Rio de Janeiro Wilderness – 6 Days – The ‘Brazilian Yosemite’ Expedition

What’s the itinerary of the Rio de Janeiro Wilderness Trekking?

• Day 1: Rio de Janeiro (Transfer) x Castelos do Açu

  • Hiking time: 6 to 8h
  • Hiking distance: 08km
  • Overnight mode: Camping at Açú Castles Peak
  • Meals included: Dinner
  • The first day of Petropolis Teresopolis crossing is the most demanding. During the 7 km up to Castelos do Açu shelter we gain approximately 1100 meters of altitude. The trail of Açu mountain goes through a dense forest and with a strong ascent to Pedra do Queijo viewpoint. Then the trail gets a little less steep until arriving at Ajax viewpoint, which has natural water supply. After Ajax, we need to face the point considered the most difficult of the ascent to the Açu castles: the Isabeloca mountain. This ascent is named after an alleged passage of Princess Isabel on the spot. Once Isabeloca is over, we’ll cross the Chapadão do Açu, a counterfort, before arriving at the Açu castles. This is the first place to stay overnight and where the first mountain shelter of the Petropolis Teresopolis Crossing is located. The view of the Açu castles closes the first day with a golden key. From there it is possible to see all of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay in addition to the entire mountain range of Serra dos Órgãos.

• Day 2: Castelos do Açu x Pedra do Sino

  • Hiking time: 8 to 10h
  • Hiking distance: 10 km
  • Overnight mode: Camping at Pedra do Sino
  • Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner
  • The second day is undoubtedly the most beautiful of Petropolis Teresopolis crossing. The entire course goes on an average altitude of 2,000m. After leaving the Açu castles, we’ll cross a valley and then climb to the top of Morro do Marco. After descending this hill, we arrive in Luva valley and then ascend to the summit of Morro da Luva. The trail follows another section of rock summits, where navigation is complicated until reaching the section called The Elevator. The Elevator is a ladder made of steel rebar stuck to a steep stone that gives access to the summit of Morro do Dinossauro. Once at the top of Morro do Dinossauro, we find the first great view of the Pedra do Garrafão and Pedra do Sino stones. From there we start the descent to Vale das Antas and the trail continues to the summit of Morro da Baleia, where you can see the rock wall of Pedra do Sino, Garrafão and the trail channel where The Cavalinho is located. The Cavalinho (The small horse) has this name because it is a stone that to cross is necessary to make a movement similar to riding a horse. After overcoming Cavalinho, the trail follows the channel until it skirts Pedra do Sino and reach a bifurcation that gives access to the peak of Pedra do Sino and to the Shelter 4. The Pedra do Sino is the highest point of the crossing. At its summit there is an incredible 360º view, being possible to see several mountain ranges of the region, Rio de Janeiro city and even the Agulhas Negras peak and Serra Fina mountain range, in the clearest days.

• Day 3: Pedra do Sino x Hotel Teresopolis

  • Hiking time: 5 to 7h
  • Hiking distance: 12 km
  • Overnight mode: Hotel in Teresopolis
  • Meals included: Breakfast/Diner
  • The 3rd day is the least demanding of the crossing. The trail follows for approximately 9 km to the Teresopolis park dam. During the descent, we hike through two waterfalls where the highlight is the Veu de Noiva (Veil of the Bride) of Teresópolis with 16 meters of height, that at certain times of the year, is dry. Arriving in the city of Teresopolis, we will overnight in a hotel to rest well for the next expedition.

• Day 4:  Teresópolis x Valley of the Gods x Dragon’s Head Peak

  • Hiking time: 4 to 6h
  • Hiking distance: 05 km
  • Overnight mode: Camp at God’s Valley
  • Meals included: Breakfast/Diner
  • After the transfer we will start our trail to the base camp in the Valley of the Gods where our tents will be located at the foot of the Valley (where we will discover the reason for this name). From the base camp we will make a beautiful trail to the summit of the Dragon’s Head, one of the most beautiful trails of the Park with a 360º view to the Three Picos State Park and a privileged view of the formation of the Three Peaks, Matchbox and Helmet Peak.

• Day 5:  God’s Valley camp x ‘Caixa de Fósforos’ Peak x God’s Valley camp

  • Hiking time: 4 to 6h
  • Hiking distance: 05 km
  • Overnight mode: Camp at God’s Valley
  • Meals included: Breakfast/Diner
  • On the 5th day of the trekking, we will go towards the beautiful and unique formation of the Matchbox Peak, by some called the Miracles Stone exactly for its unique and improbable formation. In the Matchbox Peak the most adventurous ones can ascend to its base for a short stretch with safety equipment (ropes etc.) and others  will have a privileged view of the Valley of the Gods and Valley of the Friars, as well as a close view of the great  Nova Friburgo Peaks. We will return to our camp where we can rest and enjoy the magic of the Valley of the Gods and its charms.

• Day 6:  God’s Valley camp x Frades Valley Crossing x Rio de Janeiro (Transfer)

  • Hiking time: 3 to 4h
  • Hiking distance: 06km
  • Overnight mode: –
  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • On our last day of the expedition, we will bid farewell to the base camp, and we will rearrange our backpacks again, because it is time to walk towards the Valley of the Friars in one of the most classic and beautiful crossings of the Three Peaks State Park, we will make the trail of scenic beauty passing by the Matchbox Peak and down to the Valley of the Friars that can be compared by some with Yosemite park in some angles. We will make our transfer to Rio de Janeiro city passing through the Waterfall Friars Waterfall, and then we will leave to our origins.