Rio has one of the world's largest urban rainforests and viewpoints you can't see from below. Pick a trail that matches your fitness, learn when to go and how to hike it safely.
Tijuca
National park inside the city
May–Oct
Best season: dry, 68–79 °F
2,769 ft
Pedra da Gávea, the toughest
Before 8am
Ideal start time
Few cities let you leave a beach hotel and be hiking through Atlantic rainforest half an hour later. Rio's trilhas (trails) end at viewpoints over Ipanema, the lagoon or Barra, and many fit into a single morning.
There's something for everyone, from an easy waterfall in Tijuca Forest to Pedra da Gávea with its rock-scramble section. The keys: choose wisely, start early and, especially on quieter trails, go with a guide.
The trails, from easiest to hardest
Cascatinha Taunay waterfall
Very easy · 15 minA roughly 100-ft waterfall right by the road in Tijuca Forest. Great for families and easy to pair with Christ the Redeemer.
Morro da Urca
Easy · 30–40 minStarts on Pista Cláudio Coutinho and reaches the first cable car station. Marmosets and views of Botafogo.
Pedra Bonita
Easy · 30–45 minBest effort-to-view ratio: a short forest trail to the hang-gliding ramp, facing Pedra da Gávea with São Conrado beach below.
Dois Irmãos
Easy to moderate · 1 hrStarts at the top of Vidigal and ends at the iconic view over Ipanema and Leblon. Unforgettable at sunset.
Pico da Tijuca
Moderate · 1.5–2 hrsThe park's highest point (3,350 ft). Shady forest trail with steps carved into the rock at the end.
Parque Lage → Christ the Redeemer
Hard · 2–3 hrsA steep climb with chain-assisted sections up to Corcovado. You pay the monument entry at the top.
Pedra da Gávea
Very hard · 3–4 hrs upRio's highest seaside peak (2,769 ft). It includes the Carrasqueira, a roughly 100-ft rock scramble done with a rope.
Trail comparison
| Difficulty | Climb time | Elevation | Trailhead | Guide? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedra Bonita | Easy | 30–45 min | 2,274 ft | Hang-gliding ramp, Tijuca National Park | Recommended |
| Dois Irmãos | Easy to moderate | ~1 hr | 1,749 ft | Top of Vidigal | Yes, local guide |
| Pico da Tijuca | Moderate | 1.5–2 hrs | 3,350 ft | Bom Retiro, Tijuca Forest | Recommended |
| Parque Lage–Christ | Hard | 2–3 hrs | 2,330 ft | Parque Lage, Jardim Botânico | |
| Pedra da Gávea | Very hard | 3–4 hrs | 2,769 ft | Estrada do Sorimã, Barra da Tijuca | Essential in practice |
Approximate climbing times for someone of average fitness.
Where each trail starts
Approximate trailheads. For Dois Irmãos, Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea, our tours include transport to the start.
When to go: the best hiking season
May to October: less rain, less heat and clearer skies
Approximate Rio averages. July is the driest, coolest month.
● Beste Monate
What to bring
Hiking checklist
Tick off what you've packed. Saved in your browser.
Safety: why a guide is worth it
Rio's trails aren't dangerous in themselves, but some pass through quiet stretches and there have been occasional robberies of solo hikers. The rock also gets slippery when humid, and summer heat is intense.
- Hike in a group and in daylight; avoid empty trails very early on weekdays.
- A local guide knows trail conditions, the exit routes and, for Dois Irmãos, the Vidigal community you walk through.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- In an emergency call 193 (the fire department handles mountain rescues).
What a guided hike with us looks like
Pickup
Transport from the South Zone to the trailhead.
Climb at your pace
Breaks for water, photos and stories about the forest and the city.
Summit and photos
Time to enjoy the view; your guide knows the best angles.
Back to your hotel
Safe descent and ride back. All-in price, pay by card or Pix.
Frequently asked questions
Pedra Bonita and Morro da Urca: 30–45 minutes up with huge views. For almost no effort, try Cascatinha Taunay in Tijuca Forest.
