4 Mountain Hikes in Rio de Janeiro Worth Lacing Up For

1.Dois Irmãos Peak Sunrise, Day or Sunset Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 94 reviews · 3h 30m · from $54Our pick

Meet your guide at Vidigal’s blue steps, ride a moto-taxi to the trailhead, then hike 1.5 km uphill through forest to Dois Irmãos Peak. Choose the 3:20 AM sunrise start, 10:00 AM daytime hike, or 3:30 PM option. Guides include Milena, Nat, Nathalia, and Thaina.

“I recently had the pleasure of going on an unforgettable tour in Rio, which involved a hike, watching a breathtaking sunset, and a fascinating tour of a local favela. The experience was made all the more amazing by our guide, Nathalia. Nathalia was incredibly knowledgeable, providing detailed insights into the history, culture, and daily life of Rio, the favela, and the surrounding areas. She was not only punctual but also made sure we were comfortable throughout the entire experience. It was clear she had a deep respect and understanding of the local community, which made the favela tour feel authentic and meaningful. Her fluency in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese,…”

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2.Climb Sugarloaf: A Thrilling Adventure to Rio’s Postcard Peak

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $74Top rated

Meet your English, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking climbing guide at General Tibúrcio Square for a four-hour Sugarloaf ascent. You’ll tackle a 15-meter rock section with certified gear, reach views of Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer, then ride the cable car to Morro da Urca.

“The hike was no joke — definitely not for the faint-hearted — but Igor stayed calm, supportive, and made the whole journey feel safe. Once you find your rhythm on the trail, it becomes more manageable mentally. The rope climbing section was the highlight for me — being harnessed in Lol. Highly, highly recommend this to anyone looking for something different and genuinely rewarding. Way more than just a touristy activity — this was the real deal.”

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3.Tijuca Peak Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 56 reviews · from $56

Join a bilingual guide such as Denis for a six-hour hike in Tijuca National Park. You’ll climb to Pico da Tijuca at 1,021 meters, stop at Tijuca Mirim, visit Cachoeira das Almas waterfall and the park museum, and return to the meeting point.

“Nous ne sommes pas des habitués de randonnées. Nous avons voulu nous dépasser en essayant cette randonnée de 6h et nous n’avons pas été déçu ! Le guide a été génial et a su nous faire passer par des recoins géniaux. Il avait aussi une bonne connaissance de la forêt et de son histoire. La randonnée n’est pas simple pour de vrais débutant mais tellement satisfaisante a réussir. Je recommande fortement.”

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4.SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN HIKE & CLIMB

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 4 hours · from $60

Join certified guide André for a four-hour hike and rock climb up Rio's Sugarloaf Mountain. You will follow a steep nature trail, cross rocky sections, and climb a 20-meter wall with ropes before reaching views of Copacabana and Guanabara Bay. No climbing experience is needed, but fitness and comfort with heights are essential.

“Absolute highlight of my vacation. It’s very steep and there is a lot of heights, the added feeling of danger made it all the more worth it.”

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