Highlights
- Enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Pedra do Sino
- Hike through thick forest to breathtaking viewpoints
- Visit the Véu de Noiva waterfall
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Rio de Janeiro - Petrópolis - Açu Castles Camp | Açu Castles Camp |
| Day 2 | Açu Castles Camp - Pedra do Sino Camp | Pedra do Sino Camp |
| Day 3 | Pedra do Sino Camp - Teresópolis |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro - Petrópolis - Açu Castles Camp
Welcome to Brazil! Put on your hiking boots and get ready for a tough, beautiful day of trekking. The first day of the Petrópolis-Teresópolis Crossing is the most demanding. Start the steep ascent to the Castelos do Açu mountain shelter with a climb through dense forest to the Pedra do Queijo viewpoint for the first breathtaking vista of the journey.
After a rest and a chance to soak up the views, continue onto the Ajax viewpoint with its natural water supply, and then make your way up Isabeloca Mountain — named for the supposed passage of Dona Isabel over a century ago. Cross the Chapadão do Açu plateau (where, on a clear day, you can see the ocean) and finally make your way to the Castelos do Açu and your first campsite. End your day with a golden sunset and a sweeping view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, and the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range.
Hiking distance: 5 miles
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 2: Castelos do Açu - Pedra do Sino
As you make your way back onto the trails, don't forget to keep your camera close at hand. The second day of this trek is undoubtedly the most beautiful. Start your day by crossing a valley and then climbing to the top of Morro do Marco. A short descent will take you to the Luva Valley, where the trail winds upward again to the summit of Morro da Luva.
Climb a steel rebar ladder (known as The Elevator) anchored into a stone cliff to the summit of Morro do Dinossauro and pause here to take in the sweeping panoramic view of the massive Pedra do Garrafão and Pedra do Sino rock formations. Next, hike through the Vale das Antas, up to the summit of Morro da Baleia, and then down through the passage of the Cavalinho (small horse) and up onto Pedra do Sino for an incredible 360-degree view. Camp here for the night.
Hiking distance: 6 miles
Day 3: Pedra do Sino - Teresópolis
On your final day, enjoy a more leisurely trek along the Teresópolis Park Dam — the final crossing point. Visit two waterfalls, including the Véu de Noiva (Veil of the Bride). Then make your way to Teresópolis City where you'll find the God's Finger Mountain Range rock formation and a satisfying end to your trek. From here, it's a short drive back to Rio de Janeiro.
Hiking distance: 7.5 miles
Map
