Should You Hike Pedra da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro?

You’ve definitely seen it, even if you didn’t know the name. A massive coastal mountain towering over Rio with a table-flat peak. That’s Pedra da Gávea.

Let’s answer the burning question first. Yes, it is hikable. And yes, you’re allowed to hike it with or without a guide. That’s entirely up to you.

But don’t let anyone tell you to skip this just because you have no rock climbing experience. I didn’t have any either so I decided to go with a guided hike, and loved it! The view up top is absolutely unmatched.

Unless you’re a pro rock-climber, though, I highly recommend going with a guide. Rock conditions change depending on the weather too, so better safe than sorry.

Now let’s walk you through exactly what to expect along the way and see how you feel!

What to Expect Hiking Pedra da Gávea

Part of the Tijuca National Park and standing tall at 2,769 feet (844 meters), Pedra da Gávea is the largest coastal monolithic rock in the world.

It was one of the steepest hikes I’ve ever done. Half the length of the Machu Picchu hike, but twice the elevation. A bit more, and you’d literally be running up a wall. 😂

For frequent hikers with no rock climbing background who want to hike this, having a guide who can give instructions will keep you safe. I did the exact same thing and I scored just fine.

If you have an extreme fear of height or are not familiar with hiking at all, however, I recommend sitting this one out. I also don’t recommend it for children.

History and Cultural Significance of Pedra da Gávea

Pedra da Gávea got its name in 1502 during a South American expedition of Gaspar de Lemos and Americo Vespucci. It was the first mountain visible from the sea, with its shape resembling a topsail (gávea in Portuguese).

Today, it is one of the most popular pastimes among locals and tourists, attracting at least 32,000 visitors per year, surprisingly more than the stunning Parque Lage, which is much easier to visit.

The Phoenicians Legend

Anything ancient has a legend attached to it, of course. The most famous one for Pedra da Gávea has to do with a face-like formation on one side of the rock.

For a long time, people believed that the face, resembling that of a massive Sphinx, was evidence that the Phoenicians once traveled to this side of the planet and had left traces on the mountain.

This face is visible most clearly from the north side of the mountain, from atop Pedra Bonita.

On the side of the rock to the left, behind the face, visible from the east, are font-like inscriptions resembling the Phoenician script.

The inscriptions were first spotted and decoded by archaeologist Bernardo da Silva Ramos in 1928. The translated phrase says, “Tyro Phoenician, Badezir, firstborn of Jethbaal.”

More translations of the phrase would emerge decades later, but none of that matters because… all legends relating to the Phoenicians were later debunked by the Brazilian Historic and Geographic Institute.

There has been no other credible evidence of foreign civilizations in the area.

Enough with the nerdy information. Let’s get to the trail!

Trail Overview: Planning Your Day

Pedra da Gávea trail operates according to the Tijuca National Park rules. Below is everything you need to know to plan your day around the hike.

Trail Stats

• Distance (One-way): 1.64 miles (2.65 km)
• Elevation Gain: 2,545 feet (776 m)
• Duration (One-way): 2.5 hours on average
• Difficulty: Strenuous

Tijuca National Park Visitors’ Information

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Free Admission
• Trailhead: Estr. Sorimã, 932 – Itanhangá, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22611-030

If you look up the trailhead on Google Maps, a couple of different options will pop up (Point da Meire, Trilha Pedra da Gávea, etc).

Those addresses will take you (your Uber) to the same point. You will see a very small coffee shop and a small gear house when you arrive. This is the meeting point for all guided hikes.

You can either take an Uber straight from where you are to the trailhead, or take the Metro line 4 to Jardim Oceânico and grab an Uber from there to save a bit of money.

Everything You’ll See on the Trail

It takes around 2 and a half hours on average to get to the top of Pedra da Gávea. If you’re not used to hiking strenuous trails, you may need longer breaks and more time in total.

I will be dividing the guide into smaller sections so it’s easier to digest.

The Stone Path: A Colonial Beginning

From the checkpoint at the trailhead, you’ll be walking along a well-paved stone path for the first 15 minutes or so. This was a path built by slaves inside a sugar cane farm a few centuries ago.

You’ll also see some stone walls remaining from the old farm.

At some point, the city ran out of water, and the farm had to close down. So the government stepped in and converted the area into a man-made forest.

Although it looks like just another path in the photos, keep in mind that every single part of this trail is STEEP.

You’re trying to gain about 2,500 feet of elevation in less than 2 miles. Make sure to get your fitness level up to par for this, or take as many breaks as needed.

Switchbacks and Forest Trail

Once the stone path ends, you’ll find yourself going up even steeper sets of switchbacks, some stairs, and simple dirt paths for about 40 minutes or so.

Some parts are crazier than others, like this wooden plank by the rockface below. But don’t worry, you’ll see there’s a metal chain installed to help you secure yourself if you look closely at the photo.

First Rock Face + Mini Cave

The first *rather* unconventional part of the trail comes about an hour in.

After climbing switchbacks, stairs, and walking on planks, you’ll come to the first rock face with an assistive chain hanging off of it.

The rock is so slanted that it’s possible to walk up and down without using the chain; you’ll just be more prone to slipping.

This means I do NOT recommend getting up the rock without the chain, by the way. I just brought it up to let you know that it is not *that* steep.

Simply grab onto the chain and pull yourself up the rock face. Make sure to wait until the person climbing before you has let go of it first.

After getting up the rock face, you’d want to turn left. Don’t continue straight up.

Following the path to the left, you’ll be walking on a calmer, flatter trail for about 2 minutes. Once you see a mini stone cave in front of you, brace yourself for more action.

Rocky Terrain and Red Soil Slopes

After the mini cave, you’ll spend the next 20 minutes climbing up rocky terrains.

This can easily be done even if you don’t hike very often. Just think back to when you were climbing whatever trees you weren’t supposed to climb when you were 7. That same type of climbing.

Keep in mind that some parts of this section can be slippery from lichen and the natural water that drips onto the rocks. Be very careful of where you step, and you’ll be fine.

After the rocky parts and another 15 minutes or so of climbing more stairs, you’ll be out of the woods for the first time. Look up to see the back side of the “topsail.”

Although the trail itself isn’t treacherous in this area, the red soil gets quite slippery when dry, so be very careful so you won’t fall.

Carrasqueira: The Famous Climb

This is possibly the most well-known section of Pedra da Gávea.

For about 25 meters (82 feet), you’ll have to climb your way up the steepest rock face on the trail. I have to admit that climbing up that part, I was the most scared I had ever been in my life.

Here, you’ll find trail staff and local hikers selling drinks and popsicles for about R$20 apiece. There is also plenty of space for you to sit down and breathe, drink, and recuperate before going up.

Tip: Use Uber or a Certified Guide

There are two ways to get up Carrasqueira: Self-climbing or via Uber.

Yup, Uber. That’s what they call the ropes with safety gear on the left side.

You can pay the Uber staff R$40 to use it one way or pay R$60 for a round-trip. If you have never rock climbed in your life and are not going with a guide, I highly recommend paying for Uber.

The other way is to climb your way up. You’ll see the lines of people choosing to brave the climb to the right in the photo above.

Because I went with a certified guide, we all climbed, but with specific climbing instructions he gave us for every single move.

Final Push to the Summit

After bracing Carrasqueira, the rest of the trail shouldn’t be anything too thrilling. At this point, you’ve done it all before. Just don’t forget to turn around and admire the view once in a while.

Amazing Views at the Top

To say that the view is worth the effort would be an understatement. Once you get to the top, focus on getting to the right side.

You’ll see the crowd chilling and taking photos there beyond the bushes. That is where you’ll see the most stunning view of Rio de Janeiro’s Zona Sul, as well as get the coolest photos.

You’ll find iced water and Gatorade sold up here at the top as well. So, grab a drink, find your spot, and enjoy one of the best views of Rio de Janeiro!

Best Time to Hike Pedra da Gávea

The weather in Rio de Janeiro is humid and warm year-round, with winter days between 65-80°F (18-26°C) and summer days between 76-100°F (24-37°C). I recommend attempting the hike in winter, when there’s less chance of rain.

Start the hike as early as possible. The park opens at 8. Go at 7:30 to grab some coffee and snacks, put on sunscreen, and get ready to start right on the dot.

This means you can get up to the top before the excruciating midday sun, and can surely get back down before it gets dark in the forest.

Other Amazing Trails Around Rio

• Pedra Bonita: A Calmer Option
• Corcovado Trail: Visiting Christ the Redeemer on Foot
• Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls
• Argentinian Side of Iguazu Falls (going from Brazil)

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

Use the map below to browse for hotels and rentals in Rio de Janeiro, if you don’t want to stay where I recommend. Keep in mind that I advise against staying near Centro, Santa Teresa, Lapa, or Copacabana.

Traveling to Rio de Janeiro

I hate how “famously dangerous” Brazil is when I never felt that terrible throughout three months of my stay there. Was the danger real? Yes. But you just have to know how things work.

Learn what to do to navigate the risks and stay safe before you go, and for extra bonus with the locals, read up on some of their cultural points.

Here are some basics to get you started on safety.

• Have a copy of your important documents (passport and any travel documents) saved on your phone and other devices, just in case they get stolen.
• Dress down. This city is not for showing off your riches on the street.
• Avoid taking long walks alone. Even in the safest countries in the world, it takes crossing ONE street to feel the difference between a safe neighborhood and a less safe one in the city.
• If you get robbed, do NOT fight the assailant, as you don’t know whether or not they have a weapon. Give them what they want and immediately report the incident to the police.

Other Helpful Travel Resources for Brazil

• Make sure you protect your trip with a travel insurance.
• Get this eSIM for local data without giving up your number.
• Must-have Apps: Google Maps, Uber, WhatsApp

As a bonus, grab a copy below of the template I created and personally use to plan my own trips. It’s completely free for you!

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