Above São Conrado, inside Tijuca National Park, Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea are a pair of neighboring mountains with sweeping views of the coast. One offers one of the easiest climbs in the city; the other, one of the most challenging.
Pedra Bonita, at about 696 meters, has one of Rio’s most accessible summit trails. The path starts on Estrada das Canoas and takes 30 to 40 minutes through the forest to a large rock slab overlooking São Conrado, Barra da Tijuca and Pedra da Gávea itself.
Next to the trail is the launch ramp for hang gliders and paragliders, which land on Praia do Pepino in São Conrado. If you want to fly, you can take a tandem flight with licensed instructors — one of Rio’s most memorable experiences, with the whole city below.
Pedra da Gávea, at about 844 meters, is one of the largest coastal monoliths in the world. The name comes from Portuguese navigators who sailed past in 1502 and compared it to a “gávea”, the topsail at the top of a ship’s mast. Its trail is hard, with a rock-climbing section called Carrasqueira, and should only be done with an experienced guide and equipment.
Legends surround Pedra da Gávea, about a carved “face” and a mysterious “inscription” on the rock. The explanation is natural erosion, which over a very long time has shaped curious forms in the stone. Seen from the top of Pedra Bonita, the mountain is even more impressive.
Tips: choose a clear day and go early, before the heat. Bring water and shoes with good grip. Hang-gliding and paragliding flights depend on wind and weather — use only licensed companies and instructors. For Pedra da Gávea, hire an experienced guide with safety equipment.
Official website: Parque Nacional da Tijuca ↗