Pedra da Gavea: Full Day Jungle Adventure Trek
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Take a challenging hike to one of Rio de Janeiro’s most scenic viewpoints during this small-group excursion. Trek through Tijuca Rainforest to reach the famous Pedra da Gavea for stunning views of the city. Discover local wildlife, refresh yourself in a waterfall, learn about the history of Rio, and rock climb up a small section to reach the famous rock. This tour is recommended for those with strong physical fitness.
- Hike through Tijuca Forest to Pedra da Gavea
- Enjoy stunning views of Rio de Janeiro from the top and take a dip in a waterfall
- Discover the regions extensive diversity of flora and fauna
- Small-group tour of no more than six people ensures a more personalized experience
What's Included
- Trilingual Guiding Services (EN, ES, PT)
- Individual Safety Equipment
- National Park Entrance
- Food, Beverages, Tips and Extras
- Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
1
Pedra da Gavea
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
- Recommended (individually): bring a a bagpack, light clothes, windbreaker / rainjacket, 2L of water, snacks, sunglasses, bug repellent, sunblock, plastic bag for garbage, extra money and your camera!
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to your late arrival (10 min. of tolerance)
- No sandals; sport or hiking shoes only
- Tour duration may vary depending on city traffic, group size, week day, etc.
- All safety equipment provided is certified for rock climbing
- Not recommended for individuals who suffer from acrophobia (fear of heights)
- Booking Tips: If possible, try booking on a weekday (Mon to Fri)
- This hike requires a high level of physical fitness. If you're not in adequate physical condition, please choose another tour. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary or exclude individuals from the hike if it could compromise the group's safety. No refunds will be provided.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
James_M
It was an incredible hike, and the views did not disappoint! I would - and will - recommend this to anyone eager for an engaging climb with breathtaking rewards. I was especially lucky to have Fabio as my guide - his knowledge and personality made the experience truly unforgettable.
Reviews
5.0
based on 197 reviews
Rozenn_N, Nov 2025
It was honestly one of the best experiences I had. It is a bit physical, but it's trully worth it. The guides were just amazing. Ronald and Edu really took care of us, they were fun, helping, they tell you were to take the pictures, guide you, take them for you, Edu also helkped fly my drone. The whole experience was so amazing, I don't think you can get a better view of Rio, honestly. We saw some monkeys and coatis. Burned 1000+ calories as per my watch, and enjoyed every second of it.
Beatriz_A, Sep 2025
This was an incredible hike lead by Sergio. He was wonderful. He picked us up promptly at our hotel and gave us an overview of what we would be doing during the hike and climb to Pedra De Gavea. We hiked an incredible trail for about an hour and a half, which included some rock climbing as well as using a chain link rope to go up a huge rock (about 30 feet high). Then it started to Rain, a downpour really, and the clouds and fog moved in and the trail became slippery as there was a lot of foliage on the trail (which is natural of course). So about almost 2 hours on our way up with the incessant rain, we decided to turn around. We were concerned to keep going up and knew we would not be in a good position to go up the last part of the climb which is straight up the side of another rock. We were concerned about it being to slippery and so we turned around. As we made our way back down, it got very muddy and more treacherous for us, it took over an hour to get back down, because we didn’t want to slip and fall.
Honestly, we really enjoyed the hike, loved being in nature and it was an adventure for us. Sergio always guided us very well and was helpful in showing us where and how to climb some of the more risky parts.
My husband (age 67) and I (age 63) are advanced hikers. It was a good challenge for us. However, we are NOT climbers. This hike requires you to do quite a bit of climbing. We felt safe with Sergio, but would never have done this on our own. The only reason we made it as high as we did was because we had Sergio guiding and helping us. At no time did we feel unsafe. He made sure we were safe.
Too bad the rain, fog and clouds came in, we will never have the chance to do this again. We are headed home now.
However, we have a wonderful story to share with our kids and grandkids and the memory and pride of what we were able to accomplish with Sergio’s help.
My comments: you must be physically fit, be able to hike up over a 1000 feet on the trail, able to climb rocks, have good balance and not be afraid of heights. Also, if you can have Sergio as your guide, all the better.
James_M, Jun 2025
It was an incredible hike, and the views did not disappoint! I would - and will - recommend this to anyone eager for an engaging climb with breathtaking rewards. I was especially lucky to have Fabio as my guide - his knowledge and personality made the experience truly unforgettable.
Armando_R, Feb 2025
Great experience, you need good physical condition, positive mindset and strength. Private tour is recommended. Odilio was the best tour guide!
April_B, Feb 2025
I loved this hike so much and could not have done this without my AMAZING guide Thiago and his buddy Igor. They were incredible, motivating, safe and just good guys.
My husband and I are experienced hikers in altitude and long treks. This was hands down the hardest day hike that we have done.
The entire earth up is steep climbing. From high stairs, vines, chain ropes, a wall, boulder climbing - it's physically demanding but the added element that increased the difficulty for me was the heat. The heat was brutal and being from California I am not used to hiking in that - Bring Gatorade or electrolytes. That was life saving!
The views were totally worth it and Thiago and Igor made me feel so safe and they communicated with me the entire time climbing with a rope. I CANNOT thank them enough! They are the BEST!!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this activity but please make sure you are in shape. This hike is not easy.
Paul_F, Jan 2025
My hike in Tijuca preserve with my guide, Thiago was incredible! Thiago was knowledgeable and an expert leader throughout the entire hike as well being a super cool dude! I would recommend this adventure to anyone and you’d be very lucky if Thiago winds up being your guide.
Paul Foran
Alyssa_J, Apr 2024
AMAZING!!!! This was my favorite tour in Rio and victor was the best guide and was fun to hike with as a safe climber that made me feel comfortable with something I’ve never done. Would recommend to anyone who loves to hike!
Katherine_L, Mar 2024
This hike was challenging and amazing! Jalmin was an awesome guide and the views were unbelievable. Highly recommend!
John_B, Mar 2024
I was a great hike. The views were fantastic. The most challenging part was go up and down the rock face with ropes. It’s definitely well worth it.
Heather_M, Jan 2024
Excellent hike. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made an excellent experience. The views from the top of the hike/mountain were incredible! Communication was very clear both beforehand and afterwards and it was a very smooth logistical process. Highly recommend this experience to others visiting Rio
Kyle_S, Dec 2023
Thiago was the best. Our safety was his top priority. It is obvious that he loves helping others conquer the mountain. Would highly recommend!
Tina_C, Aug 2023
Challenging but wonderful hike. Best part was overcoming my fears when rock climbing. Guide, Eduardo was very patient and professional.
Arkadiusz_B, Jul 2023
Short walk but very difficult. 2/3 hours climbing up and 2 hours come back. Dont go without instructor.
Sally_G, May 2023
Eduardo was an amazing guide. We were the only English speakers in our group and he made every effort to make sure we knew what was going on. Also, he is a fantastic part time photographer :-).
The hike was very challenging. If you are shorter than 5'4ft, get ready for some big steps that you may need help navigating. Overall, an amazing day!
Paul_U, May 2023
A strenuous hike. Going with a guide is a must, and best with a small group like we had with this experience. Paulo with Itaway Ecotours was well versed in English and Portuguese and we could tell was one of the more experienced guides that day on the mountain. Our tips are bring plenty of water and light weight hiking or gardening gloves to help grip moist rocks. Going down was more challenging than going up.
Kostiantyn_V, Apr 2023
What a great experience! The view from the top is spectacular. The hike is challenging so be ready physically! Highly recommend this tour!
Emily_D, Apr 2023
What a once in a lifetime experience! Paolo was our guide and he was well informed of the forest and made sure my husband and I were taking safe steps throughout our hike. He has been climbing for years so he had all the gear to ensure we were safe while we saw some other groups not using ropes during some dangerous parts of the climb. We are so grateful we had Paolo, there is no other way in my opinion to do this unless you have a guide. Be prepared to sweat and be prepared for one of the most epic views of your life.
Jeffrey_W, Jan 2023
The experience of a lifetime made possible because of my guide Thiago. The views on top took some work/sweat to get but was 10/10 worth it. An amazing day I will never forget. Everyone we met along the way were kind and gracious. The rappelling back down the cliff on return was a first for me. Just an incredible hike from start to finish.
Christopher_W, Jan 2023
Rafael is an amazing guide. I highly recommend. The hike is difficult if you are not in shape. Bring lots of water and snacks
Veena_H, Jan 2023
Best thing we did in Rio. What a gem in the middle of a major metropolis. The hike is challenging, rugged, and exhausting but when you reach the top (800m+) the views are breathtaking, and makes it all worth it. Our guide, Thiago was a skilled guide who knows the trail like the back of his hand, a skilled climber, and a absolute joy to talk to. Would highly recommend going up this massive monolith with him. A must do while in Rio.
brian_m, Dec 2022
Both challenging and scary at times, my favourite combination! Not for the faint hearted but a great day hiking in an urban jungle. Eduardo was a fantastic guide, friendly, patient and helpful. He knew all the great photo spots and assisted with taking pictures along the route. Would do this again
Georgie_K, Nov 2022
One of the best hikes and tours I’ve ever done! Thiago was such a great tour guide. He made it fun and interesting, and also challenging!
Katja_S, Aug 2022
Thiago was an amazing tour guide! He was funny, had great stories and showed us the best spots and made sure we fully enjoyed our experience! Would absolutely recommend taking this tour with him!!
DARLENE_B, May 2022
Awesome experience with Thiago! Hard hike, but the view was worth it. Fun experience with the rock climbing and felt safe. Two thumbs up
Valerio_G, Mar 2022
We were guided by a gentleman, Paulo, who ensured our safety and pointed out the best way to climb certain spots.
While physically changeling (and I say this as an active man who is in shape) the rewards make this hike completely worth it. The forest around the Pedra and the view at the end alone is breathtaking. Will definitely do again on my next trip to Brazil. Thank you Paulo!
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Thank you for sharing this 5-star review with us, Valerio! It makes us so happy to learn that you had a great time with Paulo! I'll let him know about your kind words. We couldn't agree more: the view is really breathtaking. By far our favorite spot in Rio!
Thank you for your confidence and we look forward to your next trip to Brazil!
Take care,
Alexis VQM
Syeda_M, Jan 2022
Do NOT use this tour. This company and Thiago (the guide) is a complete scam. Despite the 3-hour hike description that is written on this tour (and various articles on Pedra da Gavea online), Thiago claimed that this hike was extremely challenging and would take >8 hours to do the hike. In addition, he further claimed that this hike was for experienced climbers (even though the description says that no rock climbing experience is necessary). Unfortunately, we trusted Thiago and he took us to hike Pedra da Bonita (which took less than 30 minutes to reach the top) and no guide is necessary for that trail. Since we had the rest of the day free, we discussed to go parasailing and agreed to pay the difference for this alternative (since it wouldn't be fair to pay for the Pedra Gavea hike and do a baby alternative). Thiago said we needed to pay the full amount for parasailing (since this was a separate activity) and we could get a partial refund for the Pedra da Gavea hike. At this point, we agreed thinking that we could trust Thiago and the tour company..
However, immediately after parasailing, Thiago insisted on paying HIM cash directly (rather than paying the tour company) and further insisted on driving us to the ATM to pull the cash out. At this point, it made us feel very uncomfortable. We were able to agree to pay on Paypal (so that we could maintain a copy). At this time we felt it was very unusual that he asked us to pay him (rather than the tour company) directly on Paypal.
Later, he also said that since drop off is not included in the parasailing (since that was a separate activity with which we ended with), that we take an Uber or Taxi back to our hotel (Copacabana/Ipanema area). He was only willing to give us a ride to Barra da Tijuca (where he lived) if we were headed that way as well. But since we finished at well before 4pm, we were able to convince him to drop us off at the hotel and he did.
Now, when I am trying to obtain a partial refund (not even a full refund), Viator has refused my claim stating the following:
"According to the local tour operator, the tour took place successfully. You are unprepared for an 8-hours hike and did not want to extend the alternative hike that they have proposed to you. Please note that this experience requires a strong physical fitness level from all participants."
The above is a completely false statement from the tour operator. We clearly were ready and met the tour guide in the morning. We were ready to hike (in complete hiking gear) and naively trusted the tour guide who completely misrepresented the Pedra da Gavea hike. In addition, there was no way to "extend the alternative hike" that Thiago took us to. He chose to take us to the easiest hike while we were under the impression that we could get a partial refund. In addition, we paid separately for the "additional" activity of parasailing and have proof of that. Thiago took advantage of the situation and of our trust.
Lastly, we were able to do the Pedra da Gavea (with another tour company) and also did the various other hikes around the Rio area. So we have proof (pictures and payment documentation) to provide to clearly rebut the tour company's false statement that we were "unprepared" and did not want to do the hike. Unfortunately, clear and obvious proof is not enough for Viator.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Hi Syeda,
I am sorry to hear that things did not go as expected, and we wish that things went smoother. That said, I believe there was a misunderstanding.
We decided to change the itinerary out of concern for your health and well-being. We take safety and security very seriously.
As soon as you entered Thiago's car, your husband asked if it was okay for him to do the hike, given that he had just recently had back surgery.
It was professional of Thiago to provide honest advice given the challenging nature of this hike.
We do our best to be as transparent as possible in our online communications to avoid surprises and situations like this.
Under "Additional Information", you can find the following details:
- "Not recommended for travelers with back problems."
- "No heart problems or other serious medical conditions."
Additionally, it is not correct that this is only a 3-hour hike. The description explicitly states that it takes 3 hours to reach the summit and 3 hours to get down, 6 hours total. It takes a whole day, and we communicate that ahead of time.
Our services are inclusive, and if we had information about your husband's physical condition ahead of time, we would have recommended a much more suitable tour. We welcome all travelers (kids, teenagers, adults, elderly) and offer a large variety of tour options for different interests and profiles.
After learning about his condition at the last minute, we adapted the tour to yours. We proposed a moderate hike with the same duration, but you decided not to do it until the end. Instead, you chose to go paragliding (parasailing is over water).
Paragliding is an activity that is highly accessible for people with disabilities. There is no minimum or maximum age. Any person from 20kg – 120kg can fly, including the disabled, no matter the disability. We asked you to pay cash so we could pay the pilots right after the flight.
Before this review, our Pedra da Gávea product had 100% of customer satisfaction, with 80 reviews giving us a 5-star rating.
As a leading company in the active travel industry, safety is our #1 priority, and we must consider the best interest of our customers. Outdoor activities and expeditions must not be taken lightly.
We appreciate your comprehension.
Regards,
Alexis VQM
Fabian_G, Dec 2021
This was one of my favorite tours in Rio, and I'm doing again if I go to Rio one more time. Thiago was our guide, and he is amazing. He was patient, and let us enjoy our hiking to the top, he didn't try to rush us to get to the top fast. It takes time and it's a little bit tired to get to the top, but it totally worth it. This was one of the best experiences I had in Rio.
Response from Host, Dec 2021
Hi Fabian, thank you so much for sharing this amazing feedback with us! We are thrilled to learn that it was one of the best experiences you had in Rio! You can count on me to share your kind words with Thiago!
Thank you for adventuring with Itaway Ecotours and we look forward to the next experience!
Take care,
Alexis VQM
Ashley_P, Jan 2021
We had a tour with Paulo. He was knowledgeable, well versed in the technicalities of the climb, and we could not have done it ourselves for sure!
Response from Host, Jan 2021
Dear Ashley,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Paulo will be really happy about your comments!
We hope to see you soon for future experiences.
Greetings from Rio!
Alexis VQM
Atul_M, Jan 2020
Excellent experience. Our guide and tour operators were excellent. They proactively contacted me well in advance through WhatsApp and told me what to get. On the day of tour Rafael our tour guide was there on time and was informative and helpful including getting my wife & younger one across the slightly tricky but fun rock climb part. He had all the required equipment for climb.
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback! We are thrilled that you had an excellent experience!
It was a pleasure to hike with you and your family. Looking forward to the next adventure!
Thanks again!
Alexis and Rafael - Itaway Ecotours
JuanFrancisco_N, May 2024
Muy bueno, hay que tener algo de estado físico, buenos zapatos, repelente y protector solar. La vista es impresionante!
From $82.12
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Pedra da Gavea: Full Day Jungle Adventure Trek
197
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$82.12
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Half-day Tours
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Walking Tours
- Bus Tours
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Outdoor Activities
- Private and Luxury
- On the Ground
- Cultural Tours
- Rio de Janeiro
- Walking Tours - Mangaratiba
- Half-day Tours - Ilha Grande
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Ilha Grande
- Walking Tours - Ilha Grande
- Walking Tours - Arraial do Cabo
Attractions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Santa Teresa (Barrio Santa Teresa) Tours & Tickets
- Botafogo Tours & Tickets
- Pedra Bonita Tours & Tickets
- Morro Dois Irmaos Tours & Tickets
- Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach Tours & Tickets
- Urca Tours & Tickets
- Copacabana Fort (Forte de Copacabana) Tours & Tickets
- Saara Shopping District (Polo Saara) Tours & Tickets
- Tiradentes Palace (Palácio Tiradentes) Tours & Tickets
- Rocinha Tours & Tickets
- Imperial Museum Tours & Tickets
- Flamengo Tours & Tickets
- Vista Chinesa Tours & Tickets
- Pepino Beach (Praia do Pepino) Tours & Tickets
- Christ the Redeemer Statue (Cristo Redentor) Tours & Tickets
- Roberto Burle Marx Site (Sítio Roberto Burle Marx) Tours & Tickets
- Grumari Beach (Praia de Grumari) Tours & Tickets
- Sambadrome (Sambadrome Marques de Sapucaí) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Christ the Redeemer Statue (Cristo Redentor) Tours & Tickets
- Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Açúcar) Tours & Tickets
- Maracana Stadium (Estádio do Maracanã) Tours & Tickets
- Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca) Tours & Tickets
- Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) Tours & Tickets
- Copacabana Beach (Praia de Copacabana) Tours & Tickets
- Ipanema Beach (Praia de Ipanema) Tours & Tickets