Even if the beaches are the main attraction within the city’s topography, the Rio mountains and hills are spectacular. Present in large numbers and forming huge stretches covered by forests, they attract hikers and other outdoor sports players. Let’s discover more about them!
Introduction to Rio Mountains
In Rio de Janeiro, some mountains reach the sea and form inlets with lakes in valleys and lowlands. For those who practice climbing, the goal of reaching the peak of some of them ends up being a reward, as the view of the city is breathtaking. This particular topography ended up hindering the expansion of the city. But this does not prevent it from becoming a major attraction for those who want to photograph landscapes worthy of a postcard.
Below we talk a little about some of the most famous mountains in the municipality. So choose yours and get ready for spectacular experiences. But remember that some stretches are only possible with the assistance of a guide, so consult us to check these details and turn this adventure unforgettable for the rest of your life. However, we will not include the Pedra da Gávea in this article because we already wrote a dedicated blog post about it. So follow the link to read it if you are interested. We also have a Pedra da Gávea Hike offer specially for you.
Pedra Bonita (Beautiful Stone)
This mountain is in the Tijuca National Park, between Pedra da Gávea and the neighborhoods of São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca. This part of the park is named sector C and is an area isolated from the headquarters. The trail is for those who are starting to practice hiking. Indeed it does not require much physical effort. In addition, it’s not very steep, so it’s light. You can get details about our offer by clicking this link.
The average ascent time is approximately one hour and begins at Estrada das Canoas, in São Conrado, near the hang gliding ramp. From the top, it is possible to see points such as Praia de São Conrado and Morro Dois Irmãos. But also the beaches of the South Zone, Pedra da Gávea, Barra da Tijuca beaches, and the Tijuca Forest.
Pico da Tijuca (Tijuca Peak)
It is one of the most requested attractions by mountaineering lovers. It is the highest point of the Tijuca National Park: it stays at 1,022 meters (3,350 feet) altitude and is accessible by trail and climbing. Once at the peak, you can see the city with a view that covers 360º.
This trail passes through the Atlantic Forest and covers about 2,800 meters (1.7 mi). During the activity, it is possible to observe many species of animals and vegetation. The starting point is at Praça do Bom Retiro, at an altitude of 660 meters (2,165 feet). It is necessary to cross the Tijuca Forest to reach it. You will see some waterfalls and viewpoints, such as Vista Chinesa and Mesa do Imperador. From there, you get incredible views of the city. Check our Pico da Tijuca hike offer for more details.
Rio Mountains Most Famous
Sugarloaf Mountain is an attraction linked to the cable car that made it famous. But for trail lovers, it’s much more than its official portrait. First, this mountain is, in fact, the union of two hills connected by cable cars. One is Morro da Urca, with the first station at 220 meters (722 feet) high. And the other, Morro do Pão de Açúcar, with the second station at 391 meters (1,300 feet) high.
The trail lasts about five hours and starts at the foot of Morro do Pão de Açúcar, where the first stretch of 1,250 meters (0.8 mi) is covered, full of landscapes and wildlife. The second stretch varies between narrow paths that pass through the Atlantic Forest and walks through rocks without vegetation. From there, it is mandatory to use safety equipment, as it leads to climbing a wall of approximately 20 meters (65 feet). For this, it is necessary to be accompanied by a guide. Fortunately, we have a Sugarloaf Mountain hike offer specially for you. So don’t let your adventurous side complain!
Morro dos Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill)
It is another popular attraction for those looking for a trail with fantastic landscapes. This mountain has one of the best views in the municipality and highlights the landscape of the South Part, being a classic spot among tourist attractions.
It is a rock formation located in the neighborhood of Vidigal. Its top is 533 meters (1,750 feet) high. So it is higher than Sugarloaf Mountain and lower than Corcovado. The trail starts in the community of Vidigal and ends at the top of the one known as Big Brother. It is a total of 1.5 km (0.9 mi), which takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes to travel. Finally, the summit offers everyone an incredible view of the South Part of the city and its beaches. For more information, Check our Two Brothers hike details.
From the peak, you can see the beaches of Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana. But also the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, Gávea neighborhood, Cristo Redentor statue, the community of Rocinha, and the São Conrado neighborhood. Around the mountain is the Parque Natural Municipal do Penhasco Dois Irmãos, created in 1992. Its vegetation includes endangered species such as orchids and bromeliads. Among the animals, one can observe the presence of star tamarins, squirrels, skunks, and bats. And also birds such as the eared owl, the carijó hawk, and the field woodpecker.
