Pedra da Gavea
Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil, 22451-261
When Portuguese sailors entered Guanabara Bay in January 1502, they spotted Pedra da Gavea and thought its shape resembled the topsail of a ship, which gave the mountain its name. The granite peak rises 2,769 feet (844 meters above sea level and plummets almost directly down toward the sea from within Tijuca National Park.
The basics
While not as famous as Sugarloaf or Corcovado, Pedra da Gavea offers equally spectacular views over Rio de Janeiro. A challenging and well-marked hiking trail leads to the top; hiking tours provide a safe way to complete the trek, as there’s a short and steep ascent near the end that’s easier with ropes and harnesses. For a bird’s eye view of the peak, book a helicopter, hang-gliding, or paragliding tour.
Things to know before you go
*Wear sturdy shoes with good tread, as parts of the trail can be slippery, especially when wet. *The hike to the peak and back takes around 6-7 hours to complete. *Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and protection from the sun. *If you don’t plan to hike, views of the mountain from below are best from Zona Sul and Zona Oeste.
How to get there
The peak of Pedra da Gavea is only accessible by hiking to the top along a 3.2-mile (5.2-kilometer) out-and-back trail. The trailhead is on the eastern side of Barra da Tijuca. The nearest metro stop is Jardim Oceânico; from there you can catch a taxi or walk the rest of the way.
When to get there
Parts of the trail can get bottlenecked so plan to depart early, especially if you’re hiking during high season in December and January. Plan your hike for a day when the forecast predicts no rain, as the trail can get slippery when wet.
Hiking in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro offers epic hiking opportunities without you having to leave the city. Dois Irmãos offers a less-crowded alternative to Sugarloaf and Corcovado; it boasts views of Ipanema Beach and the lagoon, and is also a much easier trail than Pedra da Gavea. An even easier hike to the top of Pedra Bonita rewards you with panoramic views of Barra da Tijuca. Make the trek to the top of Pedra Telegrafo (Telegraph Rock) for an Instagram-worthy photo on what appears to be a dangerous ledge but is in fact quite safe.
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