Rio: Pedra da Gávea Guided Extreme Hike

It was honestly one of the best experiences I had. It is a bit physical, but it's trully worth it. The guides were just amazing. Ronald and Edu really took care of us, they were fun, helping, they tell you were to take the pictures, guide you, take them for you, Edu also helkped fly my drone. The whole experience was so amazing, I don't think you can get a better view of Rio, honestly. We saw some monkeys and coatis. Burned 1000+ calories as per my watch, and enjoyed every second of it.

This was an incredible hike lead by Sergio. He was wonderful. He picked us up promptly at our hotel and gave us an overview of what we would be doing during the hike and climb to Pedra De Gavea. We hiked an incredible trail for about an hour and a half, which included some rock climbing as well as using a chain link rope to go up a huge rock (about 30 feet high). Then it started to Rain, a downpour really, and the clouds and fog moved in and the trail became slippery as there was a lot of foliage on the trail (which is natural of course). So about almost 2 hours on our way up with the incessant rain, we decided to turn around. We were concerned to keep going up and knew we would not be in a good position to go up the last part of the climb which is straight up the side of another rock. We were concerned about it being to slippery and so we turned around. As we made our way back down, it got very muddy and more treacherous for us, it took over an hour to get back down, because we didn’t want to slip and fall. Honestly, we really enjoyed the hike, loved being in nature and it was an adventure for us. Sergio always guided us very well and was helpful in showing us where and how to climb some of the more risky parts. My husband (age 67) and I (age 63) are advanced hikers. It was a good challenge for us. However, we are NOT climbers. This hike requires you to do quite a bit of climbing. We felt safe with Sergio, but would never have done this on our own. The only reason we made it as high as we did was because we had Sergio guiding and helping us. At no time did we feel unsafe. He made sure we were safe. Too bad the rain, fog and clouds came in, we will never have the chance to do this again. We are headed home now. However, we have a wonderful story to share with our kids and grandkids and the memory and pride of what we were able to accomplish with Sergio’s help. My comments: you must be physically fit, be able to hike up over a 1000 feet on the trail, able to climb rocks, have good balance and not be afraid of heights. Also, if you can have Sergio as your guide, all the better.

It was an incredible hike, and the views did not disappoint! I would - and will - recommend this to anyone eager for an engaging climb with breathtaking rewards. I was especially lucky to have Fabio as my guide - his knowledge and personality made the experience truly unforgettable.

Really cool hike (plus some scrambling and a bit of rappelling!) It was reasonably challenging but the amazing views made it totally worth it, as did our lovely and very patient guide, Eduardo. The communication and transport by Itaway tours was great too. If you're up for an adventure I'd highly recommend this hike!

Great experience, you need good physical condition, positive mindset and strength. Private tour is recommended. Odilio was the best tour guide!

I loved this hike so much and could not have done this without my AMAZING guide Thiago and his buddy Igor. They were incredible, motivating, safe and just good guys. My husband and I are experienced hikers in altitude and long treks. This was hands down the hardest day hike that we have done. The entire earth up is steep climbing. From high stairs, vines, chain ropes, a wall, boulder climbing - it's physically demanding but the added element that increased the difficulty for me was the heat. The heat was brutal and being from California I am not used to hiking in that - Bring Gatorade or electrolytes. That was life saving! The views were totally worth it and Thiago and Igor made me feel so safe and they communicated with me the entire time climbing with a rope. I CANNOT thank them enough! They are the BEST!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this activity but please make sure you are in shape. This hike is not easy.

My hike in Tijuca preserve with my guide, Thiago was incredible! Thiago was knowledgeable and an expert leader throughout the entire hike as well being a super cool dude! I would recommend this adventure to anyone and you’d be very lucky if Thiago winds up being your guide. Paul Foran

Thiago was an amazing guide! Full of knowledge and expertise, he made us feel safe, motivated, and cultured learning all about RJ and the surrounding areas. He took great photos of my husband and I and made sure to check in frequently. Be warned! This hike is not for the faint of heart, but was definitely a highlight of our trip so far. 10/10 would recommend. You’ll see wildlife, get the chance to drink natural spring water, and even a dunk at the end in a waterfall! Truly spectacular.

Fabio from Itaway Tours was an amazing guide! Incredibly knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of Parque Nacional Tijuca, and a great sense of humour too! The hike was beautiful and exotic. We went on a cloudy day so there weren’t any views at the top but we waited about 10 minutes and it cleared up enough for some photos! The rock scramble and rappel is a great fun challenge, highly recommend! Go on a sunny day though, because hiking in rain/electric storms could lead to cancellations. Thank you all!

Great hike up to some of the best views in Rio! We went for a half day and it was perfect for us. Even after experiencing the night life until late the previous night.