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Rio de Janeiro Hiking

Our most recommended Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Hiking

Tijuca National Park Small-Group Hike to Pedra Bonita

1. Tijuca National Park Small-Group Hike to Pedra Bonita

On this 5-hour tour you will discover the beautiful Tijuca National Park and admire magnificent views of Rio de Janeiro as you enjoy hiking your way to some of the highest peaks in the area. An easy trail takes the group to one of the most stunning summits of Rio de Janeiro with a 1-hour walk. From the top of Pedra Bonita at 696 meters (2,283 feet) and through a unique angle you will see the famous and majestic Pedra da Gavea, one of the highest monoliths (844 meters/2,769 feet) in the world that ends directly in the ocean. Stop at another viewpoint in the park along the way. The trail goes through the Atlantic Rainforest inside the Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world. On the way up, discover the history of Rio de Janeiro and Tijuca Forest, and all about the coffee farms that used to exist there, its golden years, and the reforestation that took place in the 19th century. The tour also drives you from the South Zone to the Tijuca Mountains. Hike: EASY (3,5km=2.2mi) / 2h / elev. gain 203m (667ft) Fitness is required to hike on rainforest rough terrain, up and downhill.

Rio de Janeiro: Vidigal Favela Tour and Two Brothers Hike

2. Rio de Janeiro: Vidigal Favela Tour and Two Brothers Hike

Experience the mystique of the Vidigal favela and discover a peaceful community that emerged in the city around 1940. Get stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from one of the most interesting locations in Rio de Janeiro. Start your hike in Vidigal, and experience the favela like a resident. Use the transport system that circulates the neighborhood and rub shoulders with the locals. Follow your guide in a group through the forest and head to the first viewpoint. Look down at the favela of Rocinha and see one of Latin America's largest slums. Continue to the next viewpoint for a breathtaking view of Pedra da Gávea and Pedra Bonita. See Corcovado in the other direction before going to the summit of Two Brothers hill (Morro Dois Irmaos). From there, it's possible to see all the famous beaches of Rio spread out before you, including Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. Hike for approximately 4.5 hours to turn your favela tour into a true adventure. Experience the warmth of the Vidigal community and get a better understanding of the social divisions in Rio de Janeiro. 

Rio: Tijuca Forest & Horto Waterfalls Circuit Tour

3. Rio: Tijuca Forest & Horto Waterfalls Circuit Tour

Experience the Horto Waterfall Trail and the Secret Waterfall Circuit! The tour consists of hiking trails with a moderate level of difficulty and some natural obstacles that you have to overcome. The place is beautiful and extremely pleasant, offering beautiful flora and wild animals for you to observe. Start the Horto Waterfall Trail and the Secret Waterfall Circuit towards the Jequitibá Waterfall, following trails and waterfalls until arriving at the famous Waterfall of the Shower, also known as Box Waterfall by the design and format that the rock presents. The Horto Waterfall Trail and the Secret Waterfall Circuit are an excellent alternative to get away from the overcrowded beaches of the city.

Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea Guided Hike Tour

4. Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea Guided Hike Tour

Hike one of the most famous rock formations in this wonderful city, the Pedra da Gavea. Summit at 842 meters and take in the spectacular views of the Bay of Guanabara and some of the main beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Also, see majestic views of famous mountains in nearby Tijuca National Park, such as Pico da Tijuca, Bico do Papagaio, Pedra Bonita and Corcovado. During your adventure along the Pedra da Gavea trail, you may also spot some wild animals of the Carioca Atlantic Forest! There are many animal and bird species that live in the greater Tijuca National Park area. Bring your camera and capture the panoramic views this special spot has to offer.

Tijuca Forest: Adventure & History Half-Day Hike

5. Tijuca Forest: Adventure & History Half-Day Hike

Visit a variety of lesser-known attractions in the Tijuca Forest National Park on the Tijuca Forest tour circuit. On a 6-km-long walk, hike along trails made in the 19th century, a period when this area was occupied by coffee plantations. Discover the history of the park, the world’s largest replanted urban forest. Along the circuit, visit the Cascatinha Taunay, the largest waterfall in the National Park, the Mayrink Chapel from 1850, the Cova da Onça Suspension Bridge, the Eucalyptus Forest which houses an old slave cemetery, and the Morcego’s Grotto, the largest gneiss cave in Brazil. Next, cool off at the Baronesa Cascade waterfall. Then, start the journey back to the starting point passing the former residence of Barão d’Escragnolle, one of the park’s managers in the past (now The Esquilos restaurant). Also see the Wallace Fountain, with a sculpture representing goodness, charity, sobriety and simplicity, a gift from the English philanthropist Richard Wallace to Brazil and produced inFrance in 1870. This circuit combines adventure, history, nature, a waterfall shower, among other things, passing through hidden spots and attractions that reveal the richness and personality of Rio de Janeiro and its tropical rainforest. Hike: MODERATE (6km=3.7mi) / 3h / elev. gain 354m (1,161ft) Requires good fitness to hike on rainforest rough terrain, up and downhill

Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour

6. Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour

Located in the Pedra Branca State Park, Pedra do Telégrafo (elevation of 350 meters) is at the top of Guaratiba Hill. Take a walk along the beach to the starting point of the trail. The ascent begins at Guaratiba Beach and it takes about an hour to reach the summit. There are several viewpoints along the way, with the best known being a large, sharp rock called Pedra da Bigorna. From the summit, marvel at the views of the Restinga da Marambaia sandbank, the wild beaches of Rio, Pedra do Pontal, and Grumari Beach. After the walk, relax on the beaches of Grumari or Prainha.

Rio de Janeiro: Tijuca Peak Guided Hike

7. Rio de Janeiro: Tijuca Peak Guided Hike

Hike inside the urban rainforest of Rio de Janeiro and get back to nature in Tijuca National Park. Climb Pico da Tijuca for stunning views at the highest point in the forest at an altitude of 1,021 meters above sea level. Experience one of the most beautiful trails of Rio de Janeiro, starting at the entry gate to Tijuca National Park and travel through several sections before arrival at the summit. Discover the amazing waterfall of Cachoeira das Almas and get breathtaking views from the peak of Tijuca Mirim. See a legendary staircase carved into rock and more.

Rio de Janeiro: Garganta do Céu Guided Hike

8. Rio de Janeiro: Garganta do Céu Guided Hike

Hike the monolithic mountain of Pedra da Gáveafor some of the best views of Rio de Janeiro. Experience the world's biggest block of solid rock by the sea, and get stunning panoramas from its peak. While shorter than the traditional Pedra da Gávea trail, this hike is considered more difficult as it is steeper and requires good orienteering skills. First, hike through the dense forest with your specialist guide. All assistance from your guide is provided. Benefit from their expertise as they help the group with all safety techniques and procedures needed. Once at the View point, look out at Guanabara Bay, the districts of Ipanema and Leblon, São Conrado, and the Barra Tijuca. Catch your breath before starting your descent. Return to the base of Pedra da Gávea. Relax and keep your eyes open for the native wild animals of the Atlantic rainforest of Rio de Janeiro along the way.

Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain Hike and Climb

9. Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain Hike and Climb

Join the select few people who have hiked up the legendary Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) and experience Rio de Janeiro from a fresh perspective. Follow the same path that the first person to walk up the mountain used in 1817. Set off from the Pista Claudio Coutinho to reach a beautiful lookout with spectacular views of the entrance to Guanabára Bay and the city of Niterói in just 20 minutes. Then, brave the more technical trail and hike across stone ramps to discover some beautiful belvederes. Get the perfect introduction to basic rock climbing as you face the challenge of a 20-meter high vertical wall. Reach the viewpoint of the Pedra Filosofal to soak up the magnificent vistas of Copacabana Beach, Pedra da Gávea, and Morro Dois Irmãos. Continue to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain before the descent on the cable car back down Urca Hill.

Tijuca Forest Adventure Full-Day Small Group Hike

10. Tijuca Forest Adventure Full-Day Small Group Hike

The tour takes you on a challenging hike, uphill and on rough terrain, through the Tijuca Rainforest, one of the biggest urban forests on the planet, on this off-the-beaten-track circuit of trails to discover the nature and beauty of the jungle, reaching the Taquara Hill (814m=2670ft). This peak is a 100m higher than the Christ Redeemer statue, and on clear days, you have 2 amazing views: one to the valley of the forest and another to the West part of Rio, its coastline and lagoons. After that, you will go to a deeper part of the jungle following a trail that is almost secret as it is very rare to see other people doing it. Within 1 hour of hiking up and downhill, you will reach the ruins of an old coffee farm and, with a bit more walking, you will reach a grotto and a cave in the middle of the rainforest. After this, you head to a waterfall where you can refresh yourself (bring a towel and bathing suit). The hike covers a total of approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) and will take around 5 hours. Go up and downhill with an elevation gain of 651 meters (2,135 feet). The trail circuit was designed by experts in the Tijuca Forest Park using tracks and sites that are not well-known or regularly visited, so you'll be hiking in a very unusual part of the forest.  The scenery of this tour is amazing and it has a lot to offer as you are visiting sites that are not featured in most tours. On the way up, you will learn the history of Brazil, Rio, the Tijuca Forest, and everything about the coffee farms that used to occupy that area before the reforestation that happened in the 1800's.

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What people are saying about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 257 reviews

The view on top is really amazing and worth the very challenging and arduous hike . Five stars to the guides Nick,Wesley and Eduardo for their professional guidance, patience and assistance in helping us especially me to get through the ordeal. They have first aid kit that they used to bandage the bleeding cuts in my head after an accidental fall. Very grateful for their quick response. I’m fine , just be careful and cautious because some of the stones are very slippery.

The guide was very knowledgeable about the Tijuca Forest history and hiking route! The group is small and the hiking was not too challenging. The waterfall was lovely and shower is amazing. We also saw the monkeys on the way back!

Really good experience, we saw animals, bathed in a waterfall and learned about history and culture in Brazil! Great host:)

Our guide was such a sweet lady. Hike was chilled pace, mire group of people, waterfalls refreshing. Definitely recommend.

The hike was lovely and the scenery was beautiful. Our guide Riccardo was extremely knowledgeable.