Pedra da Gávea

The Tijuca National Park is divided into three visitation sectors - Forest, Serra da Carioca and Pedra Bonita/Pedra da Gávea - and has program options for everyone: from picnic and barbecue areas to hang gliding, climbing, hiking and other activities. Among the country's famous postcards, we have Corcovado Mountain, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Vista Chinesa, Pedra da Gávea, Parque Lage and Paineiras. Besides the famous monument, visitors can observe from several points in the Serra da Carioca Sector the impressive view of Rio, such as Vista Chinesa and Mirante Dona Marta. The Horto Waterfalls, the Paineiras, the pleasant Parque Lage, and the Transcarioca Trail are also important local attractions.
The Pedra Bonita/Pedra da Gávea Section it’s located between São Conrado, Barra da Tijuca, and Alto da Boa Vista neighborhoods. This is the smallest section of the National Park, but it’s the one that provides more extreme sports options and the most beautiful views. There are various climbing routes with different levels of difficulty, trails, hang gliding and paragliding in one of the most famous ramps in the world, at Pedra Bonita. This section also has Pedra da Gávea, with more than 2624ft (800m) high. Considered one of Rio's postcards, the Pedra da Gávea is the largest seaside monolith in the world. Only in 1830 the first expeditions began to be undertaken to its top, which, since then, receives a large number of visitors on its trails and rocky slopes, becoming a reference in Rio de Janeiro for the practice of mountaineering. It is a trail with a heavy degree of difficulty and approximately three hours of walking, so it should only be done by people with good physical fitness and used to heavy and technical walks. In addition, it is always good to be accompanied by a guide or experienced hiker and to carry a rope, safety equipment, appropriate footwear and clothing. So much exercise is rewarded by one of the most beautiful natural views in the world. It is strongly recommended to use safety equipment (harness, rope, carabiners, tapes, etc.).