Rio: Two Brothers Sunrise Hike & Vidigal Community Walk

Summary

Sunrise colors from Dois Irmãos after Vidigal’s winding lanes

You’ll ride through Vidigal at dawn, hike up Dois Irmãos with a local guide who shares stories along the way, and watch sunrise spill across Rio’s beaches and hillsides. Expect laughs, lanterns for the early climb, time to rest at the summit—and moments that linger long after you come back down.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the city lights of Rio flickered below us as we squeezed into a van at Vidigal’s entrance. Our guide, Gabriel—born and raised here—waved us in with this sleepy grin, like he’d done this a hundred times but still liked it. The van rattled up narrow streets, past murals and little bakeries just starting to open (the smell of fresh bread actually made my stomach growl). It was still dark, but you could tell the sky was about to change.

We started the trail with lanterns in hand—Gabriel handed them out and joked about his “fancy equipment.” The path is just 1.5 km but it feels longer when you’re climbing before sunrise. There were crickets, and sometimes you’d hear someone laughing in the distance down in Vidigal. We stopped once or twice for water and photos; Gabriel pointed out where Ipanema beach curves away in the darkness. He told us stories about growing up here—how every kid knows this hill by heart—and I tried repeating some names in Portuguese (not well). At one point I realized my shoes were full of red dust.

At the top of Dois Irmãos, everyone got quiet for a second. The sun came up behind Guanabara Bay, turning everything pink and gold—the kind of color that makes you forget you’re tired. You can see so much from up there: Leblon, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, even Cristo Redentor if you squint through morning haze. Gabriel offered to take our photos (he knows all the best angles) but honestly I just wanted to sit there for a while. There’s something about watching Rio wake up that sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise walk at Two Brothers Hill

• Meet guide at Vidigal entrance
• Take local taxi or van to trail start
• Hike 1.5 km through Atlantic Forest
• Stop to rest and take photos
• Reach summit of Two Brothers Hill
• Enjoy panoramic views of Rio
• Relax and capture sunrise moments

Top questions

How long is the hike up Dois Irmãos?

The trail is about 1.5 km from where the van drops you off to the summit.

Is transportation included from Vidigal entrance?

A local van or taxi takes you partway up; fare (about 7 BRL) isn’t included.

Do I need to bring my own flashlight?

No—lanterns are provided for everyone on the early morning climb.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels with stops to rest along the way.

What can I see from the top of Dois Irmãos?

You’ll see Ipanema and Leblon beaches, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Cristo Redentor, Pedra da Gávea, and more of Rio’s south zone.

Are photos included?

Your guide will take photos and videos for you during the tour; drone images are available separately if arranged with your guide.

Is lunch or breakfast provided?

No meals are included; bring snacks if needed as food isn’t provided on this tour.

Can children join this sunrise hike?

Yes—infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; otherwise all ages are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from an accredited local resident who knows every corner of Vidigal, lanterns for hiking before sunrise, stops for photos and videos (with drone images available if arranged), plus a first aid kit on hand throughout your walk—all before heading back down after sunrise over Rio.