Are you a climber heading to Rio de Janeiro? In this post, we’ll go over everything about climbing in Rio and why you shouldn’t miss out on the incredible views and experience.
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Most people will tell you that the only way to see Christ the Redeemer is to take the train, take a minibus, or walk up there. However, there is a fourth and might I say, the most epic option – rock climbing up the mountain!
If you want to get the most one-of-a-kind experience visiting Christ the Redeemer (or Rio in general), then climbing is the right option for you. The views will absolutely blow your mind!
Whether you want to create a core memory, see Rio from hundreds of feet off the ground, or just feel like a total badass, I’ve got you covered! Here is everything you need to know about climbing in Rio de Janeiro.
You can check out my reel of climbing to the top of Christ the Redeemer here.
Climbing in Rio
Rio de Janeiro is a bustling seaside city in Brazil known for its pristine and famous beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio is also known for boasting one of the seven Wonders of the New World – Christ the Redeemer.
Because of this, it may surprise you to learn that Rio also has some of the best urban climbing in the world. Who would have thought? I certainly had no idea when I visited.
After doing a quick Google search for “best things to do in Rio”, I discovered there is actually a ton of climbing right in the city. In my opinion, there’s no better way to escape the hustle and bustle of a city than to get lost on a serene, quiet wall with magnificent views.
It not only has great climbing but offers it on famous mountains as well. Sugarloaf, Corcovado, and Pedra da Gavea are the most well-known mountains in Rio and they offer incredible multi-pitch routes.
The rock in Rio is mostly granite yet has its own unique style. While there is sport climbing, most of the routes are not your average sport crag and are better climbed using some trad gear because of runouts.
Also, while there are single-pitch routes, most of the best ones will be multi-pitch – reaching the summit of most of these famous mountains.
Best Season to Climb
Although you can climb in Rio year-round, the best time is during the winter months (May – September). This is the dry season and the coolest Rio gets. Summer months tend to be hotter and wetter. I visited in mid-September and it was still roughly 90 degrees every day.
However, depending on which route you choose to climb, there is a best time of the day to do so to avoid the sun. Climbing in the shade is much more doable!
How to Climb in Rio
As a solo traveler, the tricky part about climbing for me has always been finding a partner to go with. Even if you have a partner and can always rely on Mountain Project to get to most of these routes, sometimes it’s best to go with a local to show you around.
This is why I was so fortunate and excited that I found a local climbing company with experienced and certified guides to take me up the mountain safely. They’re called Climb in Rio.
Climb in Rio
Climb in Rio has been around since the 90s and is made up of three local climbers, turned guides. They offer all sorts of climbing packages from half-day climbs to multi-day climbs – inside and outside of Rio.
The best part is that you don’t have to be an experienced climber to climb with them. They work with first-timers and even offer classes like an intro to multi-pitch class.
I had the wonderful opportunity to climb with both Andrew and Mingo. Andrew is an American who has lived in Rio since he was 16 years old. He also co-founded a non-profit organization and climbing school that helps underprivileged kids learn to climb. Mingo is a born and raised local from Rio who knows his way around most of the routes inside and outside of Rio.
I had the absolute best time exploring and conquering the Corcovado and Babilonia mountains with them and strongly recommend booking a day with them to get the best experience climbing in Rio.
You can easily contact them through their site here or reach out on WhatsApp to set up a time.
Prices
For day climbs in Rio, they offer two options.
- Half-Day – 450 BRL ($89 USD) for one person or 780 BRL ($154 USD) for two people
- Full-Day – 780 BRL ($154 USD) for one person or 1350 BRL ($267 USD) for two people
Experience Levels
For first-time climbers, they offer an introductory course on some of these mountains, like Sugarloaf. You likely won’t be summiting but it’s still a great option for getting your hands and feet on the rock.
For intermediate and experienced climbers, they offer more technical and multi-pitch climbs between 100m (328 ft) and 250m (820 ft) routes. With these options, you can summit either Sugarloaf or Corcovado, where Christ the Redeemer stands atop.
Routes Available
These are just some of the routes available that Climb in Rio offers. There are definitely hundreds more than just these listed in Rio de Janeiro.
Sugarloaf Mountain
The Costao Hike/ Sugarloaf Scramble: This is a great option for adventurous hikers who want to try out some climbing and summit Sugarloaf. This route requires some hiking, scrambling, and a short climb to reach the top.
Coringa Route: This is a 100 m (328 ft) 5.8+/5b route great for beginners and intermediate climbers. This is roughly 3 pitches with the option to continue mountaineering to summit Sugarloaf.
Via dos Italianos: This is one of the more famous routes in Rio for people comfortable with climbing 5.9/5.10. It’s 260 m (853 ft) with 6 to 7 pitches. This is considered a challenging climb but one that also rewards you with submitting Sugarloaf.
Corcovado
K2 on Corcovado: This is the most popular and accessible route on Corcovado. It’s 150 m (492 ft), graded 5.9+/5c, and offers a variety of technical moves. The best part of this route besides the views of Rio is that you get to summit the mountain and finish off with a crazy view of Christ the Redeemer.
Babilonia Hill
Babilonia Hill: This mountain has a ton of beginner and intermediate routes ranging from 5.7/4 to 5.10/6a with heights of 150m (492 ft) to 200m (656 ft). This is likely where you will climb as a first-timer. It also offers excellent views of the surrounding area.
Cantagalo Hill
Cantagalo Hill: This mountain is a great option for shorter multi-pitch climbs. It’s easily accessible with 2-3 pitch routes reaching 120 m (393 ft). Most of the routes are between 5.9/5b to 5.10/6b.
K2 on Corcovado
The Climb
My first climb in Rio was K2 on Corcovado. Christ the Redeemer was my final 7th World Wonder and because of this, I wanted to do something special. This was one of the most epic things I’ve ever done in my life!
We began around 2 pm, when the wall was shaded, and climbed for about 2 hours and 15 mins. The approach takes about 30 minutes where you walk through what feels like the jungles of Brazil until you reach the start of the climb.
We managed to get it done in 4 decent-length pitches. Although the route is graded a 5.9, the climbing was challenging at times for me. It’s basically all slab with very small crimps – and I normally like crimps!
The route requires some technical moves up a dihedral and a slabby traverse at one point. Any challenging part was quickly rewarded by a short look over my shoulder at the incredible and impressive view of Rio.
I mean it guys, I’ve climbed in several countries around the world like Thailand, Jordan, Laos, and Bolivia but none of these compared to the view of Rio de Janeiro. I was mesmerized and felt so fortunate to be able to get that view, in that manner, which not many other tourists get to have.
We were even surprised to see a monkey climbing alongside us. I mean wow! Can you ask for a better climbing experience? The view and monkeys? Wowza!
The View From the Top
Besides the enchanting views of Rio (and the monkey), my favorite part was getting to the summit, walking through the trees, and out to the gorgeous sight of the Christ the Redeemer statue. That is a moment I will never forget for as long as I live – climbing up to my seventh and final world wonder.
The shocked and impressed looks on people’s faces as they realized we just climbed this mountain they took a train up to was just the cherry on top. Plus we got to see the statue up close and personal for free.
After appreciating the view we worked so hard for, we took a free van back down the mountain. My heart was so full and proud that any lingering soreness and fatigue was easily forgotten. I cannot advise you enough to try this special and unique way to see Christ the Redeemer!
Babilonia Hill
A few days later, not being able to get enough of climbing in Rio, I decided to take on a less challenging climb up Babilonia Hill. The climb was about the same 4 pitches in length but much more relaxing.
Once we reached the top, we got to enjoy awesome views of Sugarloaf and the beaches. This was still a nice climb with great views but less effort and strain. Definitely a good one for beginners or for someone looking for a great view without over-exertion.
Afterward, we rappeled back down the mountain and got to take the short approach (5-minute walk) back into town. I got to leave with awesome pictures and videos of Sugarloaf!
If you are a climber heading to Rio, I really hope I was able to convince you why you must climb here! Especially because it’s such a unique way to visit Christ the Redeemer. The accessibility, the views, and the price are far more than worth it for a lifetime of incredible memories.
Frequently Asked Question
How do you climb Cristo Redentor?
The most unique (and free) way to get up to Christ the Redeemer, is by climbing up K2 on Corcovado! Only experienced climbers should attempt this as it’s a 150 m (492 ft) route graded 5.9+/5c. You don’t have to climb with a certified guide but it is recommended to do so.
For more helpful posts on Brazil, you may also like:
- The Best & Tastiest VEGAN Feijoada in Rio de Janeiro!
- 5 Stunning Reasons You Need To Do a Helicopter Tour in Rio de Janeiro
- The BEST Hostel in Rio: Jo&Joe Largo do Boticario
