Tijuca Express Hike
The Pedra Bonita hike takes you to one of the most stunning summits of Rio de Janeiro with great views of the city, the coastline, and the rainforest around Tijuca Forest. During a 50-minute uphill hike, you'll reach the top and see from a unique angle the Pedra da Gávea, a famous majestic flat rock at 2,762 feet high. It is the biggest monolith close to the ocean in the world and is called the 'Table Mountain' of Rio. From this summit, you can also see the West coast of Rio, the Barra area with its lagoons and mangroves, Ipanema and Leblon beaches, and Dois Irmãos Hill.
Continue on the Pedra Bonita trail through Tijuca Rainforest National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world more than 15 square miles and located in the heart of Rio. On the way up, you may see some wildlife like toucans, coatis, and monkeys.
During your hike, you'll discover the history of Rio, the Tijuca Forest, and the coffee farms that used to exist there, and will learn more about the fauna and flora of the tropical rainforest ecosystem. The tour also includes a visit to another sector of the Tijuca Park, stopping by the Chinese View Belvedere, maybe the best summit in Rio with views to the Southern side. This is one of the very few spots in the city where you can get Christ Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, the beach, and the lagoon in the same frame.
Enjoy this half-day tour at Tijuca Forest that includes an easy 2-hour hike to Pedra Bonita summit.