Pedra da Gávea
An 844-meter granite monolith on the seafront, said to bear a human face in its rock. The summit offers views over Rio's coastline, but the climb includes a section of rock climbing.
Pedra da Gávea is one of the world's tallest granite monoliths rising directly from the sea, standing about 844 meters high within Tijuca National Park. Weathering on its flank has carved a texture that resembles a human face, and local legend holds that ancient inscriptions can be found here. The round-trip hike takes about 6 to 7 hours. The first section is a steep jungle trail, while the final stretch includes a roughly 30-meter climbing wall known as the “lace wall” (Carrasqueira), which must be scaled by hand. Hiring a licensed guide and using a safety rope is strongly recommended. From the top you can look out over Barra da Tijuca, São Conrado Beach, and the distant Christ the Redeemer statue. The mountain also serves as a backdrop for hang gliders launching from the neighboring rock face. Not suitable for inexperienced hikers, and climbing is prohibited in rainy weather.
Opening hours
Daytime (start early in the morning)
Nearby sights
- Morro Dois Irmãos
- Tijuca National Park
- Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
- Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
- Parque Lage
- Ipanema Beach / Arpoador
- Christ the Redeemer / Corcovado
- Copacabana Beach