Pico da Tijuca hike in Rio de Janeiro

At a glance

What the hike is

Pico da Tijuca is the top of Tijuca National Park. The national park lists it at 1,022 m, its highest point. The walk starts in the Floresta sector, the part of the park most people know for its forest roads, viewpoints and waterfall: Tijuca Forest.

The park does not publish the trail length, elevation gain, time or difficulty, so we do not give them. Ask us and the guide will tell you what to expect for your fitness.

The trail step by step

1. You arrive at the Floresta sector entrance at Praça Afonso Viseu, by car with us or on buses 301, 302 or 345.
2. Pedestrians can enter the sector from 6:00 and vehicles from 8:00. The peak page asks that you start the trail by 14:00.
3. You walk through the Floresta sector to the summit trail and on up to the top at 1,022 m.
4. After the view you return the same way, and everyone must be out of the sector by 18:00.

Best time for photos

The park gives no official advice on light at the summit. What the hours allow: the Floresta sector lets pedestrians in from 6:00, the earliest entry among the park peaks on this site, so the morning is the time with the most margin. The peak page itself gives 8:00 to 17:00, and we confirm with the park which hours apply on your date. As general advice, clear mornings often give the longest views.

For a shoot at the first light that opening hours allow, see the sunrise photo hike.

Rules and registration

• Start the trail by 14:00, per the peak page.
• No camping, no fires. Hours may change in extreme weather, and the park can close in exceptional cases.
• No general group limit, though the park may set special limits.
• A guide is not mandatory.

What to bring

• Water and food. The park pages do not mention water points on the trail.
• Shoes with grip for forest paths.
• A light layer: it is a summit, and it can be windy.
• Insect repellent and sun protection.
• A charged phone.

Closures

On 28.10.2026 we found no current closure on the park’s official pages. Two recent cases show why we check: on 26 and 27 April 2026 a fire in the Floresta sector, started by a fallen balloon, closed five trails (the press report did not name them), and on 21.08.2026 ICMBio closed the Floresta sector, Pico da Tijuca included, after a strong wind warning. We check again the day before you go.

How we help

We find you a guide who knows the trail, so you won’t get lost, you walk at your own pace and get the shots from the best viewpoints. A photographer and a transfer from your hotel come on request. We set the start time inside park hours, check the forecast with the guide the evening before and stay in touch on the day.

Pico da Tijuca pairs well with a drive through the forest to the viewpoints in the afternoon. For a shorter summit, look at Pedra Bonita, and for the climb to the statue, the Corcovado trail from Parque Lage. All seven peaks compared: hiking in Rio.

Our fee is already included in the price. Price on request, proposal within 24 hours, and you pay nothing before you confirm.