A Look at Rio’s 2025 Telegraph Rock & Wild Beaches Hike

So, you’ve almost certainly seen that picture on social media, you know, the one where somebody appears to be hanging precariously from a pointy piece of stone with, like, all of Rio’s stunning coastline way down below. Actually, it’s one of those photos that looks a whole lot more dangerous than it really is, and I mean, getting your own version is pretty much a rite of passage for people visiting the city these days. To be honest, that famous spot is called Pedra do Telégrafo, or Telegraph Rock, and a hike there is, like, a really wonderful way to fill a day. Anyway, this isn’t just about a single photo opportunity, you know; the path is actually part of a much bigger adventure that, as a matter of fact, leads you to some of the most peaceful and pretty beaches anywhere around Rio. I just recently made this trip once more, so I really want to give you the honest story on what to expect for 2025, from the logistics of getting there to, like, beating the big crowds and finding those hidden sandy spots for yourself.

First Steps: Getting to the Start of the Trail

Okay, so your whole adventure basically begins way out on the western side of Rio, in a small fishing community called Barra de Guaratiba. Honestly, this area feels like a completely different world compared to the famous parts of the South Zone like Copacabana or Ipanema. It’s just a lot quieter and, you know, has a more local feel, with fishing boats bobbing in the water and little places to eat serving fresh seafood. Actually, getting here is the first part of your plan, and you really have a few different choices. Basically, going with a tour group is probably the most straightforward option, for instance, they tend to handle all the driving and guide you right to the trailhead, so you don’t have to think too much about it.

On the other hand, you could take an Uber or taxi, which is completely possible and gives you a lot of flexibility. It’s just, you know, it can be a little expensive if you are coming from the main tourist areas, which are quite a distance away. Anyway, one thing to keep in mind is that getting a return Uber from Barra de Guaratiba can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, as there aren’t as many drivers hanging around the area. For anyone feeling a bit more adventurous, frankly, there is public transport. I mean, this is a real local experience, but honestly, it takes a lot more time and requires a fair bit of planning with bus changes and stuff, so it’s not for everyone, at the end of the day.

The Climb: What the Hike to the Top is Really Like

Alright, once you’re in Barra de Guaratiba, the trail, which is officially called the Caminho dos Pescadores, is pretty easy to find. Okay, so the path starts off quite steep right from the village streets, I mean, it’s basically a decent workout from the moment you begin. The walk to the top usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes, more or less, depending on how fast you go and how many times you stop for photos. Honestly, you’ll be making your way up a wide dirt path, and in some sections it has, like, rough stone steps that are set into the ground. It is almost completely inside a very green, leafy section of the Pedra Branca State Park, so you are under tree cover for a good part of it.

Still, you know, it gets pretty hot and sticky, especially in the middle of the day. As a matter of fact, having plenty of water with you is absolutely something you must do. The sound of insects is, like, all around you, and the air smells really earthy and green. You will definitely find yourself pausing a few times just to catch your breath, and frankly, the views just keep getting better the higher you climb. You will find a few natural lookout points along the way where you can see over the sandbank of Marambaia, which is a really long, thin strip of sand that is a military area, so you get these very clean, beautiful views. It really builds up the excitement for what’s waiting at the very top.

That Famous Photo: The Truth About Telegraph Rock

So, let’s talk about the rock itself, because, you know, this spot is why most people make the hike in the first place. When you finally reach the top, you’ll see the famous pointed rock, and probably, a line of people waiting. As a matter of fact, the big secret, which isn’t much of a secret anymore, is that it’s all a clever optical illusion. There is actually a wide, flat platform just a couple of feet right below the pointy bit, so you can easily sit or lie down on it while someone takes your picture from a specific angle. This angle makes it look like you are hanging over a terrifying drop when, in reality, you are pretty much completely safe. You’d have to try very hard to actually fall off.

Seriously though, the line to take a picture can be pretty crazy. Like, you could honestly wait for an hour or even two hours on a weekend or holiday. To be honest, this can sort of kill the mood a little bit if you’re not prepared for it. My number one piece of advice is to go super early on a weekday morning. At the end of the day, you’ll have a much more pleasant time and a shorter wait. You will often find local people there who will take your picture for a small fee, and honestly, they know all the best poses and angles to make the shot look spectacular, which is pretty helpful if you’re alone or want a really good photo. They’ll show you how to ‘hang’ or ‘stand’ on the edge to get that perfect shot for your social media feed.

Beyond the Peak: Finding Rio’s Wild Beaches

But honestly, the adventure really doesn’t need to stop at the rock, you know. For many, myself included, the best part of this whole day is arguably the journey down to the “wild beaches.” There’s another trail, which is a bit less obvious, that splits off and heads down the other side of the hill, toward the open ocean. This trail is, sort of, more rustic and less traveled, and it leads you to some spots that most visitors to Rio just never, ever see. It’s a completely different feeling from the main hike and well worth the extra effort if you have the time and energy. You get away from the crowds and into nature.

First, this path can take you to Praia do Perigoso (Dangerous Beach), which, I mean, isn’t dangerous at all and is a really gorgeous and secluded cove. Then, if you keep going, the trail leads to two more beaches that are next to each other: Praia do Meio (Middle Beach) and Praia Funda (Deep Beach). These are basically untouched stretches of paradise. You can only get to them by hiking this trail or by taking a boat from Barra de Guaratiba, so they stay very quiet and clean. You’ll find yourself on a nearly empty beach with clear water and green hillsides all around you. It feels like you have discovered a real secret, and frankly, it is the perfect reward after the hike up the hill.

A Few Good Ideas for Your Hike

So, to make your day go smoothly, here are a few thoughts. You’ll definitely want to wear, like, good walking shoes or trainers with a decent grip, absolutely not flip-flops, for the main hike. The path is just too uneven for that kind of footwear. Likewise, for clothes, light athletic wear is your best bet, as you will almost certainly get very sweaty on the climb up. A swimsuit underneath your clothes is also a great idea, obviously, so you’re ready for a dip when you get to those wild beaches later on.

Basically, you must bring a good amount of water, probably at least 1.5 liters per person. Anyway, also pack some sunscreen, a hat, and some snacks, because, you know, there aren’t really any shops once you leave the village and start on the trail. Honestly, don’t forget your camera and maybe a portable charger for your phone, because you will be taking a ton of pictures, for sure. As for the best time to go, the golden rule is early in the morning, like, try to start your hike by 7:30 AM to avoid the worst of the heat and the crowds at the rock. In terms of the year, just try to go outside of the peak summer months of December and January if possible, because at that time it gets incredibly busy and uncomfortably hot. At the end of the day, it’s a very safe area, but it’s always a smart move to hike with a friend or in a small group and, you know, just be aware of your surroundings like you would anywhere else.

“To be honest, the famous photo is fun, but the real magic of this day is finding those quiet, hidden beaches afterwards. That is, like, the part you’ll remember the most.”

• The famous Telegraph Rock photo is, you know, an optical illusion and pretty safe to take.
• Go very early on a weekday to, like, avoid the huge lines for the photo op.
• The hike itself takes, more or less, about an hour each way and is a moderately steep workout.
• Honestly, the real prize is hiking down from the peak to the secluded wild beaches like Praia do Perigoso and Praia do Meio.
• Basically, wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and some snacks for the journey.

Read our full review: [Telegraph Rock Rio Hike Full Review and Details]

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