Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio
Description
Experienced and award-winning Guide: With years of experience and hundreds of 5-star reviews, Rodrigo Índio is a local Guide passionate about the mountain and fully committed to its safety and fun. Safety first: The crossing of the technical stretch of the "Carrasqueira" is made with safety and step-by-step instructions, ideal for those who have never climbed. Personalized attention: This ensures closer attention, group time breaks and constant support throughout the track. The most spectacular view of Rio: From Pedra da Gávea you will see Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Bread, South Zone beaches, Barra da Tijuca and more. A 360° view that will take the breath. Amazing photos along the way: The Guide also acts as a photographer, helping you capture the best moments in the most iconic points of the trail. Authentic Experience: More than a walk, it is an immersion in the Carioca forest, with stories, curiosities and that “explorer of the wonderful city” climate.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is not advisable for sedentary people, without practice of physical activity or any medical problem.
Reviews(496)
This is maybe the best hike you can do in Rio, and absolutely the best view of the city. Our guides Edu and Fernando were incredible; super friendly, accommodating and took all the photos that you wanted throughout the hike. Not for the faint of heart, the path is not well maintained as its right in the heart of the Tijuca Forest. Expect lots of roots, rocks and occasional tight spaces. Bring lots of water and good shoes. The view is breathtaking and even intimidating; if you’re squeamish about heights maybe reconsider this trek. Even as someone who isn’t scared of heights, this tested me. 360 views of Rio and all its highlights, including Pedra Bonita, Cristo Redentor and Sao Conrado Beach. On a good day you can see all the way across Guanabara Bay. Can’t recommend this enough, truly a must-do thing in Rio, and worth all the effort!
It was a difficult but well worth it hike. Our guide instructed us along the way on how to climb over rocks and repel up and down a few places along the mountain. The views on top were one of a kind and our guide took the time to take some great photos of all of us.
Bring water, sunscreen and something to eat! This is definitely beyond just a beginner hike, but if you have any previous hiking experience you’ll enjoy it! Well worth the views
We did the Pedra da Gávea hike last Wednesday and had an amazing experience from start to finish. The only small issue was a delayed start—we were asked to meet at 7:40am but didn’t begin until around 8:30am. However, this was a minor point and didn’t take away from what turned out to be a fantastic day. Our guide, Eduardo, was excellent—professional, supportive, and very attentive throughout. He kept everyone motivated and made sure we felt safe and confident, especially during the more challenging sections of the hike. Although we initially expected a private guide for our group of three, the tour was run as a larger group with multiple guides (Eduardo, Tarzan, and Ronald) each leading smaller sub-groups. This actually worked really well. The guides communicated constantly and supported each other, ensuring that everyone kept pace and reached each checkpoint safely. A standout touch was how the guides helped capture the experience. They took photos and short videos at key points along the hike, which made a big difference and allowed us to fully enjoy the moment. Rodrigo, who organised the booking, was also great—he reached out via WhatsApp beforehand, provided clear instructions, and was very responsive to any questions. Overall, everything was run professionally and the whole team went above and beyond to make it a memorable experience. If you’re considering Pedra da Gávea, I would strongly recommend booking with this group—having experienced guides makes all the difference.
Lucas was great. Laid back, gave clear instructions, good sense of humor, and went the extra mile to get us all amazing photos. I mean, truly amazing.
Challenging but very rewarding experience. You climb over 700m but the views are extraordinary. Requires good fitness. The rock sections were managed well by the tour provider.
Edu was a great guide who took exceptional photos of the view!
Firstly Rodrigo kindly let me rearrange the hike after I fell unwell on the morning of the hike, which was greatly appreciated. When I felt better and rearranged, the hike was super well organised with info prior and Eduardo our guide on the day made it a greatly enjoyable day! The best view of Rio without a doubt!!!
The hike was long and challenging. There are portions of the hike that are a bit dangerous especially for those with little climbing experience, but Eduardo and our other guide were true professionals and helped with foot and hand hold placements when needed. They offered great guidance for hydration and food preparation and we were provided with climbing gear for the one portion of the hike where it is needed! The views are amazing and they take a bunch of great pictures and videos of the group/individuals that they can airdrop or message through whatsapp!
The overall experience was amazing. Guide Lucas a total crack made the crossing super enjoyable and entertaining. The challenging but spectacular road, and even though it was cloudy to be on top and see from time to time the city was just amazing. I recommend it and would do it again.
