In Love With Nature? Here Are 5 ‘Hot-to-Trot’ Rio Hikes.

@air.dreaming

RIO

Rio’s hiking scene is legendary, so I ditched the LA rat race and traveled over 6,000 miles to experience it for myself to find out Rio isn’t your typical concrete jungle; it’s unlike any other on this planet. I have little precedent to describe my experience except that it’s like you’re chowing down on delicious chicken tenders at Rainforest Cafe, but without being slapped in the face with the harsh reality that you’re in North Hollywood trying to avoid the stench from a section of tent encampments as you step out of the revolving door. That’s where the comparison stops. A trip to Tijuca National Park unveils a different world. It’s an urban oasis of tropical tranquility amidst Rio’s bustling streets. Now, close your eyes and picture this: You’re venturing through a lush jungle teeming with tropical creatures — birds, monkeys, snakes, iguanas, and sloths make special guest appearances along the way. Scrambling up steep rocks, you suddenly find yourself above the jungle canopy, gazing down at skyscrapers juxtaposed against the deep blue of the ocean. The contrast between the lush vegetation and man-made architecture is enough to drop your jaw to the floor. That is what makes Rio’s hikes legendary.

Rio is a giant playground. There are over 270 rock climbing routes around the infamous Sugarloaf Mountain when you include Morro da Babilônia and Morro da Urca mountains. The routes vary from basic to highly technical so it’s a good place to learn basic skills or push yourself to the limit. The trails are filled teeming with wildlife and the vistas provide some of the biggest payoffs in hiking history making the journey to the top that much more rewarding. In addition to these mountain climbs my favorite “hot-to-trot” hikes are:

• Corcovado – a hike to one of the 7 Wonders of the World seems like a logical choice to start our list. Located in Corcovado National Park; roundtrip is ~2.73 miles / 4.4km with a total elevation gain of 2,283ft / 696m (+/- 3 hours)
• Pico da Tijuca – Tijuca National Park’s highest peak and highest in Rio proper; roundtrip distance of ~ 3 miles / 2.8M with a total elevation of 3352ft / 1022 meters (+/- 2 hours)
• Morro Dois Irmaos – this hike involves venturing through a favela to get to the trailhead so it’s recommended that you secure transportation and research it further, but the views of the favella and Christ the Redeemer make the trip worthwhile; roundtrip is ~2.5 miles / Xkm with a total elevation gain of 640 feet (+/- 1 hour)
• Pedra Telegrafo – voted most Instagramable hike, this one can be a nightmare when it’s crowded, with lines rumored to be 1 hour or more for a picture at the summit; roundtrip is ~1 mile / 1.6km distance of with a total elevation of ~1131ft / 345m (+/- 45 min)
• Pedra da Gavea – The most challenging hike out of the 5 because it includes a ~50ft / 15m vertical wall of rock; roundtrip is ~4.5 miles / with an elevation of 2,473 feet (+/- 5.5 hours) Bonus! Nearby Pedra de Gavea is Pedra Bonita an easier hike that offers similar views (+/- 30 min)

Quick disclaimer, know what you’re getting into on each hike. It can get quite hot in the sun so bringing plenty of water is advised. Also, some of the hikes require navigating through high-risk neighborhoods or areas. Always research your hike, and when in doubt, grab a guide. Click here for guide recommendations.

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