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Pedra da Gávea

Pedra da Gávea

Pedra da Gávea
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,896 reviews
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Adam D
New York City, NY7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
This hike is no joke! It starts off like a walk in the park (because that's what the beginning literally IS) but then the relentless uphill path starts to take its toll. You'll feel your legs get heavy after 40 minutes or so of constant incline. About halfway up the mountain, there are various rock scrambles and obstacles like chain ladders and vine walks. Those are all do-able without prior climbing or bouldering experience, but you should be in good shape. Once you are about 80% of the way up, you'll need to be a good climber to scale the final section of the mountain. Some people bring rope for it. Bring a small, light pack with plenty of water, a snack or two, and be in good physical shape. Plan for 4-6 hours of very rigorous activity. I'm a mid-thirties man in good shape without significant hiking experience and I found this to be very challenging, but manageable (except the last part, which I could not complete because I was not comfortable with advanced rock climbing on a solo hike).
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aus Noaia
Nadi, Fiji105 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
A must-to-do trip in Rio for the adventurers and those like me that wish to push your comfort zone. I lifetime experience made possible with my fellow hikers and our very experience Jalmir Brasil guide (Instagram - @bguiadeturismo). Cool light outdoor clothing, outdoor shoes, sunnies, hat/cap, sunscreen, lots and lots of water, cloves and a “Leap of Faith”. Main gate opens at 8am and closes 5pm. Last admissions at 2pm. Guide signs you all in at the post. We went off grid to explore a different side to access the mountain. Jalmir was always assuring us about the safety aspects of the climb. He touched on the history of the biggest urban jungle in the world and it’s habitants. Made us feel at ease with every stop along the way to catch our breath. Took us 4hrs to reach the top with amazing views of it’s surroundings including waterfalls and seldom seen side of the climb. We were the first on the top and were able to take pictures in private without the usual crowds. The descend was thru the normal route with stops to view the amazing and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Definitely, proud to push my limits and overcome my fear of heights thanks to Jalmir and my wonderful companions. Obrigado Jalmir.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stuart B
Longridge, UK12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2020
Pedra da Gavea is an amazing experience! I love the hike so much I've been up at least a dozen times, maybe more - I've never bothered to count! You don't need a guide, as long as you find the start of the trail at a little bridge over a mountain stream just above Sao Conrado. Take sandwiches for when you arrive at the top and make sure you have drinking water. Most people sweat a lot through the tropical rain forest. You will see lots of butterflies and birds. You need to wear strong boots and be prepared to scale 3 rock faces. No good for those who are afraid of heights. If you plan to start at 8 am, you should arrive at the summit by noon! Amazing views of Rio, and the tropical rain forest and the Corcovado will look tiny!
Written March 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bulgarican
Troy, OH14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Solo
I did the Petra da Gavea climb with Itaway Ecotours and I cannot recommend it enough. The hike/climb is a really nice challenge and the views at the top are magnificent. If you are ok with heights and are in decent physical shape and want a challenge with great views as a payoff then I would highly recommend you to book this tour. My guide Leo was excellent and a really nice guy. He speaks great English and explains everything as you go. It took around 3 hours to get up and about 2 hours to get back down. If you get really nervous with heights or if you are not in decent physical shape then I would recommend not to do this because it is challenging. However, if you are good in those two areas, then I would say, go for it, because it really is an amazing experience!
Written June 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gábor S
Budapest, Hungary5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
Pedra de Gávea is mainly a hike/trail with rock climbing parts. Rafael makes it feel a lot easier than it looks from the bottom of the hill. He can make you feel absolutely safe in every situation.
If you're concerned you can make the climb up, don't be, you'll manage it with Rafael in case you have a fair level of fitness. You'll get a glimpse of the forest life, your guide will tell you many things about flora and fauna.
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LP d
Guatemala City, Guatemala8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
The Pedra da Gávea tour is "must do" activity in Rio. I scheduled this tour with Rio Adventures. My tour guide was Jessy, she is a very nice and kind person. One need to have a very good physical condition to do this tour (depends). I this this tour in July, when it is winter in Rio, the weather conditions were favorable, the hiking might be a bit difficult and the part of rock climbing might be challenging for those who can't even walk for one hour without stop. However, in my opinion, if one has experience hiking peaks and mountains, and likes to do rappel, this tour is a piece of cake. The view at the top really, really worth it!!! It is amazing!!! After the tour Jessy, the other travelers and I went to Oswaldo's Bar (Bar do Oswaldo) to get relaxed, get some food and drinks. We had a great time.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Piero Granja
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Business
I did the trail in December with the Adrena Rio guides and it was incredible!!
Very lively and attentive... I felt safe the entire time.
They take a drone to film and the images are amazing!

At the carrasqueira I was a little scared but they gave me a lot of confidence and security. All the equipment and instructions so it was really good.
Google
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Geovana V
16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
Thank you for being part of my life!! The trip schedule was perfect. Conquering the biggest mountain by the sea was surreal. Every detail, from accommodations on the bus, trail to the best guides Nathalia, Lucas and Andrade. Duda and Josué always put together the best itineraries. My sincere gratitude! And Let's Live!!
Google
Written February 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TMR1004
Valley Forge, PA392 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2015 • Solo
This trail is a lot of fun to hike but only if you like fairly steep and challenging terrain. There are numerous places where you will have to use your hands to grab onto boulders, roots, trees, etc. to get to the top. There are also a few places where chains, foot pegs, etc. have been embedded into the rocks to assist you. And of course you have to get up the Carrasqueria . But the reward is well worth it. The most spectacular 360° view in all of Rio! I had trouble getting good information on this hike before I did it so I thought I would provide some basic information to help others that might have interest.

1. Length of Trail – 2-2 1/2 miles one way
(4-5 miles round trip)

2. Vertical Climb 2485 vertical feet
The trail starts at an elevation of 300 feet and the summit is 2785 feet. It is basically straight up.

3. Fees/Permits – There are no fees or permits required to do this hike. You do sign in at the entrance of the trail with the Park Ranger.

4. Typical Time To:
Ascend: 1 1/2 – 3 hours
Descend: 1 1/4 – 2 1/2 hours

5. Guides – The trail is not marked but is easy to follow. You do not need a guide to follow this trail. The first time that I climbed Pedra Da Gavea I used a guide from Rio Adventures named Alexander and was very pleased. He was on time, well prepared and extremely knowledgeable of the mountain, park, and Rio. They have a great website if you have interest.

6. Water – Bring 2 liters of water per person. There is no water along this trail except for a waterfall that you will pass about 10 minutes from the start. The first 80% of the trail is in the jungle where it can be hot and humid. I was sweating profusely. Starting early (before 9am) and climbing in cooler temperatures can help. I carried 2 liters of water and drank it all.

7. Sunscreen/Hat, etc. – As I mentioned, the first 80% of the trail is in the jungle but after that you get a lot of sun exposure. I recommend bringing sunscreen and some type of hat.

8. Crowds – This is a popular trail with Brazilians on the weekend. Normally this would not be a problem except that there is one short but very difficult section of the trail and this can get backed up for 1 hr. + in the afternoon on a busy weekend. During the week this is not an issue and I enjoyed the hike much more on Thursday than on Sunday.

9. The Carrasqueria – This is a section of the trail that you will reach about 20-30 minutes before the summit. This is a short but very steep section of the trail that you can not simply hike. It is not a 90° vertical rock climb but it is a section that will require you to use handholds, etc. Rock climbers and people with bouldering/scrambling experience will have no problem on this section. Others who are afraid of heights or who are more tentative often never even attempt it. The average hiker – like myself – is able to do it; however, that being said, when I first saw it I was intimidated and there was certainly some apprehension and fear involved. A couple of pointers:
1. There is one route up this section that is better than the others. It is all the way to the right when you are looking up the mountain. If you can not see it wait for someone else to go either up or down. Most of the people on this trial are locals and know the best route.
2. Make sure the soles of your shoes are clean and dry before you start.
3. A number of people hire guides specifically because they are concerned about this section. Guides will provide a harness and rope for ascending and you can rappel down afterward.
4. Do not feel pressured to attempt this section if you do not wish to. In the end most average hikers (like myself) have no problems and are glad they did it, but some have been seriously injured and a few have died.

10. Directions – Pedra Da Gavea is located in Parque Nacional da Tijuca. The trail head is a 20-30 minute taxi ride from Copacabana. Follow the coastal road west past Ipanema, Gavea and São Conrado. When you go through the Joã tunnel you take the first exit on your right. The exit takes you to Avenida Fleming. You will come to a gate. It is a 2 minute drive up the hill to the ranger office where you can park, sign in, and begin your adventure. If you have problems finding the trailhead just ask for “Inicio da trilha da Pedra da Gavea”

11. I was only in Rio 4 days and had so much fun hiking this trail on my first day there that I also hiked it on my last. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. Feel free to write me if you have any questions.
Written May 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ade74
Derby, United Kingdom113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2014 • Friends
I'm so glad I did this trek. Views were just amazing. It was hard going in the heat and I was completely knackered but it was totally worth it. I'm 40 and although I do a fair bit of hiking I'm not amazingly fit or a climber and I got up in just under 2hours.

I've seen a few reviews about needing a guide and ropes etc. Im so glad I didnt waste the money. It isnt hard unless you're not particularly fit or confident with heights. The way up is really simple and sign posted (so you wont get lost). There is one tricky bit (for about 5minutes) near the top where you need to climb using cracks in the rock but it wasnt technically difficult. I did it in slippy old trainers. Also my hostel clerk said that a friend of theirs did it all in flip flops (though I wouldnt recommend this!)

So my advice - just go for it!! Only get a guide if you're a total beginner to this kind of thing, have health or fitness issues or worried about heights (and I mean really worried).

Tips:
- Don't confuse it with Pedra Bonita where they do paragliding from. This is the hill near by
- Take more water than you think you might need
- You can get the bus there. Just get off at the Hyundia showroom (there's about 3 buses that will get you there but I wouldnt want to advise the bus number in case it changes etc) and cross the bridge over the waterway. It's about a 25 - 30min walk to the entrance
Written March 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Pedra da Gávea - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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