Best Hikes in Rio de Janeiro: My Real Trails

Pão de Açúcar, or Sugarloaf, is actually two peaks. A cable car runs from the base all the way to the summit, but it makes a stop at the first, smaller peak, Morro da Urca.

You can’t hike to the top of Sugarloaf itself. You can, however, hike up to Morro da Urca, and it’s a great way to skip the cable car line for at least part of the way up.

To get there, take an Uber to Praia Vermelha, then follow the coastal trail along the side. I did this one and enjoyed it, it’s not my favorite trail on this list, but it’s safe, well-traveled by locals and a genuinely pleasant walk.

At the far end of Copacabana, on Leme beach, sits an old military fort that’s open to visitors. The climb is short and a bit steep, about 15 to 20 minutes.

I’ve done this one too, and it’s a solid activity if you’re already walking around the Copacabana or Leme area. The fort itself is worth a look, but the real reward is the view over the whole Copacabana bay from the top.

This is my favorite trail in Rio de Janeiro, hands down. The morro dois irmaos hike delivers a view that covers the entire south zone, Ipanema bay, the lagoon, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf, all from one spot.

The route passes through a favela before entering the forest for about 40 to 45 minutes, then opens up to that panoramic viewpoint. Some hikers go for sunrise, but I prefer late afternoon – just know the sun sets behind the mountain, so you won’t catch a sunset here. You can do it by yourself or with a guide.

Want the full breakdown? I’ve written a dedicated guide to the Dois Irmãos hike with everything you need to know.

Before you book your next tour, don’t forget to use my code HORIZONHUGO5 on Get Your Guide, it only takes a second to apply and gets you 5% off, so it’s basically free money for something you were going to book anyway.

Parque Lage is known for its colonial-style building, a popular photo stop on its own. But it’s also the starting point for a forest trek leading up to Christ the Redeemer.

The climb is steep and sweaty, but manageable. I did it without any issues, though I’d read reports of theft on this trail beforehand and went in a bit nervous. My hike was about a year ago, so I can’t confirm current conditions, to stay safe, leave valuables behind. Arriving at Christ the Redeemer on foot instead of by train or car gives a real sense of achievement that’s hard to match.

You can also go with a guide with this trek.

This is the launch point for Rio’s paragliders and hang gliders. Take an Uber to the site, walk 5 to 10 minutes to the launch area, then hike another 20 to 25 minutes to the viewpoint atop the rock formation.

The trail is easy, not very steep, and popular with visitors. I haven’t personally done this one, I chose other hikes instead, but it’s an iconic spot worth knowing about.

If you want the toughest and most rewarding climb in Rio’s south zone, this is it. The pedra da gavea hike takes 4 to 5 hours and includes a genuine climbing section, about 50 meters of bare rock with no walking path.

I did this one myself, and it’s easily one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Rio. I even flew my drone from the summit, and the footage was stunning. You get a 360-degree view, and it’s impressive!

If you’re not comfortable scaling rock by hand, local companies offer assistance for around 50 reais for that stretch. I watched Brazilian locals climb it barefoot, moving with total ease, it’s clearly not too dangerous if you know what you’re doing, but it’s not a hike to take lightly either. Bring snacks for the descent, since this one takes a lot out of you.

There are also guided tours to climb Pedra Da Gavea.

This hike sits farther from central Rio, so plan on an Uber and maybe splitting the cost with others. It’s famous for one very specific photo spot, a rock ledge that creates the illusion you’re hanging in midair.

I did this trail, and while I skipped the photo op because of the line on a sunny day, the hike itself was enjoyable. There are beaches and a small town nearby for food afterward, and the views along the way are genuinely pretty.

Find a Tour to Pedra do Telegrafo.

Beyond the city hikes, Tijuca Forest has several trails worth exploring, all centered around waterfalls, dense jungle and more wildlife than you’ll find on the coastal trails. It’s a good option if you want a deeper nature experience without leaving the city limits.

Bom Retiro is one of the most famous trail in Tijuca forest. I haven’t done this one myself, but I’ve heard many great things about it.