Rio: Morro Dois Irmãos Hike & Vidigal Community Trail Views

Summary

Walk Rio’s Morro Dois Irmãos trail from Vidigal for raw city views

You’ll walk through Vidigal with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story, ride mototaxis up winding hillsides, then hike Morro Dois Irmãos for wild views over Rio—Leblon beaches, Rocinha, Christ the Redeemer all laid out below you. Expect real moments: laughter with locals, sunset light on your face, maybe even drone photos if you ask.

What’s the experience like?

You open your eyes and there’s Vidigal all around—kids chasing a ball in the square, the smell of fried pastel drifting out from a window. Our guide, Rafael, grinned when he saw us fumbling with our mototaxi helmets. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it,” he said, and honestly I never did. The ride zigzagged up narrow streets that felt like someone’s backyard—music bouncing off walls, laundry flapping over our heads. I kept thinking: this is someone’s Tuesday morning.

The trail starts where the asphalt ends. It’s not hard but you feel it in your calves after a while—roots underfoot, red earth dusting your shoes. Rafael stopped every so often to point out things: Rocinha spreading out below like a patchwork quilt; Gávea Stone looming in the haze; Christ the Redeemer just visible if you squint past a tangle of power lines. He told us about Vidigal’s history—how people here built their own world on this hill. At one point we passed a group of teens sharing mate from a plastic cup; they waved us along with that easy Carioca smile.

There are these little pauses at the viewpoints where everyone goes quiet for a second—not out of awe or anything dramatic, just…taking it in. The city looks different from up here. Leblon and Ipanema curve away below like they’re part of some other life. Someone behind me muttered “wow” under their breath and I laughed because yeah, same. If you do the sunset hike (we did), there’s this gold light that makes everything soft—the ocean almost glows. My phone couldn’t catch it right but Rafael took some photos for us anyway (he even had a drone, which was wild).

I still think about that last bit at the top—wind picking up, everyone sharing water and stories in Portuguese and English mixed together. We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave first. On the way down my legs were jelly but my head felt clear somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided hike to Two Brothers Moor summit

• Meet local guide at Vidigal Square
• Take mototaxi or van to trail start
• Hike 1.5 km moderate trail
• Enjoy viewpoints of Rio landmarks
• Learn about local culture and history
• Reach summit for 360° city views
• Take photos and enjoy landscape
• Return via mototaxi or van

Top questions

How long does the Morro Dois Irmãos hike take?

The hike itself is about 1.5 km and takes roughly 50 minutes uphill.

Is hotel pickup included for the Morro Dois Irmãos trail?

The experience includes pickup options via mototaxi or van from Vidigal Square; public transport is nearby.

What will I see during the day trip to Morro Dois Irmãos from Rio?

You’ll see views of Rocinha favela, Pedra da Gávea, Christ the Redeemer, Leblon and Ipanema beaches, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, and more.

Is this trail suitable for beginners?

Yes—the trail is considered easy to moderate and suitable for all fitness levels.

Can I join at different times of day?

Yes—you can choose morning, afternoon or sunset departures for different experiences.

Are photos or videos included?

Yes—the guide takes photos and videos throughout; drone shots are available but not included in price.

How much does transport cost within Vidigal?

The mototaxi or van costs 7 reais each way per person; entry to the trail is 10 reais per person.

Will my guide be local to Vidigal?

Your guide is a resident of Vidigal with deep knowledge of its culture and history.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance by a local resident from Vidigal who shares stories along the way; photo and video coverage during your hike (with optional drone shots); plus safe transport up to the start of the trail by mototaxi or van—with flexible timing whether you want sunrise light or sunset glow above Rio.