You don't have to get up when it's still dark to enjoy the best view in Rio, but you'll probably be glad you did when you see the sun struggle over the horizon to bathe the waking city in the orange light of dawn.

‍

‍

Before you you'd have Ipanema Beach stretching away towards the fort of Copacabana on the promontory before Copacabana, the straight of Guanabara Bay and the mountains of Niteroi likely still hazy in the morning mist. To your left is Christ the Redeemer looking over the neighborhoods clustered around the city center and beyond to the waterfront, while below you you would see the lights of Rocinha and its streets still shrouded in darkness.

‍

‍

Such is the view from the peaks of the Dois Irmãos mountains, which tower over the south of Rio, their sheer rock sides plummeting down to Vidigal and Ipanema Beach. From our hostel they are easily accessible, with motor-taxis are up and operating early enough to take you to the start of the trail if you do decide to make it for day-break and don't fancy walking to the start of the hike. The fare is 3.5 Reales, simply ask for “trilha Dois Irmãos”.

The hike is medium difficulty, it generally takes about 30 minutes to walk but is steeply uphill, so bring a bottle of water. The view is famous among Rio natives and visitors, so you'll probably encounter a fair number of others hiking up to the top, and find that when you make the summit you'll be among a growing number either gasping at the light on the city and the sea, or taking selfies against the best backdrop in the city.

‍

‍

On your way down, or your way up if you make the ascent later on in the day, you'll probably meet some of the monkeys that live on the mountains. They often come to walkers when whistled, and it's common for visitors to bring bananas to share with them.

Want to live this experience too? Come on with us in this amazing adventure tour, followed by a walk through Vidigal, ending with a delicious breakfast atop our hostel terrace. Click here and make your reservation.