Rio Hiking Tour
11 DAYS
The price includes a guide, entrance fees to all attractions according to the program, 10 nights in double rooms with breakfast, transfer from/to the airport in Rio de Janeiro, return transfer Rio - Ilha Grande-Rio, tickets for public transport in Rio to get to the hiking trails, safety equipment for trails that require it.
The price does not include airfare, other meals, and personal expenses.
- €2,000 for solo travelers
- €1,900 if you book with another person
Price per person:
Please note: The program begins and ends in Rio de Janeiro, where I will meet and greet you. Please note that depending on your flight, you may need to depart a day earlier and return a day later. You can purchase your own flight tickets or ask our team for assistance.
From Aug. 27th to Sep. 6th 2026.
Date:
To make it easier to move and communicate, the idea is to always keep groups small. That way we will have better quality socializing and enjoy ourselves more! :)
Minimum 6
Maximum 14 people
Group size:
Rio Hiking Tour - 11 days
Discover Rio from above, from the wild coastal peaks, and end up in the barefoot paradise of Ilha Grande – a hiking adventure that reveals a Brazil most travelers will never see!
This is not a classic trip to Rio , but an invitation to experience the city from a side that most travelers never see – from mountain trails high above the beaches , where the Atlantic Forest, the ocean and skyscrapers merge into one view. Instead of spending all our time on the promenade by the sea, we embark on an adventure along the peaks overlooking Copacabana, Ipanema and the entire Gulf Coast, while the gentle breeze and pleasant temperature allow us to enjoy every step. Each climb is rewarded with breathtaking views and the feeling of having discovered some secret Rio , reserved only for those who dare to take the trail above the city.
And once we get to know this “vertical” Rio, the journey continues to the car-free island paradise – Ilha Grande, where we will spend four nights surrounded by tropical nature, hidden beaches and forest paths that lead straight to the crystal clear sea. With you is a Brazilian who speaks fluent Serbian and who will show you his country firsthand – the way the guidebooks from the catalog never show it. Get ready for the adventurous, hiking, green side of Brazil : after this trip, Rio and the tropical paradise of Ilha Grande will forever change the way you experience the world .
See what awaits you in Brazil
DETAILED ITINERARY
On the second day of our trip, we set off to conquer one of Rio’s most famous symbols – Sugarloaf Mountain , but not in the “classic” tourist way. Instead of immediately boarding the cable car from the foot of the hill, we set off on foot through the Atlantic Forest , along a pleasant path to the first hill – Morro da Urca. The path is well-trodden, partly in the shade, with a moderate climb and some steps, and the climb takes about 30 minutes of easy to moderate walking . All you need is comfortable shoes and basic fitness. With a little luck – and the chances are high – along the way we will also meet tiny mico monkeys , who jump on the branches and are truly irresistibly cute.
When we reach the top of Morro da Urca, we enjoy panoramic views of the bay, the city and the mountains , and then we board the cable car that takes us to the second hill – Sugarloaf Mountain , from where one of the most famous viewpoints in all of Brazil opens. After time for photos and enjoying the view, we take the cable car back to the first hill, and then walk down to Red Beach (Praia Vermelha) – a small, hidden and very pleasant beach that is especially loved by locals . Here, after hiking, we can have lunch in a nice local restaurant in the Urca neighborhood, and then have free time to swim, enjoy the sun or simply relax with a view of the ocean. Return to the hotel and overnight.
Accommodation: Windsor Florida Hotel 4* ( see pictures )
Day 2 | Sugarloaf Mountain and Red Beach
Arrival in Rio in the morning, where I welcome you with open arms. I can't wait to show you my hometown!
We arrive at the hotel, which is located not far from the ocean, by organized transfer, and then we rest from the road in Brazilian style - on Copacabana, the most famous beach in Brazil . Here, you will feel the true spirit of my country on the first day, with coconut water, top-notch açaí, and maybe even a caipirinha. We get to this beach like true locals - by metro.
After a full day of enjoyment, return to the hotel and overnight.
Accommodation: Windsor Florida Hotel 4* ( see pictures )
Day 1 | Arrival in Rio and enjoying Copacabana
On the fourth day, we take a break from the climb and dedicate ourselves to football and art . In the morning, we take the metro to the famous Maracanã stadium, the symbol of Brazilian football. There we visit the museum where you will see jerseys, trophies, photographs and memories of great stars, and the tour also includes entering the locker rooms and walking past the field itself , where you will feel like the players before a big match.
After the Maracana, we head to the center of Rio, where the Selarón Steps await us – a colorful work of art made of hundreds of tiles from around the world, one of the most photogenic corners of the city. After the visit, we will have lunch at a local restaurant, and then the afternoon is free: you can relax on the beach, enjoy the hotel pool or take a walk in a nearby park. This is the perfect day to recharge your batteries and prepare for the next hiking experience. Return to the hotel and overnight.
Accommodation: Windsor Florida Hotel 4* ( see pictures )
Day 4 | Maracana, Selarón and free afternoon
On the third day, we continue to get to know Rio from above – this time , Corcovado and the famous Christ the Redeemer await us. We start the day by taking the bus, like true locals , to Parque Lage , a beautiful historical park at the foot of Corcovado, with an old villa, palm trees, ponds and paths in the middle of the Atlantic Forest. From here, our hiking trail to the top begins: the trail is of medium difficulty , leads through a dense forest, is partly in the shade, with a moderate, sometimes steeper climb, and natural “steps” made of roots and rocks. The climb to the top takes approximately 2–3 hours of easy to moderate walking , with breaks for rest, photos and enjoying nature. Comfortable shoes, at least one bottle of water and good fitness are required – in return, you get the feeling that you are really “climbing above the city”, and not that you just reached the viewpoint by car.
When we reach the top of Corcovado, we will be greeted by the impressive statue of Christ the Redeemer , with his arms outstretched above the entire city. From the plateau below the statue, one of the most famous views in the world opens up: Ipanema and Copacabana, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the city center and the mountains that surround it – all in one place. After time to enjoy the view and take photos, so as not to overdo it with fatigue (we have more hiking ahead of us in the coming days), we descend in an organized van to the foothills . From here we head to Ipanema – one of the most famous beaches in the world, where we will have lunch at a local restaurant and have a free afternoon to swim, enjoy the sand or relax and observe life on the beach. Return to the hotel and overnight.
Accommodation: Windsor Florida Hotel 4* ( see pictures )
Day 3 | Corcovado and Ipanema
This morning we wake up slowly and have breakfast without rushing, at a leisurely pace — because we have a day of travel ahead of us, but without stress. First, we have a van ride to the coast, and then we continue by boat — because cars are prohibited on Ilha Grande , which is one of the reasons why the island seems “disconnected” from the everyday hustle and bustle. Here you are greeted by a true tropical paradise : a green jungle that descends to the sea, clean air, peace and the feeling of being far away from stress, traffic and city noise.
Upon arrival, we settle into our accommodation and the rest of the day is free to enjoy. We can take a leisurely stroll to the center of Abraão — a charming coastal village with sandy streets , small shops and a row of restaurants and bars by the sea, where everything happens to the rhythm of the waves and the sunset. Anyone who wishes can immediately “jump” into the atmosphere of the island: relaxing in nature, walking along the coast, or going to one of the nearby beaches, and at the end of the day, toasting with a caipirinha or a fresh natural juice in a bar overlooking the bay.
Accommodation: Pousada Albatroz (see pictures)
Day 6 | Arrival at Ilha Grande
The fifth day is reserved for the queen of all Rio viewpoints – Pedra da Gavea. After breakfast, we take the metro to Barra da Tijuca, and then a short walk takes us to the beginning of the hiking trail. From here, one of the most impressive, but also most exciting trails of our trip begins: we pass through the dense Atlantic Forest, with a moderate to steep climb, with steeper sections in places where we will have to use our hands. The climb to the top takes an average of about 2.5–3 hours at a slow to moderate pace, with breaks for rest, water and photos. This is the most demanding hike on the tour , but we adjust the pace to the group and go without rushing, so anyone who has a solid fitness level and enjoys hiking can overcome it.
When we reach the top, the reward is an unforgettable view : from Pedro da Gave we see Barra da Tijuca, São Conrado, beaches that stretch into infinity, green slopes of the forest and the whole of Rio spread out between the mountains and the ocean. After time to rest and enjoy the view, we return down the same path, slowly and carefully, as the forest gradually “opens up” towards the city. After finishing the hike, we are free to rest and enjoy our favorite beach – the one that you have already grown to love the most and where you already feel like a local. There we have lunch at a local restaurant, and then time for sun, sea and complete relaxation after an active day. Return to the hotel and overnight.
Accommodation: Windsor Florida Hotel 4* ( see pictures )
Day 5 | The Queen Pedra da Gavea
Tonight we embark on an adventure to remember: deep into the night we leave Abraao and, under the light of our headlamps, enter the dense Atlantic Forest . Everything seems different — the silence is deeper, the smells are stronger, and the sounds of nature seem to lead us through a “living jungle.” The path is steep and this is one of the most demanding tours on the island, but that is precisely why the feeling of victory at the top is incredible .
During the climb, we take breaks and keep the rhythm of the group, because we are in for a serious climb: a total of about 12 km (approximately 6 km one way) and almost 1,000 m of elevation gain . The climb itself usually takes about 2.5–3 hours , and the entire tour with the descent is about 6 hours of walking , so this is a real, but doable, hiking adventure for those who want a “wow” moment.
As we approach the summit, the forest gradually thins out, the air becomes fresher, and the final stretch takes us to a rocky ridge. And then — the reward: we stand at 982 m above sea level , at one of the best panoramic viewpoints on Ilha Grande, and watch the first rays of the sun slowly spread over the bay, the islands, and the ocean.
It's that moment when everyone falls silent, because nature "speaks" for itself.
After sunrise, we head back to Abraao in daylight, slowly and surely. Upon our return, the rest of the day is completely free: shower, rest, light lunch, beach, nap in the shade... you've earned it today.
Accommodation: Pousada Albatroz ( see pictures )
Day 8 | Pico do Papagaio
After breakfast, we set off on a leisurely hike through the Atlantic Forest, in the pleasant shade of palm trees and giant ferns, to the aqueduct — a stone structure that once served as a water supply and today looks like a “hidden monument” in the middle of the jungle . Along the way, we listen to the sounds of nature, and occasionally glimpse the sea through the greenery. We continue to Cachoeira da Feiticeira, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island , where we take a break to refresh ourselves and swim in the natural pools, in a place that seems like a secret oasis.
Then we continue to Praia da Feiticeira : it is about 5 km on foot one way, with about 229 m of ascent . The actual walking time is about 1h30 , but with photo breaks, short hidden swimming spots and enjoying the path, we realistically count 2h–3h to the beach . Upon arrival, a calm, green coast awaits us — ideal for relaxing, swimming and a little “island” slowing down. Then we return by boat to Abraão, have lunch at a local restaurant and the rest of the day is free — today we save our energy and go to bed early in the evening, because tomorrow we have a special, night excursion.
Accommodation: Pousada Albatroz ( see pictures )
Day 7 | Hidden trails of Ilha Grande
Today we go on our last hike on Ilha Grande — from Abraão we set off on a trail through the Atlantic Forest towards the legendary Lopes Mendes Beach . We hike about 5.5–6 km one way , at a moderate pace, with a few ups and downs, and along the way we enjoy the green silence of the jungle, the scent of tropical nature and occasional “windows” through the leaves that reveal the sea and bays. The trail is pleasant, but still active — count on approximately 2.5–3 hours of walking one way with breaks.
When we arrive, a real spectacle awaits us: a long, wide beach with white sand, crystal clear water and waves that give it that wild, cinematic look. Here we have free time to swim, relax and take postcard-worthy photos. And if the wind and waves are good, you might even be able to try surfing lessons with an instructor right on the beach (an optional extra).
After enjoying the beach, we return by boat to Abraao , have lunch at a local restaurant and the rest of the day is free. The evening is also free — ideal to take advantage of Friday evening and enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere: bars by the sea, music, bare feet in the sand and a caipirinha under the stars.
Accommodation: Pousada Albatroz ( see pictures )
Day 9 | Lopes Mendes Beach
This morning we wake up, have breakfast and slowly say goodbye to Ilha Grande — that special, magical island where time moves more slowly and nature dictates the rhythm of the day. We board the boat and leave behind the bays, green jungle and postcard-perfect beaches, returning to “civilization”.
We arrive in Rio in the early afternoon and the rest of the day is free — a perfect opportunity to take another walk around the city, drink a last caipirinha, buy small souvenirs, or simply enjoy the sea and the atmosphere, capturing our last moments in this beautiful city. And since tonight is Saturday night, it's the ideal moment for a real, cheerful ending in Rio — a last night to feel the energy of the city in full glory.
Accommodation: Hotel Windsor Florida 4* ( see pictures )
Day 10 | A little more Rio de Janeiro
The last awakening with the energy of samba on this trip — a morning in Rio that always has a special taste. After breakfast, we have a little more time to pack up our impressions: one last coffee, one last walk, maybe one more photo with a view that we will remember. Then we check out of the hotel and head to the airport.
I will send you off with a big smile, knowing that I was part of an incredible journey and that together we will carry memories that will last much longer than the vacation. And then… until next time — see you again in the Balkans!
Day 11 | Departure from Rio
