Pedra da Gavea

When Portuguese sailors entered Guanabara Bay in January 1502, they spotted Pedra da Gavea and thought its shape resembled a topsail of a ship, giving the now famous mountain its name. The granite peak rises 2,769 feet (844 meters) above sea level and plummets almost directly down toward the sea.
Under the administration of Tijuca National Park, Pedra da Gavea has a challenging but well-marked hiking trail to the top, where the views rival those from Sugarloaf and Corcovado. The entire hike takes about six hours to complete.

Practical Info

If you’re not an experienced climber, it’s a good idea to hire a guide to climb Pedra da Gavea, as there is a short and steep ascent near the end of the trail that is easier with ropes and harnesses.