Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill)

Morro Dois Irmãos is one of Rio de Janeiro's most accessible and visually rewarding trails, linking the Vidigal community with a granite peak overlooking the South Zone. The route is defined by its social-geographic transition—starting with a local transport ride through a residential favela followed by a steep but relatively short ascent through the Atlantic Forest. Unlike the more technical and remote Pedra da Gávea, this hike is a staple for fit beginners and sunset observers, providing a definitive overview of Ipanema, Leblon, and the nearby Corcovado massif.

The Caminho do Ouro (Gold Trail) is a preserved section of the 18th-century stone road that connected the inland gold mines of Minas Gerais with the port of Paraty. The route features irregular 'pé de moleque' masonry (street child feet) laid by enslaved workers to prevent erosion on the steep coastal slopes. Today, hikers traverse a segment through the dense Atlantic Forest, where the historical stonework remains intact despite the aggressive root systems and high rainfall of the region. The trail provides a direct link between the deep jungle and the colonial architecture of Paraty.