It is one of the few places in Brazil where snowfall is recorded periodically during extreme cold fronts.
The radar station at the summit is part of the CINDACTA II regional defense system.
The name Pedra Furada refers specifically to the 30-meter-high natural rock window visible from the observation deck.
The ascent involves a paved road that winds through the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park area.
Despite its proximity to Orleans, the peak is most commonly accessed via the municipal jurisdiction of Urubici.
Morro da Igreja is the highest inhabited point in Southern Brazil, reaching an altitude of 1,822 meters above sea level. It is renowned for the Pedra Furada, a natural stone archway carved into the cliffside by erosion. The site serves as a strategic location for the Brazilian Air Force, which maintains a radar station at the summit. Temperatures at the peak frequently drop near or below freezing, even during warmer months in the surrounding valleys. Frequent fog and low cloud cover often limit visibility at the summit. The peak is situated within the Aparados da Serra region near the border of Urubici and Orleans. It offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean on the horizon during periods of rare, perfectly clear weather.
The designated observation deck overlooking the Pedra Furada rock formation.
Bring heavy windproof layers regardless of the weather at the base of the mountain.
Verify current cloud cover status at the base before beginning the ascent to ensure the view is not obscured.
Carry identification, as the site is located within a military-monitored area.
Attempting the climb during heavy fog, as the lack of visibility renders the view of the arch and the valley non-existent.
Access is restricted by the Brazilian Air Force and may be closed during severe weather events or operational requirements.
Maintain a respectful distance from the military radar perimeter and stay within designated visitor observation areas.
