Two-Day Hike in Rio: The Three Peaks Trek

The day begins bright and early as we’ll pick you up from your address in Rio between 7:00 and 7:30 am. Our adventure will begin with a ride to Três Picos State Park which is 150 km away from Rio and will take approximately 2.5 hours.

On arrival, we’ll be dropped off at Vale dos Frades (Friars Valley), and then the great Three Peaks Two-Day Hike begins. The first hour of the trek takes us on a smooth, open trail through an aromatic eucalyptus forest. The trail will bring us to the park’s entrance at about 10:00 am, where we’ll start the Three Peaks Two-Day Hike in Rio crossing.

From there, we’ll start on a hike up towards Vale dos Deuses (Valley of the Gods) for approximately 2 hours. On the way, we’ll take a short trail to stop briefly at Matchbox Rock: an impressive rock formation that attracts adventurers from all over the world! There, we’ll also get the chance to take in the beautiful mountainous landscape.

Following this pit stop, we’ll get back on the main trail to arrive at Valley of the Gods by 1:00 pm. This valley presents you with the most scenic view located at the bottom of the Three Peaks. This is where we’ll take a break and have something yummy to eat. After the treat, we’ll recommence our trek, this time taking a descent to the mountain shelter which we’ll arrive at in approximately 2 hours.

The first day will culminate around 5:00 pm at the perfectly safe mountain shelter. We will be received by our host for what will be a truly memorable and relaxing night. Dinner will be served at 7:00 pm and consist of the house’s specialty: a delicious, all-you-can-eat, wood-fired pizza meal with locally brewed beer.

On Day 2, we’ll wake up to a locally grown breakfast consisting majorly of organic foods from the region (coffee, milk, cheese, bread, cake, etc.)—the hallmark of camping in Rio. At 8:30 am, we’ll bid farewell to the mountain shelter and recommence our hike.

We’ll start by heading back up to Valley of the Gods (which will take approximately 2 hours). And then on to the beautiful trail that will take us up to the magnificent Dragon Head summit (which will take around 1.5 hours), arriving at noon. 

The view from the summit will undoubtedly blow your mind. It is an awe-inspiring scene comprising the Three Peaks, Helmet Rock, Sheep Mountain, valleys, and much more.

Afterward, we’ll hike back down to the Valley of the Gods. Then we’ll begin the 3-hour descent back to Friars Valley to get to the car by 4:00 pm.

On the way back to Rio, we’ll take a refreshing stop at the lovely Friars Waterfall. Finally, following the 2.5-hour drive back, we’ll have everyone back home, safe and sound, by 8:00 pm. This will mark the end of our splendid Three Peaks Two-Day Hike in Rio.

• Trip Length: 2 days
• Area: Three Peaks Park (Nova Friburgo/Teresópolis, RJ)
• Hike Intensity: Intermediate (level 3 of 5)
• Trail Length: 25,3 kilometers roundtrip (15,8 miles)

• Day 1
• Trail Length: 11,8 kilometers (7,3 miles), 5-7 hours
• Elevation gain: 1.015 meters (3.330 feet)
• Elevation loss: 516 meters (1.692 feet)
• High Point: Matchbox Rock viewpoint – 1.803 meters (5.915 feet)

• Day 2
• Trail Length: 13,5 kilometers (8,4 miles), 6-8 hours
• Elevation gain: 1.320 meters (4.330 feet)
• Elevation loss: 822 meters (2.697 feet)
• High Point: Dragon Head summit, 2.082 meters (6.830 feet)

• Group of 2 people: R$ 1.500 per person ($293.18)
• Group of 3 people: R$ 1.300 per person ($254.09)
• Group of 4 people: R$ 1.100 per person ($215.00)
• Group of 5 people: R$ 950 per person ($185.68)
• Group of 6 people: R$ 900 per person ($175.91)
• Group of 7-12+ people: R$ 800 per person ($156.36)

• 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 backpack, light clothes, hiking boots or sports shoes, a raincoat or windbreaker, 1 Liter of fresh water, a sports drink, snacks (dry fruits, sandwiches, etc.), sunscreen, a sunhat & sunglasses, bug repellent, plastic bag for trash, and knee braces (if needed). NB: The full list will be sent once the reservation is confirmed, or feel free to ask us.

Kindly note that the availability of this trek depends on the availability of rooms in the mountain shelter. If there are no rooms available in the shelter on the date you have chosen, we will contact you to reschedule your booking or give you a full refund.