MANTIQUEIRA MOUNTAINS

Portuguese Serra Da Mantiqueira, mountain range of eastern Brazil, rising abruptly from the northwestern bank of the Rio Paraba do Sul and extending northeastward for approximately 200 mi (320 km), reaching a height of 9,255 ft (2,821 m) in the Pico (peak) das Agulhas Negras. The mountains, which eventually merge with the Serra do Espinhao, were originally forest-covered except for the peaks that rise above the tree line. They provide charcoal and pasture for cattle; on the lower slopes there are several health resorts, including Campos do Jordo. The name Mantiqueira derives from an Indian word meaning the place where the clouds lie.