Pedra da Gávea

The hike

Pedra da Gávea is one of Rio's postcard views. Tijuca National Park calls it the largest seaside monolith in the world, and Rio's tourism office calls its trail the hardest in the city. You start at the top of Estrada Sorimã in Barra da Tijuca and climb through Atlantic Forest, gaining more than 800 m. Riotur gives the summit as 844 m and says the way up alone takes at least 3 hours. The park says the whole hike takes about five hours on average and rates it heavy (difficult).

Near the top is the Carrasqueira, a real rock scramble. Riotur describes it as an almost vertical rock wall about 30 m high, where you need your hands to keep going. The park warns that the route has exposed vertical sections where accidents and even deaths have happened. Go only if you are fit and used to hard hikes. The park says it is always best to go with a guide or an experienced hiker, and it strongly recommends safety gear: harness, rope, carabiners and slings. It also suggests that at least one person in your group has climbing experience. The park does not provide guides, so if you want one, hire a private guide and arrive together.

Plan your timing carefully. The park is open from 8 am to 5 pm. You can't start up the trail after 2 pm, and everyone must be off the trail by 5 pm, when the gate closes. With about five hours needed, starting in the morning gives you the most margin. Bring food and plenty of water for the whole route, plus a hat, sunscreen and repellent, and wear closed shoes with grippy soles. Watch the weather. The park advises climbers to check conditions, and it closes or asks people to stay away when official weather alerts are issued. Mobile signal in the park is weak, and the park publishes no rescue number on its pages. As the park reminds you, you are also responsible for your own safety. Overnight stays on the summit are not allowed.

Plan your trip

Permits & fees

No permit or fee: entry to Tijuca National Park is free (only Corcovado charges). The park is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. You must start up the Pedra da Gávea trail by 2 pm and finish by 5 pm, when the gate closes. Overnight stays are not allowed. The park recommends groups of no more than 10 people.

Getting there

The trailhead is at the top of Estrada Sorimã in Barrinha, between São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca, in the park's Pedra Bonita and Gávea sector. The park recommends taking public transport that goes to Barrinha.

Good to know

• Bring a harness, rope, carabiners and slings for the Carrasqueira, or go with a guide or experienced climber. The park strongly recommends safety gear, and it does not provide guides, so book a private one ahead.
• Start in the morning. The hike takes about five hours on average, the trail closes to new starts at 2 pm, and everyone must be out by 5 pm.
• Carry food and plenty of water for the whole route, plus a hat, sunscreen and repellent. Check the park's news page before you go, because it closes on days with official weather alerts.

Gallery

Reviews & tips