Travel bucket list idea:
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil
This hulking 842m-high granite monolith, Pedra da Gavea, towers above both Corcovado and Sugar Loaf; the 6-hour hike up through the wildlife-filled rainforests of the Tijuca National Park is ultimately rewarded with some of the best views in Rio.
Even in high season, you’ll share the experience with just a handful of other walkers. The catch is that it’s a half-day hike and a scary rope-secured scramble to the summit, making this a challenge solely for the vertigo-tolerant, fit, agile and wild at heart.
Climb in Rio lead a range of guided climbs up Pedra da Gavea for the more serious mountain climber.
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil
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Rio’s lush urban rainforest climbs over the mountains that surround the Christ statue and Atlantic beaches, affording some of the world’s most beautiful urban views. Excellent for hiking, biking and wildlife-spotting.
Best for ages 4+
The hike requires scaling an almost vertical wall of about 30m, so unless you’re an experienced climber, go with a guide/operator. Local hiking specialists offer daily full-day, 8-hour guided hikes to the summit of Pedra da Gavea. They’ll collect you from your accommodation.
If you’re going it alone (which is unadvisable), take a taxi to Estrada do Sorima, which leads to the entrance of the path (it’s not well marked, so you’ll have to look for it); if you’ve got a car, there’s parking here too. It takes 4-6 hours to reach the summit and return. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and take suncream and plenty of water.
The trail is open all year round, but don’t attempt this when it’s raining heavily, as there is danger of landslides and the rock is obscured by dense cloud.
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