Brazil’s Serra do Mar: The Coastal Mountain Range

The Serra do Mar (Serra Costeira) runs parallel to the Atlantic along southeastern Brazil. Part of the Brazilian Highlands, it forms a dramatic escarpment with jagged peaks, deep valleys, and lush Atlantic Forest. Highlights:

• Begins in Rio de Janeiro as Serra dos Órgãos.
• Extends through São Paulo, Espírito Santo (highest point Pico da Bandeira, 2,892 m).
• Continues into Bahia (Serra do Mar de Dentro) and ends in Sergipe.
• Major watershed: east‑flowing rivers to Atlantic, west‑flowing to Paraná Basin.
• Protected by parks: Serra dos Órgãos, Serra da Bocaina, Intervales State Park.