Hiking Pedra do Telagrafo & Pedra Bonita — Famous Viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours (including transfers and lunch)
Fitness Level
Suitable for anyone with basic fitness who can handle 20–45 minute uphill walks and short sections of scrambling.
Overview
Spend a day chasing Rio’s best outlooks: climb to Pedra do Telagrafo for the famous edge shot, then head to Pedra Bonita for sweeping Tijuca Forest views and paragliders over São Conrado. This guided, private tour pairs short hikes with local flavors and air-conditioned transfers.
Hiking Pedra do Telagrafo & Pedra Bonita — Famous Viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro
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You arrive before the city fully wakes: sun slicing the horizon, Atlantic light gathering on São Conrado and the surf below. A short drive from the hotel drops you at the forest edge and the guide points up—two compact climbs await, each a different kind of reward. Pedra do Telagrafo offers the viral plate-photo and an uncanny perspective of Rio unfurling beneath your feet; Pedra Bonita opens to a broad sweep of Tijuca Forest, Pico da Tijuca and the bay, where paraglider dots drift like punctuation.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Footwear matters
Wear trail shoes with good grip — routes include rocky slabs and exposed roots that get slippery when wet.
Hydrate for the sun
Carry 1–2 liters of water per person; coastal sun and uphill walking deplete energy quickly.
Time your photos
Arrive early to avoid crowds at the Pedra do Telagrafo illusion photo and capture softer morning light.
Follow guide directions
Edges are real cliffs — always follow guide positioning and don’t attempt risky angles alone.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Southern muriqui (rare, deeper in Tijuca Forest)
- Tropical birds like tanagers and toucans in the canopy
History
The Tijuca Massif was reforested in the 19th century after agricultural clearing; today it’s one of the largest urban forests in the world and a favored recreation area for cariocas.
Conservation
Stick to marked trails to protect fragile Atlantic Forest understory and avoid feeding wildlife; local guides support sustainable access and clean-up efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rio de Janeiro
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy trail shoes
Grip and ankle support for rocky slabs and uneven steps.
Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder
Keeps you hydrated during uphill sections in coastal heat.
summer specific
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
Strong sun exposure at viewpoints and minimal shade on ridgelines.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Afternoon showers are common—packable protection keeps you dry without bulk.
spring specific