Exploring Rio, Part I: Pedra da Gávea and Pico da Tijuca

Here are a few low-quality cellphone photos from two hikes in the Floresta da Tijuca with a few medium-quality photos that were graciously emailed to me by another hiker. Enjoy!

Pico da Tijuca and the forest as seen from the summit of Morro da Taquara

Looking across the forest towards the east from the summit of Pico da Tijuca

View to the south from Pico da Tijuca, featuring Pedra da Gávea

Cascatinha Taunay - although it looks small in this picture, it is 120 feet from top to bottom

View from the top of Pedra da Gávea. Notice the inequality of Brazil - golf course and luxury highrises of São Conrado along the beach with the infamous favela of Rocinha climbing the hillside behind it

Proof that I made it to the top

Yet another vanity shot

Rock climbing on Pedra da Gávea

Steep trail in the forest on Pedra da Gávea