Espinhaço Mountains


The Espinhaço Mountains are a mountain range in Brazil. The range runs roughly north and south through the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia, extending for approximately. It forms the divide between the upper watershed of the São Francisco River and those of the shorter rivers which flow east into the Atlantic Ocean, including the Doce, the Jequitinhonha, and the Pardo rivers. Pico do Sol, its highest peak, rises to, in Catas Altas town. The historical town of Diamantina are located in the Espinhaço Mountains. The Espinhaço Mountains were a major via through which Minas Gerais was settled during the Gold Rush of the 18th century.