At the end of Leblon, the twin peaks of Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill) form one of Rio’s most recognizable silhouettes, present in almost every photo of Ipanema and Leblon. The view from the top is one of the finest in the city — and the trail is manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
The trail starts at the top of Vidigal, a community on the seaward slope of the hill. It is about 1.5 km long, roughly an hour’s climb, of moderate difficulty, with stretches of forest, rocks and some natural steps.
Vidigal residents run mototaxis and vans up through the community to the trailhead, and local guides are available to accompany visitors. Hiring a guide from the community is a way to do the hike more safely and to support the people who live there.
From the summit, at about 533 meters, the view takes in all of Ipanema and Leblon, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Pedra da Gávea and Rocinha, spread over the neighboring slope. On clear days you can also see Christ the Redeemer in the distance and the islands off the coast.
The highlight is sunrise or sunset, when golden light floods the seafront and the Lagoon. These are the most popular times, and groups often wait for the moment sitting on the summit rocks. Those who go up for sunrise start the trail in the dark, usually with a guide.
Tips: bring water, snacks and shoes with good grip, and avoid the trail on rainy days, when it gets slippery. If you go for sunset, bring a flashlight and come down in a group. Check with residents and local guides about conditions that day before heading up.