Pedra da Gávea

Awesome experience. My Tour- Guide Luis Daniel was more that perfect. He challenged me in all the ways going up with rope climbing on the sides then coming back I did Mountain run on my own. It’s was one of the best feelings ever. I will recommend for anyone Visiting Rio

The most amazing hike in Rio and one of the best hikes we’ve ever done. It’s a difficult hike and you should definitely get a guide unless you’re an experienced climber and have your own equipment. All the effort is worth it. The views are unique and you can see monkeys and beautiful wild birds on the way. We booked through Airbnb Experiences. Try to choose a sunny day.

Amazing views, the hike isn’t that difficult. You need shoes with good grip, plenty water, upper body strength and dedication. I hike it and climbed without any rope

December 2024 (Booked hike though tripadvisor / Rodrigo Indio Tours) Stand out experience of 16 days in Rio - highly recommended if you want to get away into the peace of Tijuca forest, challenge yourself a bit and get the most rewarding view - with plenty of photo opportunity. The hike is uphill via steps, forest path and minor scrambles via natural and man made hand-holds. It's moderately challenging and there is a small climb just before the summit - with a view next to none in the area. I was glad for good shoes + backpack and lots of water+snacks. Rodrigo was an excellent guide adding context to the encounters with flora and fauna, we saw jackfruit trees, monkeys etc. What was more impressive was his ability to gently encourage members of our group and create a safe space for continuing onwards even if it felt challenging to them. He shared how to tackle some of the trickier bits and we all cheered on each other in the end as we made it though the various stages of the climb up and ended up an awesome experience richer - with photos kindly provided by Rodrigo to tell the story. I've done a bit of solo hiking in Tijuca but for this one I was really happy to have Rodrigo along as I felt more relaxed and able to enjoy the forest, hike and views. - it wouldn't have been the same without him. Book this if you're in Rio and remotely interested in walking, forest and great views.

One of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited!!!! There is climbing part was very interesting to me and when you reach the top, it’s a totally different story, totally worth it 😍🇧🇷❤️❤️ Most visit in Rio 🤩

Most beautiful hike you can do in Rio! We were really confused whether we needed a guide or not, let me tell you, you don’t (speaking as a European)! Here’s how we did it: - you can get an uber there and back - the hike is continuous ascending - there is 1 part where there are some guys that help you to get up/down a steep rock path. I asked, they are there every day (except when it rains)! The price for gringos was 80BRL up&down or 50BRL only down. For Brazilians I heard them say 30BRL up and 30BRL down. They’re super friendly and give you the harness and equipment! - next to this part, you can also boulder up. If you’re unhandy, might not be the best idea. But if you’re like us used to climb a bit of rocks every now and then, it’s easy! Only downside for us was that there were occupied by guides with groups and the queue was long. - the views are beautiful! - the park only opens at 8am - We saw tours where you could really climb and ascend via the rocks, this looked really cool! We might do that next!

Very challenging hike but absolutely worth it. The total hike took us around 6h (including breaks). The first 2.5h is a beautiful path with only a few steep parts. Once you almost teach the top a big cliff wall is waiting. It is possible (but dangerous) to go up alone. We were lucky and some tour guides with ropes were waiting and took us up (and down) for around 10$ per person. Once you are up there is another 20 min hike with some sketchy parts waiting. The view from the top is absolutely worth it. When going down we had to wait to use the ropes because it was quite busy. Make sure to bring sunscreen, water and snacks 👍🏻

On of my best hikes so far, if you looks for a full day with amazing views and breathtaking moments then you must go for a hike to Pedra da Gavea. I recommend to go with a guide, as it’s NOT so easy to go Alone as it’s not for beginners. Our guide knew all the secrets and he have his robes to help you with some parts of the hike. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it and I’ll definitely come back for more breathtaking moments.

Probably the best hike I've done in my life so far. Also one of the most difficult. You can technically do it without a guide but I highly recommend getting one. The trail is pretty well marked so I don't think you'd get lost but getting a guide also gives you access to the rope and harness to get up the rock scramble (or 'Carrasqueira' as the locals call it). Allegedly you can go on your own and just pay one of the guys to rent the harness but I think a guide is worth it. Place they'll take some epic photos for you! I hiked Pedra da Gavea in late February so it was in the peak of summer in Rio. Temperatures hovered around 90F and it was HUMID. The heat and humidity had me hitting my inhaler on the way up. It takes about 3 hours to go up and 2-2.5 hours to go down. The views at the top are breathtaking so you'll probably want to hang out at the top for an hour or so. Plan for it to be an all-day affair. Bring a lot of water. Bring a light lunch. Put on some sunscreen.

An epic adventure hike that is not for the faint of heart. It's a pretty long trip to the top, which includes some dangerous sections. The risk can be mitigated by an experienced guide with some ropes/harnesses for safety (mostly for the brief rock climb) . Local hikers tend to throw caution to the wind, but you don't want to go tumbling down a cliff do you? Getting to the top is about a 3 hour endeavor almost entirely uphill, you hike out the same way though downhill is obviously faster (maybe 2 hrs). You'll definitely want a good amount of water, so either a camelback or 3-4 12 oz waters per person. The views are totally breathtaking, I don't think I've ever been up so high without being in an airplane. If you're feeling fit and want a real hiking challenge in Rio, this is the one for you!

Ahh Pedra da Gávea... The only thing better than writing about this hike is doing it, and since I've hiked it twice now, I figured I'd write about it twice. This hike is one of the best I've done in my life for several reasons: 1. Challenging. It's an extremely challenging hike, and not for beginners, people with injuries, or those who are out of shape. Most of the trail is a steep and stair-like, but parts of it require climbing up rocks at about a 70° incline, using vines and trees to support yourself, and even a metal chain. The steep rock-climbing part is a challenge in and of itself and is dangerous (people have died here), when you look down you're going to see a drop-off - one wrong move and you're going down the mountain the fast way. There are no ropes or supports here and it takes a lot of will to get through. 2. Trying. In addition to the rock climbing part you're going to get a good workout and will want to quit several times along the way. Don't. 3. Soul Inspiring. You will not find a better view of Rio anywhere else. The feeling you'll get when you reach the grassy top and look down 2,700 feet (840 meters for you metric folk) is indescribable. It's a rush when you look over the side and it's straight down, almost to the blue ocean. You can feel the wind blowing through your hair and across your body and hope it doesn't blow you off the mountain, the slight sense of vertigo and realizing how small we really are will set in and you won't want to leave. Bring your camera and take some of the most amazing pictures of Rio you're ever going to shoot. Bring lots of mosquito repellent, water (at least 32oz. per person), sandwiches for lunch, and be sure to check the weather beforehand - I've seen clouds roll in almost out of nowhere and nobody wants to get stuck on top. On the way down you're going to feel completely exhausted, but you'll have an intense sensation of adventure and accomplishment. Do this hike and you'll remember it for the rest of your life.