Pedra do Telégrafo hike Rio de Janeiro: Rock with a view
A rock that photographs like you're about to fall
Pedra do Telégrafo is a guided hike to a 354-meter rock outcrop in Rio de Janeiro's Pedra Branca State Park, where you stand on or hang from a sharp stone formation that photographs as if you're suspended over a mountainside. The 3.6-kilometer round-trip hike takes about five hours total, including a drive past Restinga da Marambaia, a 43-kilometer restricted-access beach, and four other beaches on the return route.
Step-by-step itinerary
Hike and scenic drive around Rio
- Hike to Pedra do Telégrafo rock
- View Restinga da Marambaia beach
- Drive past Pepino beach
- Pass Barra Shopping Mall
- Drive by Barra de Guaratiba beach
- See Burle Marx Private Park from outside
What’s included
- Transportation to and from the trailhead and a live guide in English or Portuguese are included.
- children from age nine are welcome.
Times
- Every day 06:00
Before you book
Operated by Rio Eco Trip
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
The hike starts in the West Zone of Rio, inside Pedra Branca State Park, where native forest and wildlife surround the trail up to Pedra do Telégrafo. At 354 meters high, the rock sits low enough that you can actually stand on it or hang from it without technical gear, but the angle your camera captures makes it read as a daredevil stunt. The views from the top sweep across wild beaches, Tijuca forest, Barra da Tijuca, and Restinga da Marambaia: that 43-kilometer white sand strip that belongs to the Brazilian army and stays closed to the public, so this vantage is how most travelers see it.
The round trip to the rock covers 3.6 kilometers and sits at the center of a five-hour outing that includes transportation and a guide who speaks English or Portuguese. On the drive back down, you pass Pepino Beach, where hang gliders land after jumping from Pedra Bonita mountain; Barra Shopping, South America's largest mall; and Barra de Guaratiba, a small beach that fills with crowds on weekends. The route also passes the Burle Marx Private Park from the outside: the landscape architect's former estate, visible from the road but not entered on this tour.
If you're traveling alone, you can join an existing group rather than book a private departure. Children are welcome from age nine, and the guide handles all logistics. You bring only what you need for the hike and the drive.
Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guide leading a shared group up the trail. Book a private departure instead if you'd rather climb with just your party.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Portuguese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (9 to 12 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How hard is the hike to Pedra do Telégrafo?
The 3.6-kilometer round trip requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The trail climbs to 354 meters, and the operator does not recommend it for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.
What is Restinga da Marambaia and why can't you visit it?
Restinga da Marambaia is a 43-kilometer white sand beach strip that belongs to the Brazilian army and is closed to public access. From the top of Pedra do Telégrafo, you see it stretching across the landscape: the main way most travelers get a view of it.
Can I book this tour if I'm traveling solo?
Yes. If you're traveling alone, let the operator know and they'll add you to an existing group rather than require a private booking.
What beaches do you pass on the drive back?
After the hike, the drive back passes Pepino Beach (where hang gliders land), Barra de Guaratiba, Macumba, and Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Barra de Guaratiba gets especially crowded on weekends.
Is food included in the tour?
No. The tour includes transportation and a guide, but you'll need to bring or purchase food and drinks separately.
Pedra do Telégrafo hike Rio de Janeiro: Rock with a view
5h · EN · PT · at your hotel
from US$ 59 per person
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