Hiking in Rio de Janeiro: the most beautiful trails in the wonderful city.

Rio de Janeiro offers a surprising diversity of trails for a metropolis. Tropical forest, granite ridges and panoramas over Guanabara Bay: each hike offers a different way to spend a moment of serenity in the heart of the city. Here are the must-sees to add to your program.

To reach Christ the Redeemer without taking the train or a van, the trail that starts at Parque Lage is a clear choice. It is a hike of about two hours through Tijuca Forest, the world's largest urban forest. The path winds beneath dense vegetation, with a few technical sections aided by a chain, before opening onto the Christ esplanade. Toucans, monkeys and butterflies regularly punctuate the route. It is one of Rio's most striking views, truly worth it, and an experience far from the usual tourist bustle.

Le Pain de Sucre fait partie des silhouettes les plus reconnaissables de Rio de Janeiro. Si le téléphérique reste la solution la plus courante, une belle alternative s'offre aux randonneurs depuis la Praia Vermelha. Le sentier longe le Morro da Urca sur un chemin bien balisé, accessible en famille, et conduit au premier sommet en moins d'une heure. De là, une télécabine permet de rejoindre le Pão de Açúcar et ses vues panoramiques sur la baie et les quartiers sud de la ville. Le bon plan : organiser votre départ pour être au sommet au moment du coucher du soleil, un spectacle que l'on n'oublie pas facilement.

Le Morro Dois Irmãos est l'une des randonnées les plus emblématiques et les plus photogéniques de Rio. Le point de départ se situe à l'entrée de la favela de Vidigal, depuis laquelle on aperçoit déjà les deux sommets jumeaux se découper sur le ciel. Après une montée d'environ une heure trente dans la végétation tropicale, le panorama se dévoile progressivement sur la plage d'Ipanema, la favela Rocinha et, au loin, la Pedra da Gávea. C'est une randonnée de niveau modéré qui récompense généreusement l'effort fourni. Il est fortement conseillé de partir accompagné d'un guide local, aussi bien pour la sécurité que pour mieux comprendre l'histoire et la culture du lieu.

For those who want to go further, two peaks stand out in the Barra da Tijuca area. Pedra Bonita is accessible in less than an hour from the park entrance, at an altitude of 700 meters and with a spectacular view of the Tijuca forest and the ocean. It is also the starting point for paragliding flights, which makes it a particularly lively spot. Pedra da Gávea, on the other hand, is a completely different adventure: 11 kilometers of trail, 800 meters of positive elevation, and a nearly vertical 30-meter rock-climbing section before reaching the summit plateau at 840 meters above sea level. Good physical condition and an experienced guide are essential for this route, one of the most engaging in Rio.

Weather plays an important role in the quality and safety of a hike in Rio. The city experiences two main seasons, and each presents its advantages depending on the type of outing planned.

The Travel Planners' tips: June, July and August represent the best window for hiking in Rio, with stable conditions and excellent lighting for photos.

In terms of level, the variety of trails lets everyone find their pace. Families and beginners will opt for the Morro da Urca trail or Pedra Bonita. Intermediate hikers will enjoy Dois Irmãos or the Corcovado path. The most athletic hikers, seeking thrills, will tackle Pedra da Gávea or Pico da Tijuca, with its 1,021 meters of elevation and a 5-hour round-trip hike in the Parque Estadual de Pedra Branca.

Venturing onto Rio's trails requires serious preparation, both in terms of equipment and logistics. Weather conditions, vegetation density, and sometimes significant elevation changes deserve particular attention.

Here are the essentials to bring for each outing:

• Non-slip hiking shoes, suitable for rocky and sometimes wet trails;
• At least 1.5 liters of water per person, as restocking points are scarce;
• A mosquito repellent, essential in tropical rainforest;
• Sun protection and a lightweight waterproof layer for weather changes;
• A charged phone with an offline mapping app.

Safety on the trails is an important consideration. Some hikes, such as Pedra da Gávea or Dois Irmãos, require the presence of a certified guide. These professionals know the terrain conditions, the tricky passages and enrich the experience with anecdotes about the fauna, the flora, and Carioca history. Going in pairs, or in small groups, is also recommended on less frequented trails.

Contact us to arrange your trip to Rio de Janeiro and benefit from a tailor-made hiking itinerary, tailored to your level and your preferences.