My toxic trait is letting a photo of a beautiful nature scene dictate the course of my travels. So when I was looking up “things to do in Rio de Janeiro”, Pedra da Gávea quickly became the number one thing on my list. However, being that I am from New York, and not a professional hiker by any means, I obviously had some concerns. How was I going to climb that rock, and how the hell was I going to get back down? I learned a lot and had an incredible local guide to help me along the way. Here’s my guide on how to safely hike Pedra da Gávea.
Where is Pedra da Gávea?
Pedra da Gávea is situated within the Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world. Located in Rio de Janeiro, it is just a short drive from popular tourist areas like Barra da Tijuca, Ipanema, and Leblon. The mountain is part of the same mountain range as Sugarloaf Mountain. Together, they give Rio that unique, postcard perfect frame.
Due to its location in the heart of Rio’s nature, the hike feels both remote, but is very accessible. While you’re surrounded by the dense forest and rugged terrain, you can still see the urban skyline in the distance, offering a perfect blend of city and nature. The trailhead is located near the neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, making it a short commute from most accommodations in Rio de Janeiro.
What Makes Pedra da Gávea Unique?
Hiking Pedra da Gávea is not your average mountain trek. Several factors make it stand out from other hikes around the world, and it’s these unique aspects that draw adventurous travelers to its slopes.
Size
Pedra da Gávea is considered the highest rock formation near the coastline in the world. It stands at 844 meters (2,769 feet) and is one of the highest mountains in the world that ends directly in the ocean. Its size makes it a dominant feature of Rio’s skyline, and the view from the top is unreal. You can see the iconic beaches, forested mountains, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean stretched out below. This vantage point, combining urban and natural landscapes, makes the hike uniquel.
Myths and History
Pedra da Gávea has long been a site of mystery. Its unusual shape, which some say resembles a human face, has sparked myths ranging from ancient Phoenician carvings to alien landing sites. There’s even a legend that says an ancient tomb of a king lies hidden in the rock. Although scientists say these are just myths, they add a sense of intrigue and adventure to the hike.
How to Get to Pedra da Gávea
Getting to Pedra da Gávea is pretty straightforward. Most travelers will start their journey from Rio’s south zone, but even if you’re staying further away, the trip is doable in a day. You’ll just have to get up early.
By Car or Uber
If you’re traveling by car or Uber, set your GPS for the “Point da Meire Cafe”. This is a small cafe located at the beginning of the trailhead. The road up to it is a little bumpy, but well-paved. There’s parking available near the start of the hike.
If you’re taking a taxi or rideshare, simply tell the driver to drop you off at “Trilha Pedra da Gávea” (Pedra da Gávea trail). The entrance is well-marked, and they are typically used to taking people there, so they will know what you’re talking about.
In my opinion, car or Uber is the only way you should get to the trailhead. The hike starts early, and public transportation doesn’t go directly to the trail. You will have to walk a bit if you take it. This is a long, strenuous hike, so I think driving is best.
By Public Transportation
If you insist on taking public transportation, you can take a bus from the southern neighborhoods like Copacabana, Ipanema, or Leblon toward Barra da Tijuca. Once you arrive at the Barra da Tijuca area, you’ll need to either walk or take a taxi to the trailhead in the Tijuca National Park.
The nearest metro stop is Jardim Oceânico. You would still need to walk 1.4 mi (2.3 km) to the trailhead.
Is the Hike Really as Hard As They Say?
Yes! Especially if you’re not an experienced hiker (like me). Pedra da Gávea is regarded as one of the most difficult hikes in Rio de Janeiro. The trail is only around 3.3 miles (5.31 km) long, but it’s incredibly steep and strenuous. The hike takes you through steep sections of forest before the real challenge begins with the “Carrasqueira” rock wall.
It’s important to know that you’re not just hiking. There’s some climbing and scrambling involved. The final portion, the Carrasqueira, is where things get hard– both physically and mentally if you’re afraid of heights. This section involves a steep rock “climb”. Although it’s not technically rock climbing, you will have to use your hands and feet to get up.
Since I visited in October, there was lots of rain, which made certain sections slippery. This is an important factor to consider, since it adds an extra layer of difficulty.
Experienced hikers/ climbers may not consider this “the most difficult hike”. But for those with no climbing experience, this challenge can be thrilling if done the right way. It’s essential to be honest about your fitness level. If you’re not used to technical climbs or if you’re afraid of heights, this section can be quite intimidating.
Do You Need a Local Guide?
It’s technically not mandatory to hire a local guide to hike Pedra da Gávea. There’s no entrance fee, and there’s technically no one at the trailhead checking if you’re with someone. However, it’s a great option for those unfamiliar with the trail.
If you are inexperienced with technical climbs, then a local guide is a must. An experienced guide can ensure that you stay on track and navigate the most challenging sections safely.
Benefits of a Guide
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Safety: Guides are familiar with the trail, weather conditions, and potential hazards.
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Navigation: The trail is well-marked, so it’s not really possible to get lost. But a guide can also help you navigate the steep rocks, tell you where to put your feet, etc.
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Support on the Carrasqueira: The climbing section can be intimidating for first-timers, and a guide will absolutely be necessary here if you don’t know what you’re doing.
My Local Guide
I got my guide through Airbnb experiences. The experience was “Conquering Pedra da Gávea” hosted by Rodrigo Indio. I cannot recommend it enough. He kept in touch with me leading up to the hike, was on top of letting me know about any changes to the meeting point, and was generally responsive to messages.
I was straightforward about my lack of climbing experience when booking, and he assured me that they have taken people up with no experience in the past. All safety equipment was provided and he assured me it was not dangerous.
My actual guide was Eduardo, and all I can say is that I am sure that man is not getting paid enough for his job. He said he does the hike 3-4 times a week, and it was evident by the way he navigated the rocks like a pro. He was also very patient and encouraging. I had a great experience with him as my guide.
The best part of booking this experience (other than that I was safe the whole time), is that Eduardo knew the best places to take photos, and took the most incredible pictures. He even brought his drone! This was great because after the strenuous hike, I didn’t want to think at all about photo spots. He made sure everyone on the hike got great ones!
Also, I don’t work with Airbnb and paid for this experience on my own, if that makes a difference 🙂
How Long Does the Hike Take?
The total time to complete the hike depends on your fitness level and experience. On average, it takes between 6 to 8 hours for a round trip. This includes time for breaks, taking in the scenery, and, of course, photos at the summit.
We started the hike a little after 8 am and got to the summit around noon. We finished the hike around 4:45 pm. This includes about an hour at the summit resting and doing photos. The way down was much harder than the way up, so that part might take a bit longer. Make sure to start your hike early in the day to give yourself plenty of time to complete it before dark.
What to Pack for Pedra da Gávea
It’s just a day hike, so there isn’t too much you need to pack. But there’s definitely some things I wish I had with me at the top. Here’s everything I think you’ll need to be comfortable.
Essentials:
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Water: At least 2 liters per person. The hike is strenuous, and you’ll need to stay hydrated.
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Snacks: Things that won’t get crushed in your bag like nuts, energy bars, and fruit.
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Hiking Boots: Sturdy, well-fitting boots with good grip are essential for this hike.
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Sunscreen: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are musts, especially since parts of the trail are exposed to direct sunlight. You’ll especially wish you had these at the top of Pedra da Gávea.
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Bug spray: especially if you’re prone to getting bit.
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Gardening Gloves: To protect your hands on the rough rock and from thorns when climbing down. I didn’t have mine and I really wish I did.
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Baby wipes: especially if it’s muddy from rain the days prior. We were all filthy at the top, and it was nice to be able to clean up, even if it was just for a bit.
Change of clothes: again if it’s muddy, you might not want to sit in your car with your dirty clothes on the way back. Especially if you’re coming from far. You can change at the cafe if it’s still open when you get down.
Tips for Hiking Pedra da Gávea
- Check the weather: rain can make this hike so much harder than it actually is, so it’s best to stay on top of the forecast. If it had been raining a day or two before your hike, and you’re not the most confident hiker, consider rescheduling.
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Get shoes with good traction: these will be a lifesaver on the way down.
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Clear your schedule: this hike takes all day, so don’t make plans for after like I did 🙁. Samba after an 8-hour hike was kind of miserable.
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Get a good night’s sleep: This will not be a fun experience if you’re already tired before starting.
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Wear long pants: I know I’m wearing shorts in my pictures, but this was a mistake! I got so many cuts, scrapes, bruises, and bug bites on my legs. If I had to do this again, I would wear long pants. If you want to be in shorts for the photos, wear them underneath, and take the long pants off at the top.
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Hiking Pedra da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro is a thrilling and challenging adventure that definitely rewards those who dare to attempt it. The natural playground of the Tijuca Forest is a beautiful reminder that Rio is not just beaches and partying. Hopefully this guide inspired you to plan your trip to Pedra da Gávea. For more travel inspo, make sure to check out my other blog posts on traveling to Brazil!
