Best Hike in Rio: The Pedra da Gavea Hike

The finest way to begin the best hike in Rio is to begin at dawn. Hence, we’ll pick you up from your hotel/Airbnb between 7:00 and 7:30 am. Then we’ll take a 30-minute ride to the city’s “Green Lungs”, aka Tijuca National Park, the largest urban rainforest on the planet. If you choose the Meeting Point option, we’ll meet up with you at the park by 7:30 am.

Once we get there, we’ll begin a brilliant and challenging 2-3 hours trek to the top of Pedra da Gavea. On the way, we may encounter wildlife from the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most ecologically diverse regions, and marvel at Brazilian biodiversity. The hike is steep, with many natural obstacles and challenges along the way.

Before reaching the summit, the last stage of the ascent is a steep, rocky section of 25 meters (80 feet), which we will climb with a rope and rock climbing equipment. You do not need previous experience for this as our instructor will help you get to the top safely. After that, we’ll have the last 20 minutes of hiking before reaching the top. Once there, you’ll discover why Pedra da Gavea’s summit is one of the most spectacular places in Rio. 

The incredible view from the top provides you with an experience of several famous places all at once! From the Christ the Redeemer Statue to the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Two Brothers Mountain, the Pico da Tijuca, numerous beautiful white-sand beaches, the city, and more. You get a bird’s-eye view of all these sites and a chance to encounter these sites in a way that only the best hike in Rio offers.

We will enjoy this breathtaking view for about 1 hour. Then, our guide will rappel you back down the rocky part, allowing us to pass the section with safety and confidence. Finally, we’ll trek for approximately 2 hours to return to our original starting point.

Once the hike back is over, we’ll return to your hotel, and drop-off will be around 4 pm (if the “Pickup and Drop off” tour option is chosen).

• Trip Length: 7-8 hours (Pickup and Drop off option) | 6-7 hours (Meeting Point option)
• Area: Tijuca National Park (Rio de Janeiro, RJ)
• Hike Intensity: Strenuous (level 5 of 5)
• Trail Length: 6 kilometers roundtrip (3,7 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 800 meters (2.620 feet), 2-3 hours (one way)
• High Point: Pedra da Gavea summit, 844 meters (2.700 feet)

Meeting Point Option

• Solo traveler: R$ 458 per person ($79.28)
• Group of 2-5 people: R$ 298 per person ($51.58)
• Group of 6-15 people: R$ 258 per person ($44.66)

Pickup and Drop off Option

• Solo traveler: R$ 658 per person ($113.89)
• Group of 2-5 people: R$ 400 per person ($69.24)
• Group of 6-15 people: R$ 334 per person ($57.81)

• You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund
• Cancellations made after this time or failure to show up will not be refunded
• Changes made less than 48 hours before the start time will not be accepted
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time

• Come along with: a daypack, light clothes, hiking boots or sports shoes, a raincoat (or windbreaker), 2 liters of fresh water, a sports drink, snacks (dry fruits, sandwich, etc.), sunscreen, a sunhat & sunglasses, bug repellent, a plastic bag for trash, and knee braces (if needed). To avoid unnecessary weight, bring only essential items!
• Have a good night’s sleep (at least 7 hours) the night before
• Breakfast should be light