Pedra da Gávea the Most Challenging Hike of Rio de Janeiro
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
We are profesional tour guides with more than 10 years of experience working on the state of Rio de Janeiro.
We use certificated climbing equipment.
We are here to make of this activity something safe and unforgetable.
But over any other thing: WE LOVE WHAT WE DO.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
During this activity we are gonna hike about 5km uphill to reach the Top of Pedra da Gavea, about 980 meter high. The time require for this adventure is around six to eight hours, so no forget to bring with you 2ltrs of water per person. Around 70% of the hike we would found the biggest challenge of Pedra da Gavea: "carrasqueira", wich is a climbing section of 30 meters where we are gonna use all the security equipment to make the climb safe and easy. Most of the hike in gonna be on the shade of the trees, but at the top we have no protection, so is good to have sunscreen and something to protect your heads. For this activity you need to be on shape and prepare for the adventure!
What‘s Included
Climbing equipment
Lunch
Options
Pedra da Gávea (no pick up)
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unforgettable experience thanks to Thomas
Q8164IEsebastianb,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would like to thank Thomas very much 🙏 We hiked/climbed Pedra da Gavea together and Thomas is not only extremely professional, safety conscious, but also really an excellent person and guide who adapts very well to the customers, so that unforgettable experiences are created.
Our highlight of Rio
marcc567,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tom is hands down the best guide we have ever had; 10/10 across the board. He was very communicative and thoughtful throughout the entire experience. Before the hike, Tom checked with us aligning on expectations, weather forecast, and equipment. During the hike, we just had the best time. It felt like being with a friend that happens to be an expert in Rio's history, ecology, and climbing. The hike itself is moderately challenging that includes a short climbing section. It was my wife's and my first time climbing and felt completely safe while enjoying the experience. The views at the top are stunning and one of the best ways of admiring Rio. As an extra; Tom is also an amazing photographer and he will send you a google photos album afterwards with beautiful pics. If you are moderately fit, enjoy hiking and adventure, this is for you.
Best hike of my life
F8182EBcarlose,Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thomas was a stellar guide and an absolute highlight of our second day in Rio. From the start, his warm energy set the tone for an unforgettable experience. He’s not just incredibly knowledgeable about the trail and the surrounding area — he also brings a calm, confident presence that makes the whole journey feel both fun and safe. We had a mixed-experience group, and Thomas intuitively tailored the hike to match everyone’s comfort levels. He was especially attentive to a friend who was less certain about the climb, helping boost their confidence while keeping the pace supportive and encouraging. His professionalism really showed in how seamlessly he adapted to our needs. He speaks both English and Spanish perfectly, which made communication effortless and inclusive for our whole group. He’s also a total pro when it comes to photography — capturing epic moments at just the right spots, making memories we’ll keep forever. Beyond his technical skills, he’s just a blast to hang out with. Great vibe, great stories, and an all-around amazing human. Thomas will absolutely be my go-to guide for any hike in Rio going forward. If you’re considering Pedra da Gávea (or any hike in the area), don’t hesitate — book with him.
Best hike of my life
kevin m,Aug 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thomas was amazing. Patient. Knowledgeable. Engaging. Fun. I had a blast climbing this mountain with him. It was an amazing experience- highly recommend to everyone.
Exceeding Expectations
Z9821NHcintial,Aug 14, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stopping by to record our gratitude to the EcotuRio agency, which through the guide Thomas Arias, who provided our guidance, safely provided us with the best Experience of Life, during the climb to Pedra da Gávea via the most challenging route, the P4 and the descent through the dreaded Carrasqueira. Thomas was incredible in driving us, always attentive to our needs and our emotional and physical well-being. He demonstrated mastery, knowledge and a lot of technique throughout the course. The equipment used on the climbs was certified and in excellent condition. He took our best photos, super charismatic, with an easy smile, great people, an incredible professional. Definitely our best choice!
Amazing experience!!!!
913janainap,Aug 14, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide Thomas is very helpful and attentive, he was attentive to the group at all times. It gave us an incredible, safe and challenging climb up p4! And he took beautiful photos hahaha
Unusual experience of climbing to the Peak of Pedra da Gávea - 021
fernandosclemos,Jun 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A sensational experience of climbing to the peak of Pedra da Gávea. Day, company and unique guide. I recommend the climb with the guide Thomas Arias (EcotuRio)! The most carioca Argentine I know! Thom made the climb much more enjoyable and fun. Total safety on the route and with right to good stories about the forest and the formation of the Tijuca Forest.
Gávea stone trail with the guide Thomas!!
DanielBielshowsky,Jun 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I climbed the Pedra da Gávea with the guide Thomas and the climb was sensational! I would like to thank again Thomas for all the patience and dedication during the climb, a 100% professional guide who knows all the climb and is concerned to reassure you during the climb. I admit I was afraid to climb the Gávea Stone because of his reputation but with Thomas it was all wonderful. Finally, I wanted to comment that besides a professional guide he is very friendly, fine people and still takes sensational photos, makes the trail become much more special. Thank you Thomas!!!
Trail of Gávea
Raissa G,May 5, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful experience with our guide Thomas, very patient, friendly!!! Most importantly, it has ALL the equipment for a safe escalation. It was the differential! Thank you
Gavea Stone with Thomas!
W5269HNfabiot,May 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My sister and I did the Gávea Stone, it was one of the best experiences we did in life, everything was very amazing, the guide Thomas was the best, he made our experience even more special.
From R$450.00
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Operated by EcotuRio