Probably the best hike I've done in my life so far. Also one of the most difficult…read more You can technically do it without a guide but I highly recommend getting one. The trail is pretty well marked so I don't think you'd get lost but getting a guide also gives you access to the rope and harness to get up the rock scramble (or 'Carrasqueira' as the locals call it). Allegedly you can go on your own and just pay one of the guys to rent the harness but I think a guide is worth it. Place they'll take some epic photos for you! I hiked Pedra da Gavea in late February so it was in the peak of summer in Rio. Temperatures hovered around 90F and it was HUMID. The heat and humidity had me hitting my inhaler on the way up. It takes about 3 hours to go up and 2-2.5 hours to go down. The views at the top are breathtaking so you'll probably want to hang out at the top for an hour or so. Plan for it to be an all-day affair. Bring a lot of water. Bring a light lunch. Put on some sunscreen.

An epic adventure hike that is not for the faint of heart. It's a pretty long trip to the top,…read morewhich includes some dangerous sections. The risk can be mitigated by an experienced guide with some ropes/harnesses for safety (mostly for the brief rock climb) . Local hikers tend to throw caution to the wind, but you don't want to go tumbling down a cliff do you? Getting to the top is about a 3 hour endeavor almost entirely uphill, you hike out the same way though downhill is obviously faster (maybe 2 hrs). You'll definitely want a good amount of water, so either a camelback or 3-4 12 oz waters per person. The views are totally breathtaking, I don't think I've ever been up so high without being in an airplane. If you're feeling fit and want a real hiking challenge in Rio, this is the one for you!

We came here to check out the Gastro Beer fest but ended up seeing a couple other things. The Jogos…read moreCarioca was also going on, so they had a small makeshift skatepark and a climbing wall for kids. We saw one kid wearing a metal for winning a jujutsu competition and plenty of kids skateboarding or mountain biking down the steep hills. They also had a music venue, with a large stage step up for live music. It was too hot to be out in the sun, but the hillside provided a bit of shade. The park has the zoo (which is currently closed due to inhumane conditions for the animals) and the national museum which is quite impressive. The food and beer festival had a great space for venue like this. They had quite a variety of food and beer options which made this a great weekend to hang out at the park despite the heat. There's also scenic views of Christo from a distance and a lagoa with scenic Corinthian columns and swan peddle boats for rent. It's also conveniently located right next to the São Cristóvão metro station.

I booked a Jeep tour leaving from Rio to this park in the morning. A lot of locals come here to…read morepicnic, hike, and swim in the lagoons with waterfalls. The tour was really fun with great sights and you really feel like you're in the rainforest even though you're pretty close to Rio. Some highlights: -Mirante das Canoas - Great view at the top of the park above São Conrado beach -Cascatinha Taunay - large waterfall where you can swim in the lagoon below -Mayrink Chapel - a small, pink chapel that is in the middle of the rainforest I would definitely recommend the tour, it was really fun to ride in the Jeep and only requires half a day.

5 stars gives this place zero justice! Did a hiking tour via trip advisor. And it was my top 2…read moreexperience while in rio (with my number 1 experience being a helicopter ride over the city and by christ the redeemer). The waterfalls was so nice and scenic. Lush green everywhere! We hiked up to 2 caves. And got in the water by 2 of the falls. Had a fun little group. Was such an experience though!