Before we start listing the options we have, it is good to know the concept of this type of tour. We refer to Trekking when we make an excursion or walk that consists of long walks some with greater difficulty than others and that are made by areas where nature abounds, either a forest, a mountain range, the jungle, mountains, rivers and other places that present similar conditions. What is always recommended is that when doing so, you should take into account the physiognomy of the place in order to know what type of clothes to wear, how much liquid to drink and something that is common to all is comfortable shoes. If we are going to do it alone, without company, it is good to let someone know where we are leaving from, at what time and when we expect to return. In case something unexpected happens, we will have someone who can help us. It is not always necessary to have an optimal physical condition, but it is good to have a moderate physical activity in order to enjoy and not get tired in the middle of the trip. This type of tour is recommended on days when there are no other plans. This way, on the way back, you can enjoy a nice rest.  
Rio de Janeiro, due to its abundant nature, is an ideal destination for the practice of trekking / Photo: Gonzalo Ramirez 
  In Rio de Janeiro, nature is overwhelming! There are plenty of options to make it happen. This is a selection, but there are many more.  

1- Ascent to Corcovado

It is perhaps the best known, since the Christ the Redeemer is located in its upper part. Many of the travelers arrive at the Christ in the most traditional ways, with the train or with the vans that leave from Copacabana beach. But not many know that you can walk up to it from the base. The walk begins in Parque Lage, a public park where the Institute of Fine Arts and the School of Visual Arts are located. It has 52 hectares and in 1957 it was declared historical and cultural heritage of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Most of its visitors on weekends are families with small children, since it has many green spaces and structures for them to have fun.  
 The Corcovado Ascent has a stone path, surrounded by green vegetation and with a slight slope / Photo: Gonzalo Ramirez 
  Travel trip: If you doubt your physical ability to climb up there, you can try first the Morro de Urca, which is the small mountain in front of the Pan de Azucar. The Corcovado is about three times that climb.  At the beginning of the ascent, there is a cabin, where they take the data of the people who climb. I think it's an excellent control and for future help. Also, there they show you the map of how to get there. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent! It is absolutely necessary.  The same for the water, some food like banana and obviously camera or cell phone for the pictures!  The total trip will take you about 2.30 hours, depending on your pace. The height is over 700 meters and the total length is 2200 meters. On many parts of the trail we will need to hold on to the roots of the trees in order to continue. When we see an area of chains and irons nailed to the ground, it is a sign that we are at the end of the trail. During the climb we will find 2 rest areas. It is good to be there for a few minutes and recharge your batteries. And we will also see on the way several clear areas with fabulous views. Surely, you will be lucky enough to meet the little monkeys that live there. If you ask about the safety of the route, it is always advisable to do it in daylight, if possible accompanied or near another group. Anyway, we have not heard any stories of robbery or dangerous situations. Besides enjoying getting to the Christ in this way, we will also be saving money by not having to pay for transportation to get there. Once at the feet of the Christ, the view we have of the city impacts! Don't go down right away. Enjoy the greatest prize of this trekking which is to enjoy the heights of the Cidade Maravilhosa!  

2- Ascent to Morro de Urca

Here it's worth a clarification. This attraction is another of Rio's main attractions. The name of Sugar Loaf, which is the best known, refers to the second and highest hill. The first one, which is where the first stop is made with the bondinho, is called Morro de Urca. Here the level of difficulty is low and the time it takes is 40 minutes. And the total height is 200 meters. There are areas that have a little more difficulty, but you find stairs.  
The Morro de Urca is the lowest of the two hills that together with the Sugar Loaf Mountain from the great rocky massif symbol of Rio de Janeiro / Photo: Gonzalo Ramirez 
  The trail starts at Praia Vermelha. While there, you will see signs that begin the "Pista Claudio Coutinho". This path takes 10 minutes. When you see the wooden steps, the climb begins. On the way you will find birds, monkeys and small lizards. When you reach the end you have 2 options. You can take the cable car to go up to the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Or you can come back by the same way you came (be careful, it closes around 18hs). If you do it in the afternoon, you will have one of those sunsets that you will remember forever.  

3- Pedra da Gavea

It's 840 meters high. And a very difficult one. The climb takes 3 hours. In many sections it is climbed with ropes. The vegetation that we will find is fascinating. And the final view is a film! One of the most beautiful possible! I repeat something that is not minor, for this climb, requires a very good physical condition. The constant rise, the heat and humidity are important. My opinion is that you should do it accompanied by an accredited guide who will help you in every stretch that, if you don't know, you could get hurt. When you reach the end, you see and enjoy the areas of Barrio da Tijuca, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Guanabara Bay among others.  
The incredible views from Pedra da Gavea are known all over the world / Photo: Source
  In a part of the tour, we will find a waterfall, if you wear swimwear, you will be able to enjoy it and get rid of the accumulated heat. To start the tour, it is good to hydrate well and eat light snacks such as cereal bars. The feeling you will have at the end of it is enormous! It is not only an enjoyment of the landscape that can be seen in the heights, but the whole experience going through difficulties and seeing that we are able, with help, to overcome them.  

4- Dois Irmãos

It is 1.6 km long and takes about 60 minutes to complete. The start is at the Favela Vidigal. You can go to the end of Ipanema Beach, border the coast and reach the Plaza Vidigal.  To get to the starting point is good to do it in a Van or in a Moto Taxi. At the entrance of the trail there is a police control, which brings peace of mind. The route is well signposted and its difficulty is low.  
Climbing Morro Dois Irmaos allows you to experience entering a favela and admiring spectacular views / Photo: Gonzalo Ramirez 
  We will go through a forest and that gives us the possibility of having a very nice view. You can appreciate in a part of the road, the Favela Rocinha and also a high income neighborhood like São Conrado. When we reach the highest point, we will be able to contemplate the "Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas", the beaches of Leblon and Ipanema, and also the beach of São Conrado. Here you will get the best photos for your social networks! On the way back, when you're already on the main street of the favela, you'll notice that it has bars and places to stop and have a refreshing drink. Natural juice is a great prize to give yourself.   

5- Morro do Leme

To finish, I leave you one that is close to the beach and of low difficulty. It is a few steps away from Copacabana and has an extension of almost 2 kilometers. The maximum height we reach is 100 meters and we will arrive at the Fort of Leme with beautiful views of the city and the beach. The entrance is through a military compound at the end of Leme Beach. Keep in mind that at 4.30 pm it closes and no more entries are allowed. The time to get there and back is 30 minutes.  
The Morro do Leme is not a difficult type of trekking, as the summit can be reached very quickly, but it is a good exercise surrounded by a lot of nature / Photo: Source
  If you have never done this type of walk, this is the ideal one to start with. You will not end up tired, you will get beautiful views and it will motivate you to do the others. Discover our best tours in Rio de Janeiro with Daytours4u.  
  By: Gonzalo Ramirez, author of the GonTraveler Travel Blog