01. Barra de Guaratiba x Grumari

Section: Barra de Guaratiba x Grumari

Park where this section is located: Parque Natural Municipal de Grumari

Summary

For this section, it is worth bringing swimwear and sunscreen, as hikers have the opportunity to walk between the Atlantic Forest and some of the most beautiful and wild beaches in Rio de Janeiro, such as Perigoso, Meio, Funda and Inferno, and swim in their paradisiacal waters. For a panoramic view of these beaches, we recommend a round trip to the top of Pedra da Tartaruga. Another unmissable view is from Pedra do Telégrafo, which has gained fame on social media and is one of the main attractions of the section. But be careful and know that the place can get crowded on sunny days, especially on weekends. From the top you can see the Barra da Tijuca region on one side and the Restinga da Marambaia on the other.

Orientation

7 km

4 h

Climbing: Yes

Direction
Barra de Guaratiba x Grumari

Direction
Grumari x Barra de Guaratiba

Technical Information

Difficulty
Moderate

Risk
Low

Sun
High

Orientation
Moderate

Signage
Partial

Hydration
Yes

Attractions

Viewpoint

Beach

Conservation
Poor

Ruins

Section Map

Interactive Map

Route Description

(West Direction/ Barra de Guaratiba x Urca Hill)
Here we begin our journey along the Transcarioca Trail. We start right in front of the beach in Barra de Guaratiba, at the staircase of "santinha". From this point we go up through the residents' houses along a family-friendly and safe circuit, as Barra de Guaratiba has a welcoming family atmosphere. Ahead there is another staircase between houses and soon, always following the yellow footprints/black base, we reach an asphalt street to the right. After (500 m) from the start we reach the beginning of the trail.

Continue climbing for another (440 m) to a fork with a wire fence on the right. Enter without fear and climb more until the trail begins. Now you can choose between going up to Pedra do Telégrafo or entering to the right following the yellow footprints/black base. For those who want to go to Pedra do Telégrafo, just walk another (700 m) to the end of the trail/Pedra do Telégrafo. Then return following the black footprints/yellow base signs to the fork that indicates beaches, and continue following the yellow footprints/black base again.

Now follow the trail and you will soon find a viewpoint on the right. Return to the Main Trail and go down to an asphalt street with houses. Do not go up, go down slightly ahead. There will be another street to the right going down but do not change direction, continue straight following the yellow footprints/black base.

The trail begins again and now it's (500 m) to the Pedra da Tartaruga viewpoint. From this point onward, walk another (700 m) to a small water source on the left, this descent averages (300 m). Following the Main Trail for another (660 m) we reach Praia do Meio. Be careful with the descent over the rocks which is signposted. Now cross the beach (300 m) and climb up a signposted stone slab. Pay attention to the exit on the left. Now continue along the trail and descend to Praia Funda. Walk another (250 m) on the sand until you find an old house on the left. Go towards the house and then go left through the trees. Now we begin to climb towards the forest trail. It's (1.1 km) to a fork. At this point you can choose to return via the "express trail" back to Barra de Guaratiba or continue to Grumari. Following the Main Trail to Grumari will be another (1.2 km) to the asphalt. Now go down another (800 m) to a wide dirt road on your left. Now you can continue on the asphalt to the beach (300 m) or enter the wide dirt road on the left and walk another (330 m) to the headquarters of Grumari Municipal Park - end of section Barra de Guaratiba x Grumari and beginning of section Grumari x Grota Funda.

For those hiking in the East direction/Urca Hill x West/Barra de Guaratiba, just follow the reverse path described above, following the black footprints/yellow base.

How to Get There

This initial section of the Transcarioca Trail can be reached via Barra de Guaratiba in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. From the Alvorada terminal in Barra da Tijuca, several buses go to Barra de Guaratiba. For those with their own vehicle, just follow the signs to Barra de Guaratiba. This section can also be considered the last one for hikers coming from the East/Urca Hill direction.

Trail Entrance

Barra de Guaratiba

Street View - Trail Entrance
Trail Exit

Parque Natural Municipal de Grumari

Street View - Trail Exit

Infographic

Attractions

Barra de Guaratiba Beach, Pedra do Telégrafo, viewpoints, Perigoso, Meio, Funda and Inferno beaches, Pedra da Tartaruga (rappel), Restinga da Marambaia.

Commerce/Lodging

There are several bars, restaurants, inns, markets and bus lines in Barra de Guaratiba.
In Grumari there are almost no open kiosks.
Currently there is no partnership between the Transcarioca Trail and local commerce.

Water Points

There are few water points along the route. On the trail to Pedra do Telégrafo there are always vendors selling drinks. On the trail to Praia do Meio there is a small water source on the trail. The water sources on the beaches are of dubious quality and have no water during the winter, which is usually hot in the region. The most advisable thing is to bring plenty of water.

Photos

Adopting Group

Eco Roteiros Trilhas & Trekking
Robson (21)96652-4707
Email: ecoroteiroseviagens@gmail.com.br