sweat while you’re moving, but stand still in the cool night air for 30 minutes and you’ll feel it fast.

You can definitely bring along someone curious about the sport. Andrey, for example, invited his dad to run with us and get a feel for the trail running vibe.

At the paragliding launch site, there’s a bar for food and drinks, restrooms, and a bakery right around the corner for snacks.

Download the GPX file for our 15 km daytime training run.

Where to eat

If you have a free afternoon, take the chance to explore the local food scene. On the day we trained in the morning with JVM, we had lunch nearby.

We ate at San Costilla Carnes, a Brazilian steakhouse-style spot where you pick your meat and they grill it fresh, with side dishes charged separately. We loved it and thought the price was fair — though there are other options on the same street too.

So if trail running has caught your interest and you’re looking for a place to start, Pedra Grande is a great pick!

Read more about our trail running trips around Cunha (in Portuguese) on the original blog.