If you are looking to get some nature and adventure when in Rio de Janeiro then this hike is for you! The Dois Irmãos hike is one of the most accessible and rewarding trails in Rio. This for me is the perfect way to enjoy another side of the city that takes you off the main tourist path.This hike in Rio de Janeiro comes with the awesome bonus of being on top of one of its safest favelas, Vidigal. The goal of this article is to teach you how to do this hike safely without a guide.
Why Dois Irmãos is the best hike in Rio de Janeiro
The easy hike gives you one of the best views over Rio de Janeiro which makes it the obvious choice amongst the hikes in Rio. From the top you can see Christ the Redeemer, Leblon, Lagoa, Ipanema and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
- Best view over the city
- Easy/moderate hike (about 1 hour)
- Arrive at the beginning of the trail within 30 minutes from Ipanema
- Get to see the life in Vidigal, one of Rio’s Safest favelas
- Easy to do without a guide
Step by Step Guide for the Dois Irmãos Hike
The start of the hike is located near the top of the Vidigal Favela, but don’t be alarmed! Vidigal is turning into a tourist hotspot by combining the alternative original vibe of a favela with trendy bars, art, and clothing stores.
- Take an Uber to Praça do Vidigal.
- Take a scooter taxi or van from there to the start of the trail. There will be a line of taxis waiting and even if they don’t speak much English they will know where to go. Just say Trilha or Dois Irmãos and they will take you there. The scooter taxi is 7 R$ and the van is 10 R$. Make sure to agree on the price before starting the ride!
This ride is one of the highlights of the hike! You’ll see the entire favela on the way up and get an authentic scooter ride, a real adventure!
- The taxi drops you off 50 meters from the entrance of the trail, where you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 10R$ per person. Don’t be worried if you see people with guns. If fact, when I did the hike there were several guys sitting outside the entrance with weapons. These people will not bother you, but make sure that you don’t take any pictures.
- Hike to the top – The trail is really easy to follow and you don’t need a map to get to the top as there is only one path. The climb is about an hour of easy/moderate hiking.
- Enjoy the amazing view from the top of Morro Dois Irmãos.
- Go back the same way as you came. You can catch a van/scooter to drive by where you got dropped of which should be the same price as on the way up.
Requirements for the Dois Irmãos Hike
The only real concern for doing this hike is the weather. I think it is be doable during and after light rain. However if there is a risk of heavy rain or of lightning make sure to save it for another day as the path can get slippery. Basic phyiscal condition is also required but you don’t need to be fit by any means.
Packing List
- At least 30R$ cash as all payments will be in Cash. (I would bring a bit more just in case!)
- A water bottle, 1 liter per person should be enough.
- Sneakers or running shoes
- Sunscreen, A good part of the trail is in the shade but at the end you will walk in the sun.
FAQ – The Dois Irmãos Hike
If you are not already confident in doing the hike on your own, maybe one of these sections will give you the answers you need to feel confident.
Can I do this hike for Sunrise
Yes you can and it is said to be one of the best sunrises in Rio. This does add another level of difficulty however and I would personally not do this without someone that knows the path or at least with someone that speaks Portuguese. The path will be empty and I can only assume that the feeling of going into the favela at night is a bit frightening if you are not familiar with the area. Make sure to not go alone at night.
Is Vidigal Safe?
Yes, Vidigal is considered a safe Favela and you can walk to the top without any problems (November 2024). There are plenty of stuff to see and some nice stores. A good Idea can be to take a taxi to the top and then walk down after the hike to breathe in the vibe of this alternative neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro.
Note: Always to make sure to ask about the current situation in your hostel/hotel before entering any Favela.
Summary
To sum everything up – I think this is the best hike to do if you are in Rio on a visit. Especially if you are either short on time or on a budget and still want to experience one of the best views of Rio de Janeiro.
