Hiking in Rio de Janeiro: 8 Epic Trails to Discover

LOOKING TO DO SOME HIKING IN RIO DE JANEIRO?

You are in the right place, as this article is a complete guide to all the different hiking in Rio de Janeiro spots.

A city defined by its fluffy forests and golden beaches, bustling with complex urban life, and influenced by the beat of samba, Rio de Janeiro is a travel destination unlike any other.

Thanks to its mountainous landscapes and rocky peaks, there is an abundance of amazing hikes across the city, from gentle ambles to more challenging feats. In this guide, I’ll talk about some of my favorite hikes in Rio that offer unforgettable opportunities to enjoy the city’s great outdoors, exotic wildlife, and spellbinding vistas.

Useful tips before you go

First and most importantly, take food and water with you as there are often few to no places en route to pick up supplies. Make sure you have plenty of water – Rio gets hot, and the humidity can make you dehydrated quickly. Have some change with you, though, in case you run out of water and happen to meet someone selling some – it’s best to have small notes as they may not have a lot of change.

Now, most hikes can be done independently, although I would always recommend going with at least one other person. I have gone on hiking trails in Rio de Janeiro without any problems. However, there has been news of muggings on the trails.

Incidents can (and do) occur, so this is why I also recommend people leave their valuable belongings at home. Do not go hiking with your passport and all of your credit cards. In the worst-case scenario, always hand over your belongings calmly and always cooperate. You can also further mitigate this risk even further by going on a tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Lastly, it’s best to go on a hike early in the morning – such as 7 am – to avoid the relentless heat of Rio’s tropical days. It’s good to finish the hike before the hottest points of the day, which are between 11 am and 3 pm, so either go really early or later in the evening if you want to catch the sunset.

The week is the best time to go as many hikes get crowded on the weekends, especially ones such as Pedra Telegrafo.

8 Top Rio Hiking Spots

The experience of hiking in Rio de Janeiro brings together a mix of lush greenery, fascinating wildlife, and striking views of the city. Each hike has its own special charm, providing a close-up look at Rio’s varied natural environment. Let’s delve into some of the top hikes that give you a chance to fully appreciate the unique and captivating beauty of Rio de Janeiro.

Hiking in Rio de Janeiro

1. Pedra Bonita

Recommended tour 👉 Pedra Bonita Hiking Tour at Tijuca National Park

One of the best hikes in terms of its low difficulty to amazing view ratio, Pedra Bonita is an ideal option for those looking for something that is not too strenuous yet provides vistas that will take your breath away. The summit of the hike is like a large table top with ample space to sit down and take in the sweeping views that stretch from Ipanema right around to the West Zone of Rio.

⚠️ Tip: The entrance of the hike is in the Tijuca national park and is best accessed by taking a bus to Sao Conrado, and then a take the 448 bus in the direction of Alto da Boa Vista, getting off in front of the well-signposted entrance, to Pedra Bonita.

Also, did you know that the ramp near the entrance of Pedra Bonita is the main hang-gliding spot in the city? If you want to experience Rio from a bird’s eye perspective, then check out this great tour that offers hang gliding with multi-lingual professionals.

Hiking in Rio de Janeiro

2 Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) Hike

Recommended tour 👉 Rio de Janeiro: Vidigal Favela Tour and Two Brothers Hike

This is one of my favorite hikes as it combines so many exciting experiences in one go. To get to Dois Irmaos, you need to head to Favela Vidigal. Don’t worry, it’s one of the safest ones in Rio. The entrance of the hike is at the very top of the community, so you will need to take a van or moto-taxi to the top.

Once there at the entrance, it’s a 40-minute forest trail, yielding to tropical scenery and exotic wildlife before opening up at the peak to panoramic views over Rio’s coastline.

The view from the top is absolutely stunning  — arguably one of the most beautiful views of Rio. It is also totally worth waking up at a crazy hour of the morning to do it. But if you do plan on doing a sunrise (or sunset) hike, it’s best to do it with a tour.

Hiking in Rio de Janeiro

3. Pedra da Gávea

Recommended tour 👉 Best Hike in Rio: The Pedra da Gavea Hike

For those looking for a hike to really sink their teeth in, then Pedra da Gávea is an ideal challenge. The peak is one of the world’s highest in the world which ends directly in the ocean, standing at 844 meters high. It takes about two and a half hours to get to the top, yet offers one of the most rewarding views in Rio.

Tip: There is one hair-raising moment on the trail that requires a short climbing part. Some people do it without ropes, yet we would recommend using the extra support. Usually, there is someone there with equipment that you can use to get up and back down. Because of this tricky part of the trail, this is one hike where it is definitely better to go in a group.

Hiking in Rio de Janeiro

4. Morro da Urca

Recommended tour 👉 Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain

If you look at Sugarloaf, you’ll notice that is comprised of two peaks, the first of which is called Morro Da Urca, which you can also climb up. It is one of the easier hikes and takes about 25 minutes to get up to the top.

The access to Morro da Urca’s trail is located on Pista Cláudio Coutinho, a 1.25km lane surrounding the hill. The trail leads through the forest, where you’re more than likely to encounter skittish marmosets, scurrying lizards, and blossoming vegetation.

At the top of Morro da Urca is a collection of bars, restaurants, and shops, so grab chilled fruit juice (or a caipirinha for a strong kick!) and a refreshing acai to enjoy the pleasant views of Guanabara Bay.

You can also take the cable car to the second peak from the top of Morro da Urca. Or you can opt to do a full hiking tour that takes you all the way to the top of Sugarloaf (which is a little more challenging).

🚡 If you don’t feel like hiking, there are several great Sugarloaf tours like this Pão de Açúcar tour that includes a transfer.

Hiking in Rio de Janeiro

5. Pedra Telegrafo

Recommended tour 👉 18 beaches, Telegraph Hiking, Sunset + Photographer Tour

Pedra Telegrafo is famous for its apparent death-defying photos where people seemingly hang off the ledge in the name of a perfect selfie. SPOILER ALERT: there is a nice, big platform underneath, so even if you let go of the ledge, you’re not falling more than a few centimeters.

This hike is off-the-beaten-track and is still largely off the tourist radar, largely because it is far from the tourist places. Yet the sweeping oceanic views of the West Zone of Rio are worth it.

Getting here is an adventure, to say the least! If you want to come here without a tour, you’ll need to take a number of buses that will take you to Barra da Guaratiba. Another option is taking an UBER or going on a tour.

Tip: The quest for a perfect selfie means the top of Pedra Telegrafo gets very crowded, with queues of up to one hour to take photos at the famous ledge. For this reason, it’s best to go first thing in the morning and avoid the weekends.

6. Corcovado

The forest trail up Corcovado is a challenging one-hour hike, yet it is one of the best to experience Tijuca Forest. The small makeshift trail is flanked by dense forest and peppered with the occasional waterfall, with curious monkeys descending from the canopies to check you out.

The entrance of the hike is at the back of the former mansion Parque Lage in Jardim Botânico. We would recommend stopping at Parque Lage for a delicious breakfast and smooth, rich coffee.

Tip: The trail to Corcovado leads right the way up to the entrance of Christ the Redeemer. You can pay the entrance fee at the top, but be aware you can only pay in cash. A guided tour to the top is an alternative option to get the most from this iconic monument.

Hiking in Rio de Janeiro

7. Pico da Tijuca

Recommended tour 👉 Pico da Tijuca Hiking Tour in Tijuca Forest National Park

Nestled in the heart of Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Pico da Tijuca is the highest point in Rio de Janeiro, reaching an impressive 1,022 meters. Although the hike isn’t overly tough, it typically requires about two and a half hours to make it to the summit.

The trail to the top is well-marked, and the journey provides plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. If you’re fortunate, you may cross paths with monkeys, a variety of birds, and lizards.

At the peak of Pico da Tijuca, you’re treated to an encompassing 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro. This stunning panorama allows you to see landmarks like the Maracanã Stadium, the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, numerous Rio neighborhoods, the Rio-Niterói bridge, and much more.

To start your hike, head to Alto da Boa Vista, where the trail begins. For more details or directions, feel free to ask along Estrada dos Picos road. Or you can always take a tour.

Hiking in Rio de Janeiro

8. Travessia

For those that have a few extra days in Rio and are looking for something a bit more challenging than the hikes above, then Travessia is for you. This three-day hike is approximately 30 kilometers in length and goes deep through the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, a mountain range that yields wide views and rocky crests that will take your breath away.

Along the way, there are two camping spots that provide you with a place to sleep for each of the nights during the three-day hike. Tents can be hired there for R$40 a day. There are showers but only in the second camping station, and cost R$20 to use once. There is a limit of 100 visitors to the park per day, and you will need to buy a ticket for this hike (we recommend getting it in advance).

You will need to be self-sufficient during this hike. Here are some of the absolute essentials you should take with you.

Tip: The best time to do this hike is during the winter until October. During the summer, storms are common and can make the trail dangerous. You need to take food and water with you. Make sure your food supply has plenty of carbohydrates, proteins, and sugar.

More Rio de Janeiro Blog Articles

I can tell you firsthand that hiking in Rio de Janeiro of the best ways to enjoy Rio — so I’m glad you landed on this article to book yours. If you’re looking for more info on traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, check out these additional Rio travel guides:

• Hiking Morro Dois Irmãos: A Complete Guide
• The Complete Guide to Christ the Redeemer
• 10 Best Things To Do In Rio When It Rains
• 5 Best Favela Tours in Rio: A Complete Guide to Visiting a Favela
• 20 Best Beaches in Rio de Janeiro (Plus Some You Haven’t Heard Of)

Final Thoughts: Hiking in Rio de Janeiro

Hiking Rio de Janeiro offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty and physical challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a novice, Rio de Janeiro hiking should be on your bucket list. From the moment you start hiking Rio, the city’s magnificent views and rich biodiversity will mesmerize you. The Rio hiking experience is truly unparalleled.

Exploring the hiking trails Rio de Janeiro has to offer, you’ll encounter both lush forests and panoramic cityscapes. If you need guidance or simply want to enhance your journey, consider one of the many Rio de Janeiro hiking tours. For those looking to venture beyond the city, there are countless options for hiking near Rio de Janeiro.

So, whether you choose one of the well-trodden hiking trails in Rio de Janeiro or prefer a guided hiking tour Rio de Janeiro style, your adventure awaits. Embark on the trail and let Rio captivate your senses.