Pedra da Gávea

guiarodrigoindio
Apr 4
4 min read

Considered one of Rio’s most iconic landmarks, Pedra da Gávea is the world’s largest coastal monolith. Standing at 842 meters (2,762 feet) above sea level, its strategic location has long served as a reference point for navigators. It wasn’t until 1830 that the first expeditions to its summit began. Since then, it has attracted countless visitors to its trails and rocky slopes, becoming a top destination for mountaineering in Rio de Janeiro.

The Trail

The Pedra da Gávea trail is one of the most challenging and famous hikes in Rio de Janeiro. It covers approximately 3.7 km of ascent (around 3 hours to the summit) and requires a good level of physical fitness, as it includes steep inclines and sections of rock climbing. Prior experience isn’t necessary, but it’s highly recommended to go with a guide or an experienced hiker, along with proper safety equipment, appropriate footwear, and clothing. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the total hike takes around six hours.

The trail starts in Barrinha, a neighborhood in Barra da Tijuca. Hikers follow Estrada Sorimã until they reach Point da Meire, a popular meeting spot where you can have coffee, buy water, and snacks. This is also the gathering point for guides and their clients before entering Tijuca National Park.

The Tijuca National Park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, meaning all visitors must complete the hike before closing time. At the entrance, one person from each group must register their contact information and number of hikers for park control.

The first section of the trail follows an old stone road from the former Sorimã Farm, which was once a sugar mill. Along the way, you can see remnants of old houses, a 200-year-old tree, stone and masonry water tanks, and wells that were likely part of an ancient water collection system. You’ll also notice an abundance of jackfruit trees—an invasive species in the area that grows rapidly and competes with native plants. However, they serve as a food source for capuchin monkeys, marmosets, and other animals.

Throughout the hike, you’ll have the chance to observe wildlife, including capuchin monkeys, marmosets, coatis, and, with some luck, even toucans and sloths, making the experience even more special.

The trail is well-marked but becomes increasingly steep and challenging. Be sure to take breaks, stay hydrated, and take in the breathtaking scenery of the world’s largest urban reforestation park.

Upon reaching Pedra da Corrente, the difficulty level increases. After passing two sections with metal chains (yes, this hike is a full-body workout! 😆), you’ll reach the first scenic viewpoint, offering a panoramic view of Barra da Tijuca, Recreio, and Guaratiba—the longest stretch of beach in Rio, spanning over 14 km.

As you continue, the trail becomes rockier, with steep sections that require scrambling (using both hands and feet). Along the way, you’ll come across a natural spring emerging from the rocks—a great place to cool off and refill your bottle (only drink the water if it hasn’t rained recently).

A mandatory rest stop is at Praça da Bandeira, a flat, shaded clearing perfect for relaxing, hydrating, and having a snack. From here, you’ll get the first clear view of Pedra da Gávea’s summit.

After another 15 minutes of hiking, you’ll reach a viewpoint facing Pedra Bonita, where you can watch paragliders and hang gliders taking off. You’ll also see Pico da Tijuca, the highest peak in Tijuca Forest at 1,021 meters (3,350 feet). If the weather is clear, you might even catch a glimpse of the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range in the distance.

Now, there's no way to miss the world’s largest coastal monolith!

Before reaching Carrasqueira, on the left side, there’s another viewpoint offering an incredible panoramic view. It’s also a popular photo spot against the Gávea Wall.

And finally, the infamous Carrasqueira! You have two options to ascend: free climbing or using safety equipment. Due to the technical difficulty of this section, it is highly recommended to go with a guide or an experienced climber for safety. Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen here due to recklessness, when people attempt to climb without proper skills or ignore safety advice.

Once you tackle this 30-meter rock wall, take a deep breath and enjoy the breathtaking views of Rio’s west zone. From here, it’s about another 30 minutes to the summit, but the ascent continues to be a scramble. As you start circling around the rock, the landscape becomes even more impressive. Near the end, there’s one last steep section, but hang in there—we're almost there! You made it to the top!

All that effort pays off with one of the most stunning natural views in the world. Congratulations! I know it wasn’t easy, but that’s exactly what makes Pedra da Gávea so special—the challenge to get here, and the reward of the view, which is truly indescribable.

Take a moment to rest, hydrate, and grab a snack. And, of course, take lots of photos—you deserve to capture this unforgettable experience!

How is the trail?

🟢 Start – The trail begins in Barrinha, a neighborhood in Barra da Tijuca. The first few meters are easy, but soon, the path becomes steeper.

🟡 Intense ascent – The middle section involves a steep climb through the dense vegetation of the Atlantic Forest. If it has rained recently, the trail may be slippery.

🔴 Carrasqueira (Most difficult section) – This 30-meter rock wall requires scrambling (climbing using hands). Some hikers use ropes, and those without experience should consider hiring a guide for safety.

🏔 The summit – After Carrasqueira, there’s still a final ascent. At the top, the spectacular view includes the South Zone, Barra da Tijuca, Guanabara Bay, and even the Serra dos Órgãos on clear days.

Visitation Rules

Did you know that Pedra da Gávea is part of the Tijuca National Park? There are specific regulations that all visitors must follow:

Overnight stays are not allowed due to the risk of accidents and to protect the environment. The summit hosts endangered plant species, and camping could harm the ecosystem.
The trail must be completed by 5 PM – meaning you must exit the park by this time when it closes.
Pets are not allowed since they can harm biodiversity by spreading diseases, hunting, or scaring native species.

Help protect this incredible natural treasure by respecting these rules!