The verdict
Our pick
Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Waterfalls & Bat Cave★ 4.88 (1,440) · 5h
Best value
Rio de Janeiro: Two Brothers Mountain Hike & Favela Culture★ 4.76 (133) · 2h–3h
Top rated
Rio de Janeiro: Morro Dois Irmãos Hike & Vidigal Favela Tour★ 5.00 (123) · 4h–5h
The 12 best-value of 29 options, side by side
✓ 2026-09-29Real price per person across the 29 options: US$ 30–US$ 113 (median US$ 69). With 100+ reviews: 17 of 29.
Default order: real price per person — the group price divided by the seats it includes.
Sort
Up to 2 hours (1)
Pedra do Telégrafo hike Rio de Janeiro sunrise or sunsetA guided hike to Pedra do Telégrafo, the cliffside rock formation in Barra de Guaratiba known for optical illusion photos and panoramic views of Rio's coast and rainforest. The trek takes 30 to 45 minutes to the summit; hotel pickup, a fluent English-speaking guide, and round-trip transport are included. You choose sunrise, morning or sunset timing, and a photographer captures professional-quality shots on the way.Is it for me?Arrive in Rio without a car and climb straight to Pedra do Telégrafo at sunrise or sunset—your guide times it perfectly to dodge crowds and nail those cliffside optical illusion shots.
2 to 5 hours (15)
Rio: Tijuca Forest Hike, Waterfalls & Caves with Small GroupsYou hike to a city-view peak, explore a 40-meter cave and waterfall, cool off in the forest pool, and see wildlife like toucans and sloths—all in 4–5 hours with a guide who knows the park and a group small enough that you're not waiting for anyone. Hotel pickup is included, and you choose your departure time. Bring a bathing suit and comfortable hiking shoes.Is it for me?Right for travelers who want to hike Rio's rainforest without arranging transport, park tickets, or timing the day themselves—the small group size and fixed schedule mean you move at a human pace and actually see the wildlife and caves instead of rushing between photo spots.
Tijuca Rainforest Jeep Tour & Hike: Rio de Janeiro WildlifeA 4-hour guided jeep tour and eco-hike through Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro combines open-vehicle exploration with an easy walk to Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, Vista Chinesa viewpoint and a historic chapel. Hotel pickup from the South Zone or Barra da Tijuca is included, and your guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French or German. The tour operates weekday mornings and afternoons (Vista Chinesa closes weekends and holidays), and wildlife sightings — monkeys, birds, butterflies, sometimes sloths — are possible throughout the forest.Is it for me?Choose the shared tour to join other visitors and pay less, or book private if your group wants to set your own pace through the forest without syncing to a fixed schedule.
Rio: Tijuca Forest Pedra Bonita Hike & Vista Chinesa ViewsYou’ll start your day with hotel pickup in Rio before hiking through Tijuca Forest’s tangled trails toward Pedra Bonita’s summit. Along the way you might spot monkeys or coatis darting through the trees, then catch your breath at Vista Chinesa with its sweeping city views. Expect a friendly guide who shares local stories — plus plenty of time at the top to soak it all in.
Rio de Janeiro: Two Brothers Sunrise Hike & Local GuideYou climb Morro Dois Irmãos in the pre-dawn dark with a local Vidigal resident, ride up by moto taxi through the neighborhood, walk 1.5 kilometers through Atlantic Forest with lanterns, and reach the summit as the sun rises over Guanabara Bay. The guide photographs you, shares local knowledge, and you descend as Rio wakes up below. Total time is two to three hours.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Rio from a perspective most visitors miss and prefer moving through the city with someone who actually lives there — the early start and local guide are what make the quiet and the connection possible.
Rio de Janeiro: Morro Two Brothers Trail & Sunset ViewsYou climb 1.5 kilometers through Vidigal with a neighborhood guide, stop at four viewpoints, and reach a peak with unobstructed views of Rio's entire south zone. The sunset option means you watch the city shift from daylight to night from the top. Local transport and guide are included; bring water and wear shoes with grip.Is it for me?Book this if you want Rio's best city views without a crowded cable car or a tourist-packed overlook—the hike and the neighborhood guide keep the experience grounded and real. The fixed 50-minute climb and included transport mean you know exactly what you're getting into and when you'll be back.
Sugarloaf Mountain Rock Climbing Adventure: Rio de JaneiroClimb Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro with a live guide, ascending the backside of the peak on a well-traveled trail with sections of scrambling and a 15-meter technical pitch that uses rope and harness. The guide handles all safety equipment and talks you through the exposed sections; the descent is by cable car from the summit to Morro da Urca, then a short trail down. Children from age 10 are welcome, and the whole experience takes about three hours.Is it for me?Start at the foot of Sugarloaf without needing a car or transport arranged—the meeting point is accessible by public transit nearby. The guide handles the technical setup and safety decisions, so you focus on the climbing itself rather than managing gear or route-finding.
Tijuca Forest tour Rio de Janeiro: Waterfalls, caves & wildlifeA small-group tour of Tijuca Forest from Rio de Janeiro that takes you past waterfalls, through a natural cave, and into the lush interior where wildlife moves through the canopy. Your hotel pickup is included, a professional guide speaks English, and the group stays small enough that you move at a pace that lets you actually see what's there. Five hours total; suitable for all fitness levels, though the terrain is uneven and involves some climbing.Is it for me?The five-hour commitment and uneven terrain mean this works best if you have a free afternoon and can handle climbing and stream crossings—not a quick detour, but a full immersion into what Rio looks like beyond the beaches. If you're visiting for the first time and want to see a side of the city most tourists miss, this is the trade-off: you leave the postcard sights behind and come back with a different story.
Rio de Janeiro: Morro Dois Irmãos Sunrise Hike & VidigalYou ride a motorbike to the top of Vidigal favela, hike for an hour along a local trail to Morro Dois Irmãos, and watch the sunrise over Rio de Janeiro from the summit. On the descent, your guide walks you through the community, sharing its history and the social projects your booking supports. The whole experience takes a few hours and includes the motorbike lift and trail access.Is it for me?Right for travelers who want to see Rio from a vantage point most tourists miss and are willing to start before dawn and hike uphill to get there — the early hour and the motorbike ride are what make the sunrise possible and the community walk real.
Tijuca Peak hiking tour Rio de Janeiro: Summit and waterfallA guided hike through Tijuca National Park to Tijuca Peak, Rio de Janeiro's highest summit, with hotel pickup, park entry and a waterfall swim included. The route passes Vista Chinesa or São Conrado Beach (depending on the day), Taunay Waterfall and Baronesa Waterfall, with a certified guide speaking English, Spanish or Portuguese. The trek takes five to six hours and requires moderate fitness; the itinerary may shift based on weather or park conditions.Is it for me?Pick the private option if you want the guide to adjust pace and stops to your interests; pick the shared tour if you prefer to hike with others and split costs.
Tijuca National Park hiking tour: Waterfalls and rainforestA guided hike through Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro takes you to a 35-meter waterfall at the start or end depending on weather and group pace, plus at least two smaller waterfalls where you can swim and rest. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours with a certified guide in your choice of language, park entry included, and covers the forest's history—from old coffee plantations to its current role as an urban refuge. Moderate fitness is needed; the hike is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.Is it for me?Reach three waterfalls and swim in a real rainforest within four to five hours, leaving your afternoon free to explore the city.
Rio: Sugarloaf Mountain Rock Climb & Hike with Cable CarYou hike the Costão route up Sugarloaf Mountain's east face, stopping for views of Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic, then complete a 15-meter guided rock climb midway up with all safety gear provided. At the summit you get the full Rio panorama — Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana, Niterói — before descending by cable car. The whole experience takes a few hours and includes a certified multilingual guide, all climbing equipment, and the cable car ride down.Is it for me?Book this if you want to climb Sugarloaf Mountain without needing prior experience or your own gear — the certified guide and included equipment mean you show up ready, and the cable car descent saves you from hiking back down tired.
Sugarloaf Mountain Hike: Costao Trail with Rock ClimbingHike the Costao trail to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, scrambling up steep terrain and climbing a vertical rock section with full safety equipment and a certified guide. The ascent takes two to three hours, with views over Guanabara Bay and the city's beaches; you descend by cable car to Morro da Urca, then walk an easy forest trail back to the start. No prior climbing or hiking experience is required.Is it for me?Choose this hike if you want to climb Sugarloaf itself rather than ride to the top—the vertical pitch and the scrambles are what make the views yours, and the guide's presence and safety gear are what make the climbing feel secure without prior experience.
Rio de Janeiro: Garganta do Céu Hike & Sorimã Waterfall SwimYou’ll hike a wild forest trail above Rio with a local guide, scramble up to Garganta do Céu for rare panoramic city views, then cool off with a swim in Sorimã Waterfall before heading back down through Tijuca’s greenery. Expect muddy shoes, honest stories, and moments you’ll replay long after you’re home.
Tijuca National Park 4x4 Tour: Hike & Lagoon SwimA 4-hour jeep and hiking tour of Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro includes hotel pickup, a local guide, a swim in a natural lagoon, and access to Vista Chinesa viewpoint overlooking São Conrado, Ipanema and Leblon beaches. The jeep carries you through the park's trails; you hike to the lagoon and up to the overlook. Vista Chinesa is accessible Monday to Friday only—weekend visits require a different route.Is it for me?Choose this tour if you need a jeep to handle Tijuca's steep terrain and want a guided hike combined with beach time in one morning or afternoon; book the alternative route if Vista Chinesa is essential and you're visiting on a weekend.
Private Jeep Tour in Tijuca Forest: 360° Views & Waterfall HikeA private jeep tour in Tijuca Forest near Rio de Janeiro for up to four people, combining an easy 40-minute hike to Pedra Bonita with a waterfall swim and a hidden cave visit, led by a trilingual guide with environmental expertise. The itinerary is fully customized to your pace—relaxed with easy-access stops or more adventurous with deeper forest hikes. Trekking poles, headlamps and drone photography are included; the tour runs 5 to 6 hours.Is it for me?The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, so your group follows the commentary comfortably in whichever language you choose. The itinerary is fully customized—you decide whether you want a relaxed afternoon hitting easy-access spots or a more immersive forest experience with longer hikes—so the day fits your energy and interests, not a fixed schedule.
Half day and longer (10)
Rio: Pedra da Gávea Hike with Safety Gear & Local GuideYou’ll climb through Rio’s lush Tijuca Forest with a local guide who keeps things safe (and fun), take on Carrasqueira with real support, and reach Pedra da Gávea’s summit for wild 360° views across beaches and city. Expect laughter, group spirit, photos taken by your guide—and maybe a moment of awe that sticks with you long after.
Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea Hike & Jungle Climb AdventureYou’ll feel every step as you hike Pedra da Gávea with a local guide—scrambling through rainforest, climbing Carrasqueira’s cliff face with safety gear, spotting wildlife if you’re lucky, then catching your breath at Rio’s wildest summit. Expect muddy hands, big laughs, and a view that sticks with you long after you’re back in the city.
Rio Tijuca Forest: Small Group Hike, Waterfalls & HistoryYou’ll hike historic trails through Rio’s Tijuca Forest with a local guide, passing waterfalls like Cascatinha Taunay and stopping at places like Mayrink Chapel and Bats’ Grotto. Expect real stories, a waterfall swim to wake you up, and a side of Rio most travelers never see—plus pickup so you don’t have to stress about getting there.
Rio de Janeiro: Pedra do Telégrafo Hike & West Zone BeachesYou get van transport through Rio's West Zone beaches, a 50-minute forest hike led by an accredited guide, and time at Pedra do Telégrafo to photograph the rock and the view. The guide handles the trail pacing and the return, so you focus on the climb and the moment at the top. Expect a queue at the rock itself and plan for traffic in Rio's schedule.Is it for me?Right for travelers who want the Pedra do Telégrafo photo and the hike without arranging transport through Rio's West Zone or navigating the trail alone — the guide and van handle the logistics so you can focus on the climb and the view.
Rio Tijuca Forest: Full-Day Challenge Hike & Waterfall SwimYou’ll push yourself on this full-day challenge hike through Rio’s Tijuca Forest—climbing Taquara Hill for sweeping city views, exploring hidden caves and old coffee farm ruins with a local guide, then cooling off in a wild waterfall before heading back to town tired but changed. This isn’t just scenery—it’s sweat, stories, and moments that linger.
Rio: Pedra do Telégrafo Hike & Grumari Beach Day TripYou hike 3.6 kilometers to Rio's famous Pedra do Telégrafo rock formation, take the photos that look impossible, then descend and swim at Grumari Beach. A bilingual guide handles the route and timing, hotel pickup is included, and the whole day takes 6 to 7 hours. Book on a weekday if you can to avoid crowds.Is it for me?Book this if you want the famous Pedra do Telégrafo photo and a beach swim in one morning without arranging your own transport or timing the crowds—the guide and fixed schedule handle both, leaving you to focus on the hike and the view.
Rio: Pedra da Gavea Hike & Climb with Pickup & GearYou’ll push yourself hiking Pedra da Gavea from Rio—climbing roots, scrambling rocks, then abseiling down with a local guide handling safety gear. Expect rainforest scents, wild city views from 844 meters up, and real moments of silence at the summit before heading back tired and proud.
Pedra da Gávea Trail Rio de Janeiro: Guided Climb & Summit PhotosYou climb Rio's most demanding trail with an accredited guide who handles safety equipment, teaches technique on steep sections, and shoots professional photos at the summit and wall. The round trip takes four to five hours, includes instruction for beginners, and covers personal accident insurance. You descend the same route with a second photo stop, returning with proof of the climb and no second-guessing about whether you went the right way.Is it for me?Book this if you want to summit Pedra da Gávea but don't have climbing experience or the local knowledge to navigate the exposed sections safely — the guide's hands-on help and safety gear are what make the hardest trail in Rio actually doable, not just a turnback at Carrasqueira.
Pedra da Gavea Hike: Guided Summit Adventure in RioIf you’re up for a real challenge and want to see Rio from above, this hike is unforgettable. You’ll climb through lush forest, tackle a rope section with help from an expert guide, and stand on one of the city’s highest points.
Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea Hike & Rock ClimbingYou hike 3.5 kilometers uphill through Tijuca forest to the summit of Rio's 842-meter monolith, using ropes on technical climbing sections and stopping at viewpoints along the way. Safety gear, drone photography, and a small-group pace are included; the eight-hour day demands high fitness and proper footwear. You finish with a view of Rio's south and west zones that justifies every step.Is it for me?This is for experienced hikers or fit travelers who want to see Rio from a completely different vantage point and don't mind steep terrain and technical climbing — the difficulty is what keeps the groups small and the experience genuine.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book with free cancellation?
Yes: 29 of the 29 options offer free cancellation, so you can book now and confirm your plans later.
How long do these experiences last?
Most options last between 2 and 5 hours. There are also shorter and longer formats to fit your itinerary.
Which one is the travelers' favorite?
Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Waterfalls & Bat Cave is the travelers' favorite, rated 4.88 out of 5 across 1,440 reviews.
More things to do in Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer Tours48 optionsHiking Sugarloaf Mountain42 optionsMuseum of Tomorrow7 optionsRio de Janeiro Helicopter Tours8 optionsMaracanã Stadium Tours12 optionsPetrópolis City Tour8 optionsDay Trips from Rio de Janeiro5 optionsRio de Janeiro City Tour20 optionsRio de Janeiro Waterfalls12 optionsSelarón Steps17 optionsBoat Tour Rio de Janeiro8 optionsAngra dos Reis Tours9 optionsRocinha Favela Tour8 optionsWalking Tour Rio de Janeiro20 optionsJeep Tour in Rio de Janeiro11 optionsRio de Janeiro Food8 optionsRio de Janeiro Museums18 optionsRainforest Tours in Rio de Janeiro6 optionsAquario Tours8 optionsRio de Janeiro Photography6 optionsSanta Teresa Tours9 optionsRio de Janeiro Cable Car8 optionsChrist the Redeemer and City Tour9 optionsRio de Janeiro Airport Transfer12 optionsLapa Street Food6 optionsClimbing Rio de Janeiro8 options
