HikesBrazilPedra da Gavea

Pedra da Gavea

Pedra da Gávea - a giant monolith with a summit view over Rio, the beaches and the Atlantic

Difficulty 4/5 · HardDayOut-and-backDay hike (scramble)
Distance
~7 km return
Max elevation
842 m
Elevation gain
~840 m
Duration
4-6 h
iconicmonolithscramblecity viewday
A lone hiker traverses the lush landscape of Chapada Diamantina, Brazil, under a cloudy sky.

The route

The line through Rio de Janeiro (Tijuca), Brazil - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Season & conditions

Best season

Year-round (drier Apr-Oct)

Weather risks

Tropical heat/humidity; slick rock when wet

Open year-round; the scramble is dangerous when wet. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Rainforest climb then an exposed rock scramble to a huge summit block

Technical & exposure

The Carrasqueira is a ~30 m graded rock scramble; many hire a guide/rope for it

Navigation & waymarking

Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Turn around below the Carrasqueira

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

São Conrado / Barra da Tijuca, Rio

Shuttle & transport

Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed

Huts, camping & refuges

Day route - none needed

Gear, water & connectivity

Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies

Facilities

Services in Rio de Janeiro; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Guide/rope commonly used for the Carrasqueira

Permits & safety

Tijuca NP; the Carrasqueira scramble - a guide/rope is common. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

The exposed scramble (fatal falls have occurred), heat, wet rock

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

Also in Brazil

Walk Pedra da Gavea with your group
Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.
Plan this hike