Behold. The top of Rio de Janeiro. Pedra da Gávea.
Taller than Cristo Redentor (Giant Stone Jesus) and Pão de Açúcar, it offers arguably the best views in all of Rio. However, getting to the top is no easy task, and the hike requires endurance, a bit of climbing and a spot of chest hair (easily acquired with some cachaça).
As with everything in Rio de Janeiro, the initial finding of the trailhead was far more a hassle than it should have been. After taking a bus, interrogating a dozen of pedestrians, and aimlessly wandering for half an hour through residential neighborhoods we somehow stumbled upon the trailhead (located here). After providing a name and phone number to a small shack at the entrance (presumably so that we could be saved in the event of monkey revolution) we began what would be a three and a half hour hike (read: sweaty orgy of walking and climbing) up the mountain.
Sweaty and exhausted we pressed on into the jungle and soon managed to summit the coastal monolith. Looking down on Rio you can see the entirety of Zona Sul, Barra da Tijuca, Corcovado, Pão de Açúcar, hang gliders circling the beaches, mermaids, and even Niterói if the weather permits. Far removed from whatever problems or pursuits you left down below, you are free to relax and behave as you wish (frolic naked in the brush, recite poetry, pretend you’re a cougar and catch birds) as you bask in the glory that is my favorite place in the city.
Hey! I plan to do this hike and wanted to know of theirs any safety concerns for an experienced hiker but female doing it alone?
Not if you’re an experienced hiker (and especially not if you are also accustomed to climbing). However, there are some scrambles and that small section of climbing (and I have seen the latter turn hikers back).
Thanks for providing the pin for the start of the trailhead. Most other directions to it are vague at best. Doing this tomorrow!
Did the hike today. It was phenomenal! Glad I took a cab though. The pin is wrong. The driver asked a few people for directions and we found it at the end of the street that runs parallel to the east of the one with the pin (directly straight ahead of where Av Fleming ends at the roundabout).
Glad to hear you went and conquered Pedra da Gávea!
Sorry the pin didn’t help, but when I look at it (via the link in the post) it pulls up the correct spot (the same spot that you describe). Maybe I will replace the link with a screenshot to ensure accuracy.
How awesome is that!?!? You just inspired me to do this hike. Thank you!
Have fun! The summit is arguably my favorite place in all of Rio.