Morro Dois Irmãos Trail: where it is and how to get there



Today we are going to talk about the Morro Dois Irmãos Trail, located in the Vidigal community, South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, between Leblon and São Conrado. This natural monument of the city of Rio that is so often appreciated from the beach can also be seen from above and throughout this post we will explain exactly what you should do (stay tuned because it is easier and safer than it looks).

Just to locate you, a few years ago this trail was not so accessible due to the danger that it was to pass through the Vidigal community. This danger factor has changed since the installation of the Vidigal UPP in 2012 and, today, the community has good bars, hostels, night options and a free way to get to the beginning of the trail.

resume

  • Average Trail Time: 45 minutes
  • Distance: 1500m
  • Height: 539m
  • Route: Vidigal Olympic Village to Mirante do Irmão Maior
  • Difficulty: Moderate

In the image below you can see by the red mark where the trail starts. As you will notice, during the climb you will have a privileged view of the West Zone until you get up there and have a privileged view of the South Zone.

How to get

If you want to do the Morro Dois Irmãos trail you will need to get to Vidigal and, for that, there are some options available:

  • Bus: You will need to go to the entrance to Vidigal, where the UPP is located:
  • Copacabana: 557, 382, ​​360, 177
  • da Barra da Tijuca: 525, 2334, 2338, 360
  • Car: I believe it is easier due to the parking options that exist through Leblon. In that case, you would walk to the beginning of Vidigal. If you want, you can also find vacancies in the community itself.
  • On foot: Leaving Leblon, just walk to the corner of the beach and follow the path that reaches the Vidigal community (walk of about 15 minutes maximum), from that point, you can continue on foot to the Olympic Village that it will take another 30 minutes (or if you prefer, you can take a motorcycle taxi or van)

See the total path from Av. General San Martin to the beginning of the Community, still on Av. Niemeyer and, later, arriving at the starting point of the trail (where there is a checkered icon on the map) at Vidigal Olympic Village.

Getting to and from Vidigal

Regardless of whether you are on foot or taking a motorcycle taxi, this is the kind of view you can enjoy along the way through the community.

Remember that you can always climb the main route of the community. If in doubt, all residents and locals will be able to explain to you how to get to Vidigal Olympic Village (there is the starting point of the trail and only opens at 8:00 am).

Morro Dois Irmãos Trail

The first part of the track (as well as almost all of it) is very light. You will have a slight slope on a walk in the shade through the trees. After a few minutes and an exit to the left and you arrive at the natural lookout from where you can observe the entire Rocinha favela.

When we pass the entrance to Rocinha in São Conrado, we have no idea how big it is. To give you an idea, take a look at this photo that I took from the first lookout on the Morro Dois Irmãos Trail:

According to IBGE data, there are about 70 thousand inhabitants there, but I have heard that this number is between 200 and 300 thousand inhabitants. After you pass the first lookout, you will walk a little further until you reach a moment when you will have the West Zone on your right. This is another wonderful view of Rio, mainly by Pedra da Gávea.

It is true that the day I took these photos it was a little cloudy, but that does not hide the natural beauty of the wonderful city.

After that part (where you can see São Conrado and Pedra da Gavea) just walk a little further as you are already arriving at the Irmão Maior viewpoint, the destination and place that allows one of the best views in Rio de Janeiro. You will get confirmation when you walk on the same stone and arrive at a cement landmark. Here you will see Ipanema beach, Lagoa, Cristo Redentor and, in the background, a little bit of Copacabana.

As the trail of Morro Dois Irmãos is usually more crowded on Saturdays and Sundays, I recommend that you do it at an early time, when it is not yet crowded. In addition, as always, I brought some tips to make your tour even better ...

Rafa's tricks

While you were up there, at the lookout, there is a special little place where you can take beautiful pictures. It's this “chair” below:

Depending on the angle, it may appear that you are fearless and enjoy adventure. As you can see from the photo, the drop is not so great from that point, so there is no danger and you go home with beautiful pictures =].

After enjoying the viewpoint and enjoying one of the best views in Rio de Janeiro, it's time to go down the trail to Morro Dois Irmãos, but that doesn't mean your day is over, we still have 2 more cool tips to do later of the trail (you'll have to choose between one).

The first is the Laje Bar, which unfortunately I ended up not going because of an event that was happening there, but just for the visual and the testimonials, it seems to be worth every penny spent. Speaking of money, from what I saw, you will pay an average of R $ 30 for the “feijoada na laje” with an additional R $ 30 for consumption (R $ 60 in total).

Laje Bar

It is worth checking the Bar's schedule to make sure you go on the day when you will have more to enjoy. To make it even better, if you stay there until the sun goes down, this is the view you will have.

The second option was the one I took advantage of the time I did the Trail of Morro Dois Irmãos, which is a good barbecue at Laje da Léa. This cook full of hands is a figure and knows how to make a good reception. This barbecue is made on the slab of her house, it is extremely well served and delicious. It is true that it is not the cheapest barbecue of all, but if you are in a group, you can negotiate a good price.

http://leabuffet.blogspot.com.br/

Despite being in the lower part of the community, from the slab of her house you still have a beautiful view of the sea.

PS - don't forget to bring your swimsuit. After a tiring hike, you can take a dip in Leblon or São Conrado, depending on which side you leave.

A little bit of Vidigal's history

The name Vidigal is a reference to the former commander of the PM of RJ in the 20th century, Major Miguel Nunes Vidigal, who received a gift from the Benedictine monks, in 1820, a piece of land at the foot of Morro Dois Irmãos. After that, around the 1940s, the slopes of the hill began to be occupied by shacks that originated the Vidigal slum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What unique views and experiences does the Morro Dois Irmãos Trail offer, and what level of fitness is required?
The Morro Dois Irmãos Trail offers stunning views of Rio’s coastline and iconic landmarks. It's a moderately challenging hike, requiring a fair level of fitness, but it's highly rewarding with its breathtaking panoramic vistas.



Comments (3)

 2017-04-28 -  Clayr Madeira
I don't live in Rio. I heard that due to the popularization of tourism in Vidigal, I manage to get to the beginning of the Uber trail. Is it really possible or are the options still mototaxi and kombi?
 2017-04-28 -  Rafael
@Clayr Madeira. I never tried it, but the truth is that despite being small streets, a car would be able to make it to the top (so much that kombis pass). You just have to see if the driver would be willing to climb Vidigal (I don't know how the policy regarding favelas has worked). Speaking from my own experience, I have always found it very easy to use the kombi or motorcycle taxi service there and it is not expensive. It’s your preference too. Hugs
 2017-04-29 -  Thatyana Rachel Costa
Rafael. do you have marketing mix content?

Leave a comment