A Frank Look at the 2025 Telegrafo Stone & Grumari Beach Tour

Setting Out on the OIR Aventura Experience

So, we were looking for something a little different to do in Rio, you know? The main city sights are obviously amazing, but we really wanted to see some of that incredible nature you always hear about. That’s sort of how we found the private tour from OIR Aventura to the Telegrafo Stone and Grumari Beach. At the end of the day, the idea of a private pickup and having a guide handle all the logistics was just what we wanted. The day started, like, pretty early with a super friendly guide picking us up right from our hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned car, which was a very welcome sight. As a matter of fact, just driving out of the city and seeing the landscape change was an adventure in itself. We, like, left the high-rises behind and started seeing these lush, green mountains all around us. You get a real feeling that you’re headed somewhere special, almost like you’re in on a little secret that many tourists miss.

The Climb to that Famous ‘Hanging Rock’ Photo

Okay, let’s be honest, the hike to Pedra do Telégrafo, or Telegrafo Stone, is the main reason most people book this trip. You’ve definitely seen the pictures all over social media. The trail itself is, kind of, moderately challenging; it’s a steady uphill walk for about 45 minutes to an hour. Our guide was, you know, really great about setting a comfortable pace for us. Still, you’ll definitely work up a bit of a sweat, so wearing good walking shoes is a really good idea. As you go up, the views just keep getting better and better, more or less. You start seeing these incredible panoramic sights of the wild beaches and the Restinga de Marambaia below, which is honestly stunning. The trail is mostly shaded by trees, but it’s still very humid, you know, in that classic Rio way. It’s almost like the forest is breathing around you, with all sorts of interesting plant life and sounds to take in.

So, Is the Telegrafo Stone Photo All It’s Cracked Up to Be?

Alright, so you finally make it to the top, and there it is: the famous rock. Now, the first thing you’ll probably see is a line of people, which is pretty much a given. Our guide from OIR Aventura, you know, actually knew some tricks to time our arrival to try and miss the biggest crowds, which was a huge help. Here’s the big secret, by the way: you are not actually hanging off a cliff. There’s a solid bit of ground just a few feet below the pointy rock, so it’s a very clever optical illusion. Getting that photo is really all about the camera angle. Honestly, it’s a bit of fun watching everyone try out their best “I’m about to fall” poses. Our guide was basically a pro photographer by this point; he knew exactly where to stand and how to direct us to get that perfect, jaw-dropping shot. So, at the end of the day, is the photo cool? Yes, absolutely, it’s a fantastic memory from Rio.

From Sweaty Hike to Sandy Toes at Grumari Beach

After all the excitement and picture-taking at the stone, the next part of the day is just about pure relaxation. We, you know, hiked back down the trail and hopped back into the car for a short drive to Grumari Beach. It’s almost the perfect reward after the morning’s physical activity. Grumari is just beautiful; it’s a protected area, so it feels way more unspoiled and natural than the beaches in the city center like Copacabana or Ipanema. The sand is soft, and the water is, frankly, just incredibly refreshing. We pretty much just found a spot on the sand and unwound for a while. There are a few simple kiosks, or barracas, along the beach where you can get a cold drink, like fresh coconut water, and some snacks. The whole vibe is very, very chilled out. It feels like a genuine local spot, sort of a slice of paradise after a bit of a workout.

Going Private with OIR Aventura: A Good Call?

You might be wondering if a private tour is the way to go, and to be honest, for an outing like this, it makes a huge difference. Trying to get to the Telegrafo Stone trailhead using public transport would be, frankly, a massive headache. Having OIR Aventura handle everything, from the hotel pickup and drop-off to guiding us on the trail, just made the whole day seamless and stress-free. Our guide was, like, a wealth of information, pointing out things we would have completely missed on our own. For example, he shared stories about the area’s history and pointed out some local wildlife. The best part is the flexibility, you know? We could spend as much time as we wanted at the beach without feeling rushed to stick to a big group’s schedule. That kind of personalized attention, in a way, really turned a simple day trip into a properly special experience.

A Few Things You Should Probably Know Before You Go

So, if you’re thinking about doing this tour, here are a few practical pointers. First, you should definitely wear comfortable clothes and solid sneakers or hiking shoes; you really don’t want to be doing this in flip-flops. You should also absolutely bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and some insect repellent, just in case. The hike isn’t super long, but it is a bit of a climb, so you should be in reasonably good shape to enjoy it fully. Anyway, have some Brazilian cash on hand for any drinks or snacks you might want at Grumari Beach, as some places might not take cards. As a matter of fact, listen to your guide, as they really do know the best spots and the safest ways to get those incredible photos. It’s also a good idea to bring your camera or phone fully charged, obviously, because you are going to take a ton of pictures, more or less.

Read our full review: Telegrafo Stone and Grumari beach Tour Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (OIR Aventura Tour Booking)