Hiking – Rio de Janeiro

Rio is surrounded by Tijuca National Park, one of the world's largest urban forests. Trails lead to granite peaks with sea views.

Map

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Places

  1. Morro da Urca Trail

    A short wooded walk up to the first peak of Sugarloaf.

    Category
    Trail
    Duration
    1.3 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Early morning
    Distance
    1.1 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    1 h
    Starting point
    Pista Cláudio Coutinho entrance
    Elevation gain
    220 m

    Tip: At the top you can continue by cable car with a ticket.

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  2. Corcovado via Parque Lage

    A demanding forest trail that climbs to the Christ the Redeemer statue.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    3.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Early morning
    Distance
    3.8 km
    Difficulty
    Hard
    Time
    3.5 h
    Starting point
    Parque Lage entrance
    Elevation gain
    650 m

    Tip: Bring plenty of water and wear hiking shoes.

    ⚠️ Hard route: sturdy footwear, enough water, proper equipment and hiking experience are required. Check the weather first.

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  3. Pedra da Gávea

    An 842 m monolith with a final scramble using hands and feet.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Early morning
    Distance
    8 km
    Difficulty
    Hard
    Time
    5.5 h
    Starting point
    Estrada da Gávea entrance
    Elevation gain
    840 m

    Tip: Hiring a guide is safer for the summit section.

    ⚠️ Hard route: sturdy footwear, enough water, proper equipment and hiking experience are required. Check the weather first.

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  4. Dois Irmãos Hill

    The trail from Vidigal gives superb views over Ipanema and Leblon.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    2.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Sunrise
    Distance
    3.5 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    2.5 h
    Starting point
    Vidigal, near the Sheraton
    Elevation gain
    300 m

    Tip: Going with a local guide from Vidigal is recommended.

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  5. Pico da Tijuca

    Rio's highest peak (1,022 m), reached by a short walk with stone steps.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    3 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Dry-season morning
    Distance
    4 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    3 h
    Starting point
    Bom Retiro, Tijuca Park
    Elevation gain
    700 m

    Tip: Go when clouds clear, not in morning fog.

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  6. Pedra do Telégrafo

    Outside the city – about 1.5 hours

    A trail in Guaratiba to the famous photo rock that seems to hang over the void.

    Category
    Viewpoint
    Duration
    3 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Early morning
    Distance
    3 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    2 h
    Starting point
    Barra de Guaratiba, Estrada do Grumari
    Elevation gain
    300 m

    Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the photo queue.

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  7. Pedra Bonita

    A short, easy path near the hang-glider ramp with wide city views.

    Category
    Viewpoint
    Duration
    1.3 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Early morning
    Distance
    1.2 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    1 h
    Starting point
    Pedra Bonita car park
    Elevation gain
    200 m

    Tip: It's busy on weekends, so go in the morning.

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  8. Babilônia Hill

    Just above Leme, an easy walk with views of the coast and Sugarloaf.

    Category
    Trail
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Sunset
    Distance
    1.5 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    1.2 h
    Starting point
    Leme, Ladeira Ary Barroso
    Elevation gain
    150 m

    Tip: Try the local cafes in Chapéu Mangueira along the way.

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Please verify with official sources before your visit.

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