Garganta do Céu Hike – Pedra da Gávea

The Garganta do Céu hike is the perfect route for those seeking an intense and challenging experience with one of the most breathtaking views in Rio de Janeiro. Located on the southern face of Pedra da Gávea, within the Tijuca National Park, this natural cave forms a stone frame, creating a unique view of São Conrado Beach and the Two Brothers Hill.

Garganta do Céu is one of the most impressive viewpoints in the city and attracts adventurers looking to escape the obvious and reach a rare and special spot for contemplation.

Although shorter than the traditional Pedra da Gávea hike, the hike to Garganta do Céu is steeper and more technical, requiring physical preparation and expert guidance. Along the way, hikers face stretches of dense Atlantic Forest, exposed roots, slippery rocks, and narrow passages — a true adventure through Brazil’s most famous urban forest.

Upon reaching Garganta do Céu, all the effort is rewarded with one of the most stunning landscapes in the city. A cinematic setting, perfect for photos and for a moment of pause and reflection in the heart of nature.

Highlights of the Garganta do Céu Hike – Rio de Janeiro

Highlights of the Garganta do Céu Hike

Discover the most beautiful viewpoint in Rio de Janeiro
Largest seaside monolith in the world
Immersion in Rio’s Atlantic Forest
Trained and certified Adventure Tourism Guide specialized in Hiking

Photos of the Garganta do Céu Hike

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Videos of the Garganta do Céu Hike

Price: Open Group

250,00USD per person for payment via PIX or bank transfer.

277,78 USD for payments via Credit Card, PayPal, or PagSeguro (up to 6x without interest)

Open Group – Regular: several customers interested in doing the hike on the same date.
Private Group: exclusive for the customer who booked.

*Minimum quorum of 2 participants for the Open/Regular Group activity to take place. If you’re traveling alone, we can try to fit you into another group. Nattrip will do its best to reach the minimum quorum. If your activity doesn’t take place, you can reschedule it or request a refund of the amount paid.

BOOK HERE

We work with Open and Private Groups

Click here and talk to our specialists

+55 (21) 96931-8893 (Whtasapp)

From: R$230,00

Categories: All Season, Ecotourism in Rio de Janeiro, Floresta da Tijuca, Hiking Tags: aventuras, rio de janeiro, trilhas e caminhadas

Itinerary and information about the Garganta do Céu Hike

Garganta do Céu Hike Itinerary – Pedra da Gávea

What is the Garganta do Céu – Pedra da Gávea hike like?

The Garganta do Céu hike is located within Rio’s Atlantic Forest, in sector C of Tijuca National Park, and offers one of the most impressive views in Rio de Janeiro. Throughout the hike, there’s always a chance of spotting wildlife and experiencing the rich biodiversity of the forest. The weather in Rio is usually hot and humid, so staying hydrated is essential — we recommend bringing at least 3 liters of water for the hike.

Experience the Garganta do Céu hike with safety, equipment, and a guide included.

This trail is considered challenging and very steep, with stretches of dense forest and natural obstacles such as roots, rocks, and narrow passages. The ascent and descent take place via Pico dos Quatro and require good physical condition and attention to the terrain. The entire route is guided by experienced professionals to ensure comfort, orientation, and safety during the hike.

Discover one of the most stunning viewpoints in the city
At Garganta do Céu, hikers are rewarded with a natural stone frame that perfectly captures the view of São Conrado Beach and the Two Brothers Hill. The view is unique — ideal for contemplation and breathtaking photos. After a break to enjoy the scenery, we return along the same path, with guide support on the more technical sections.

Garganta do Céu is one of Rio de Janeiro’s hidden gems, accessible only to adventurers who are up for the challenge.

Come live this unique experience with Nattrip. Check out our video of the Garganta do Céu hike and book your adventure!

What’s included?

What to bring

Starting Point & Schedule

How to get there?

How to get to the Garganta do Céu Hike?

Check how to get to the Garganta do Céu Hike: located within the limits of Tijuca National Park, the Garganta do Céu hike stretches between the neighborhoods of Gávea and Barra da Tijuca, between Rio de Janeiro’s South and West Zones.

Where is the Garganta do Céu Hike?

The Garganta do Céu Hike begins at Praça Professor Velho da Silva, in Barra da Tijuca. From this square, you will enter a gated community on Estrada do Joá and drive up to the highest point of the condominium. Right after that street (Sorimã), you will arrive at the trail entrance, where you’ll find signs for Tijuca National Park and where you must leave your name and ID with the park security guard to start the hike of approximately 1.6 km.

The start of the Garganta do Céu Hike is at the end of the following road:

How to get to the Garganta do Céu Hike by bus?

If you’re taking a bus to the hike entrance, look for a line that goes through the Itanhangá neighborhood, specifically stopping at Praça Desembargador Araújo Jorge. From the square, walk along Estrada do Joá to Avenida Fleming until you reach Praça Professor Velho da Silva. From there, you’ll enter a gated community and go up Estrada Sorimã until you reach the park entrance, where you’ll see signs for Tijuca National Park and find the security staff.

How to get to the Garganta do Céu Hike by car?

Nattrip offers daily departures with a professional guide and optional transportation for the Garganta do Céu Hike. Check it out and come enjoy this adventure with complete safety.

Best Time

Best time to hike Garganta do Céu

The Garganta do Céu hike can be done year-round, but weather conditions directly affect safety and enjoyment. That’s why choosing the best time to take on this challenge is essential to ensure an unforgettable and safe experience.

Best period: Fall and Winter (March to September)

Weather: During fall and winter, Rio de Janeiro has milder temperatures, usually between 18°C and 28°C, and lower rainfall. This drier climate reduces the risk of slipping and improves grip on steeper sections where walking on rock is required.
Clear skies: Low humidity contributes to blue skies and perfect visibility, offering spectacular summit views of Guanabara Bay, South Zone beaches, and even the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range.
Comfortable hiking: With more pleasant temperatures, the physical effort required is more manageable — ideal for those seeking a more comfortable experience.

Summer (December to March)

High temperatures: Summer in Rio can be extremely hot, with temperatures over 35°C. This increases physical strain and the risk of dehydration during the hike. Drink plenty of water.
Heavy rain: Summer is also marked by intense rains and storms typical of the season. The trail can become slippery, especially on rock slabs.
Fog: Rain and high humidity can cause fog, reducing visibility and compromising the summit view.

Spring (September to November)

Mild weather: Spring is another good season for the hike, especially early in the season. The weather is still mild and there’s less rain, offering favorable conditions for a safe and pleasant walk.

Choosing the right time to hike Garganta do Céu makes all the difference in enjoying this unique experience in contact with nature and the breathtaking landscapes of Rio de Janeiro.

History of the Garganta do Céu Hike

History of the Garganta do Céu Hike – A secret viewpoint on Pedra da Gávea

Garganta do Céu is one of the most surprising and mysterious hikes in Rio de Janeiro. Located on the southern face of Pedra da Gávea, within Tijuca National Park, this natural cave is little known even among locals and represents one of the most challenging and rewarding spots for ecotourism in the city.

Origin and name

The name “Garganta do Céu” (Throat of the Sky) comes from the rock formation that opens between two vertical walls, creating a natural frame from which you can see the ocean, the Two Brothers Hill, and São Conrado Beach. When viewed from inside the cave, the opening resembles a window to the sky — inspiring the poetic and symbolic name of this magical place.

Challenging access and preserved nature

Access to Garganta do Céu is via a technical and demanding trail that crosses stretches of dense forest, roots, rocks, and steep inclines. The route, a variation of the Pedra da Gávea trail via Pico dos Quatro, requires physical preparation and expert guidance. For a long time, this viewpoint remained a well-kept secret among experienced adventurers and nature lovers.

Rare beauty and exclusivity

Unlike the summit of Pedra da Gávea, which is more popular among hikers, Garganta do Céu still preserves an atmosphere of exclusivity. The natural frame of the cave offers a striking and unique view of the city — a true reward for those who accept the challenge. The sensation of being suspended between the green of the forest and the blue of the sky and sea is unforgettable.

Preservation and transformative experience

Garganta do Céu is located within Tijuca National Park, created to protect the world’s largest urban forest. The area shelters rich Atlantic Forest biodiversity and offers a direct connection with nature in its purest form. With Nattrip’s guidance, access is safe, environmentally respectful, and focused on an authentic and regenerative experience.

Garganta do Céu Today

Today, the Garganta do Céu trail is considered one of Rio de Janeiro’s hidden gems. It attracts travelers who want to escape the ordinary, live an extraordinary adventure, and admire the best of the city from a rare and privileged perspective.

Live this unique experience and discover the magic of Garganta do Céu with Nattrip!

7:30

Meeting Point
8:00

Hike Start
Sector C – Tijuca National Park
Hiking time: 6 hours (round trip)
Distance: 6 km (round trip)
10:30

Garganta do Céu Viewpoint
After 2 hours of steep ascent and challenging hike, we’ll enjoy the view from the most famous viewpoint of Pedra da Gávea.
12:00

Descent via Pico dos Quatro
We will descend via Pico dos Quatro, the same trail used for the ascent.
17:00

End of the Hike
See you on the next adventures in Rio de Janeiro