Rio City Hiking and West Side Beaches
Stay in Leblon. Hike to Christ the Redeemer, Tijuca National Park, Pedra da Gávea and Two Brothers Mountain, plus a day at the wild beaches of the west side.
Rio is a city surrounded by rainforest mountains. Climb from Parque Lage along forest trails up to Christ the Redeemer, walk to waterfalls and lookouts in Tijuca National Park, and take on the rope-climbing Pedra da Gávea. The next day, recover at the wild beaches of Prainha and Grumari on the west side. Finally, climb Two Brothers Mountain at dawn to see the sunrise. A guide is recommended for Pedra da Gávea and Two Brothers Mountain. Suited to fit outdoor enthusiasts.
April–Oct is drier. Summers are muggy with frequent storms, so start early.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and Beach Warm-Up
A taxi from the airport to Leblon takes about 1 hour. In the evening, walk along the seafront to Arpoador to watch the sunset.
Stay: Leblon
Day 2 · Parque Lage Trail to Christ the Redeemer
Rio（Parque Lage、Christ the Redeemer / Corcovado、Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden）
Taxi to Parque Lage, then hike the forest trail up for about 2–3 hours. Take a minibus or little train down, then visit the Botanical Garden in the afternoon.
The final section of the trail has chains to climb, so set out early with a companion. Buy summit admission separately.
Stay: Leblon
Day 3 · Tijuca Forest Hike
Rio（Tijuca National Park、Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon）
About 40 minutes' drive to the park entrance. Walk the forest trails to the waterfalls and lookouts for 4–6 hours, then stroll the lagoon in the evening.
Bring plenty of water, and leave the park before dusk.
Stay: Leblon
Day 4 · Challenging Pedra da Gávea
Early in the morning, take a taxi about 30 minutes toward the Barra da Tijuca trailhead. The round trip takes 6–7 hours. After descending, return to Leblon to rest.
One section requires rock climbing. Be sure to hire a licensed guide and bring safety gear.
Stay: Leblon
Day 5 · West Side Wild Beaches
Rio（Prainha Beach、Grumari Beach）
Take a taxi or hire a car to drive west along the coast for about 1 hour to Prainha. The beaches are linked by short trails. Return in the evening.
Beach facilities are few, so bring your own water and food. Surf can be strong, so mind your safety.
Stay: Leblon
Day 6 · Two Brothers Mountain Sunrise and Departure
Early in the morning, take a minibus or motorbike taxi to the top of Vidigal community. The trail takes about 40 minutes to reach the summit. After returning to the hotel, taxi to the airport, about 1 hour.
The trail passes through Vidigal community, so go with a local guide.