Pedra Da Gavea is a must when visiting Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. While not for the faint of heart, nor the physically unfit, a trip to Rio is not complete without standing atop the largest oceanside monolith in the world. One glimpse at the images and videos of this breathtaking place will have you planning your next trip. But do you need a guide to hike Pedra Da Gavea?
While we have suggested using a guide on other hikes in Rio, [Click Here for Do You Need A Guide to Hike Two Brothers], we do not think it is necessary to have a guide for Pedra Da Gavea, and here is why.
Safer from Criminal Activity
First off, Pedra Da Gavea is somewhat removed from the city of Rio. A 30 minute drive from Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, allows the trail to be just far enough removed that the risk of petty crime and muggings is minimal. Not to mention, the Pedra Da Gavea trail is part of the Tijuca Rainforest, which means that the area is monitored by park rangers as well. All in all the threat of danger is minimal and your sense of security is high.
Safety of Hike
Secondly, although Pedra Da Gavea is considered one of the hardest and most dangerous hikes in Rio, it’s risk of injury is overstated. Excluding one section in which you will need to be tied into a rope and harness, the whole trail is difficult but manageable. The section requiring rope is typically populated by a few locals with ropes and harnesses that will help tie you in, guide you up, and unhook you for 15 Real per person. The only requirement or expectation is a minimal ability to communicate the cost of their services and how many are in your group.
But do be aware there are two trail options, one being safer than the other. Our suggestion is to follow the Carrasqueira Trail (as opposed to the P4 trail), any experience with ropes or rock scrambling experience should be sufficient. In the event the locals are not set up with their ropes on the day you hike, there is still a portion to the right of the rock slab that you can climb up and down without ropes as long as you have good shoes and are somewhat confident in your rock scrambling abilities.
Risk of Getting Lost
Thirdly, the trail is clearly marked. Although very difficult, your risk of taking a wrong turn or going the wrong way is minimal, especially with the number of tourists that you will encounter. There are two trail options, however, as mentioned above (Carrasqueira and P4). They split relatively early and are clearly marked.
All in all, we hired a guide, but looking back would not hire one again for Pedra Da Gavea. We actually believe having a guide diminished our experience in a way. Anyone that hikes knows that part of the fun in hiking is the discovery that comes with it. The ability to get side-tracked by a beautiful view that will seem insignificant just moments later, or a plant, bug, or animal that may seem every day to a local, but is interesting to you. While our guide would have been more than willing to allow us to take in these opportunities, we all know how rarely we do when we are in this type of situation. Not to mention the communication and interactions are often diminished by the presence of a guide, especially guides that are very knowledgeable and feel the need to explain and elaborate a large portion of the hike. Finally at a rate of 220 Real per hour, the cost really does add up for a hike that lasts a majority of the day.
For our complete guide on how to hike Pedra Da Gavea, Click Here!
Planning multiple hikes? Click here for our guide on how to hike Two Brothers (Dois Irmaos)!