Pedra Bonita: Where Rio’s Mountains Meet the Sea
- Stephen Warner
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
While Rio de Janeiro’s beaches get most of the spotlight, there’s another side to the city that’s just as breathtaking — its mountains. And if you’re looking for a quick escape from the city bustle that still delivers world-class views, Pedra Bonita is the perfect option.
It’s a short, scenic trail that leads to a broad summit overlooking Rio’s skyline, coastline, and nearby granite monoliths and best of all, it’s doable for nearly all skill levels. You’ll even get a great view of the more technical (and iconic) Pedra da Gávea, which towers nearby.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Trilha da Pedra Bonita |
Distance | 1.6 miles / 2.6 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 1-2 hours |
Elevation gain | 950 ft / 290 m |
Highest point | 2,293 ft / 696 m (Pedra bonita) |
Permits / fees | None |
Parking | Yes |
Toilets? | At restaurant (small fee) |
Dog friendly? | Yes |
Know before you go
Getting to the trailhead can be a bit of a puzzle.
If you have a rental car, that’s your best bet. There is a small lot near the trailhead as well as limited pullouts and roadside parking near the start.
Taxis or rideshares (Uber) work well going up, but cell service is spotty at the trailhead. You may need to walk downhill along the road to reconnect and call a ride back.
You may encounter micos (tiny monkeys) along the way who have acquired a taste for human food. Keep your snacks zipped.
Other trails nearby
Pedra de Gavea
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 2,600 ft (800 m) gain
Details: One of the largest coastal monoliths in the world, Pedra da Gávea is visible from Pedra Bonita and is climbable for experienced hikers or those with a guide. It includes exposed Class 3+ scrambling and a famous section known as the “Carrasqueira"
The Trail
Assuming you ubered here, your hike begins with a short but steep walk up a paved access road. If you drove, there does appear to be a small lot at the top of the road where you can park. It’s not long, but it’s arguably the toughest part of the whole hike.
Soon you’ll reach the official trailhead, located near a small restaurant where you’ll also find bathrooms (for a small fee).
From there, it’s a well-defined dirt and rock path, with only light elevation gain. There are a few junctions, but just stick to the main trail and keep veering left. It’s very straightforward.
Eventually, a break in the trees gives you a glimpse of your destination.
And boom! The trail opens up onto the broad granite spine of Pedra Bonita. It’s one of the most open summits I’ve stood on. I bet this place could hold hundreds of people if needed, but still feels peaceful if you catch it during a quiet time.
Looking east, you’ll see Rio’s famous skyline nestled along the coast, with clusters of buildings wrapping around the base of the mountains.
Looking west, you’ll see the imposing face of Pedra da Gávea, a popular climbing objective that looms over the coast like something out of a fantasy movie.
And if you wander just a bit off the spine, you’ll be rewarded with views over Barra da Tijuca, a newer and less touristy area of Rio filled with high-rises and white-sand beaches.
And finally, if you squint (or zoom in), you’ll catch a distant view of Christ the Redeemer, perched high above the city on Corcovado.
A quick hike with a massive payoff — this is why Pedra Bonita is such a gem.
SS Reflections
I arrived in Rio a day before a few friends were set to join me for a short trip through Rio, Paraty, and São Paulo. With a free afternoon to kill, I went looking for a short trail that could show me a different side of the city — something beyond the beaches and sidewalks.
Pedra Bonita was exactly what I was looking for.
It had just enough effort to feel satisfying, but was easy enough to enjoy solo without overthinking logistics or terrain. And once I hit the summit, I found myself totally in awe — city, sea, and jungle all layered together, with monoliths rising like islands out of the greenery.
Sometimes, it’s the unexpected low-effort hikes that leave the biggest impression. And when they come with views like this? Even better.
