Under the gaze of the Christ, the Floresta da Tijuca holds the best menu of urban trails in the world — from a one-hour stroll to a challenge that has you gripping a chain on the rock. Pick your level.
Pico da Tijuca (1,022 m) — the classic
From Bom Retiro, around 2 hours of climbing on a wide, shaded trail to the grand finale: the 117-step staircase carved into the stone in 1920, with an iron handrail, leading to a 360° summit view — Guanabara Bay, the Christ, Pedra da Gávea and the sea of buildings far below. Moderate effort, maximum reward.
Pedra Bonita (696 m) — the democratic one
Just 40 minutes of gentle climbing from the Estrada das Canoas and you are at the lookout many consider the best value in Rio: São Conrado, Gávea and the ocean in cinemascope, with paragliders taking off alongside. Easy for all levels.
Pedra da Gávea (844 m) — the challenge
The toughest trail in the city: 2-3 hours of hard climbing culminating in the Carrasqueira, a vertical scrambling section where the hands do the work. At the top, the most impressive lookout in Rio — and the reputation of a “giant’s face” seen from the beach. Only with experience, good weather and (recommended) a guide. Genuinely intense.
The swimming and strolling ones
- Cachoeira das Almas — an icy forest swim 30-40 min along an easy walk.
- Glades circuit — bridges, lakes and coffee-era ruins on flat walks of up to an hour.
- Trilha dos Estudantes — the perfect introduction, short and instructive.
🥾 Who is it for?
Effort: take your pick off the shelf — easy (the glades, Pedra Bonita), moderate (Pico da Tijuca), intense (Pedra da Gávea). Children: Pedra Bonita from ages 5-6; Pico da Tijuca 8-10; Gávea 14+ with experience. Seniors and reduced mobility: the flat glades and the Cascatinha suit everyone; Pedra Bonita is feasible for active over-60s; the Pico staircase asks for good knees (the handrail helps a great deal). The forest has a step for every pair of legs.
