Without running water or basic infrastructure, they maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle built around livestock, farming, and a steady daily routine.
A family has been living in isolation on the summit of a mountain for half a century
High in Serrinha, Brazil, an elevated region known for its cool climate, a family has spent more than 50 years living in isolation, far from urban centers and basic public services. Surrounded by nature, they have built a life grounded in daily labor, self-sufficiency, and a way of living carefully adapted to their environment.
Antônio Pedro Matias, known simply as Pedro, was born and raised there and has never left. At 62, he still carries out the same tasks he learned as a child: caring for animals, cultivating the land, and keeping the family farm running day by day. The family home, built from adobe, blends into the landscape and contains only the essentials for everyday life.
The surrounding land is defined by cattle, donkeys, calves, and crops such as corn, beans, and cassava. Every activity serves a specific purpose and follows a rhythm shaped by the seasons and the weather. In a YouTube video, Pedro explains that caring for animals is a core part of who he is and that he has dedicated himself to it since childhood.
A daily routine defined by hard work
Milking is one of the family’s main tasks. Every day, at around six in the evening, Pedro milks the cows, which produce about a gallon and a half of milk per animal each day, although that amount varies depending on the time of year. In winter, he says, production is usually higher because water and feed are more readily available.
The donkeys play an essential role in the family’s life. They are the primary means of transportation for carrying water, food, and materials across the steep terrain. For that reason, they are fed corn three times a day throughout the year. Part of the harvest is set aside for their feed, while the rest is stored to ensure a steady future supply.
There is no running water in Serrinha. The family gets its water from wells located about 270 yards from the house. To prepare for periods of drought, they store water in nearly 5,000 bottles and several large containers placed around the property. During the rainy season, every container is filled to make sure they have enough reserves.
Pedro lives with his wife and two daughters, who actively help with household and farm responsibilities. One of his daughters is especially involved in hauling water, since Pedro suffers from back problems. They also care for small vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and the plants surrounding the home.
Their agricultural production follows an annual cycle. Each season, they plant corn and beans, with harvests that can reach up to 40 sacks of corn and nine sacks of beans, depending on the year’s conditions. Cassava is used both for the family’s consumption and as feed for the livestock.
Using simple tools and old machinery, the family maintains a steady system that allows them to sustain this way of life. Their story reflects the reality of many isolated rural communities, where constant work and adaptation to the environment remain essential to survival.
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