Pedra da Gávea,
in the Tijuca National Park, is one of the most
amazing mountains in Rio. It is an enormous granite
peak surrounded by native and exuberant vegetation
that has enticed the minds of people with legends
and myths.
\This peak offers several different
options. The classic climb is the Eye’s
Traverse (5.7): a super exposed climb which is
done mostl
y horizontally and has amazing
views of the whole city. The approach trail takes
about 90 minutes.
On
the east face there are longer and harder routes,
with 200-450 meters (660-1500 feet) of extension,
rated from 5.10-5.11c.
Pedra da Gávea
has one of the most unforgettable views from the
top, with views to the beaches of São Conrado
and Ipanema in the south side as well as Barra
da Tijuca to the west side. It also offers views
of the Tijuca national park, Pedra Bonita, and
Niterói.
ROUTES INFO
– East Face
A professional guide will lead you up.
Grading: starting at 5.9 (US), 5a (UK), 5c (French).
Style: face climbing and dihedral.
Number of Pitches: 6-11 pitches.
Duration: full day
Level of Difficulty: difficult.
Attraction: photography, viewpoints, climbing
routes.
CURIOSITIES
The peak is named Gávea due to its similarity
to a Gávea, a Portuguese nautical term referring
to the viewpoint area located on the top of the Caravel
mast.
23 routes up to 470 meters.
Urban legends:
- The peak is the tomb of a Phoenician King.
- The Phoenicians sculpted the Pedra da Gávea
to resemble a crowned bull, a common and popular figure
in ancient art.
- Other theories include that Pedra da Gávea
is also a gateway to the subterranean world of Agartha
and its capital city Shambala.
Height: 842 meters (2,525 feet).
PNT Fauna: 300 species of insects, birds, mammals, and
lizards.
PNT Flora: 600 species of native and non-native Atlantic
Forest vegetation.
A professional guide will lead you up.