Morro Dois Irmãos is the twin peak at the end of Leblon Beach, and from the top you can see Leblon, Ipanema and the Lagoa. The trail starts in Vidigal, a community on the hillside, and it's one of the most photographed hikes in Rio. Before you decide, it helps to know what information exists and what doesn't.
At a glance
- Where it starts: in the upper part of Vidigal, reached by walking through the community.
- Official information: we didn't find an official source with hours, rules, difficulty or safety information for the trail.
- Recommendation: go with a local guide from Vidigal and check the situation on the day.
- Careful at dawn: in April 2026, about 200 people who had climbed to watch the sunrise couldn't come down for hours because of a police operation in the community.
- Alternative with official information: Pedra Bonita, inside Tijuca National Park.
What we know and what we don't
Morro Dois Irmãos is part of the Carioca landscape that UNESCO ↗ inscribed as a World Heritage Site. Unlike the trails in Tijuca National Park, for this one we didn't find an official page with hours, difficulty level, rules of use or safety recommendations. That's why this guide doesn't give times or distances: we'd rather not make them up.
What is documented is that, to reach the trailhead, you have to cross Vidigal, and that the community's security situation can change from one day to the next.
What happened in April 2026
On April 20, 2026, a Civil Police operation in Vidigal led to intense gunfire from the early hours of the day. According to Jornal de Brasília ↗, about 200 people who were at the summit to watch the sunrise couldn't come down the trail and left after 7:20 a.m. with a police escort. Avenida Niemeyer was also blocked.
This isn't meant to dramatize, but to help you make an informed decision: it's a trail that depends on what happens in the community, and a pre-dawn start leaves you with less margin if things change.
If you decide to go
- With a local guide. Some Vidigal residents organize the climb and know the situation on the day. Choosing someone from the community also means tourism leaves something there.
- Check on the day. Ask your guide and your lodging whether there are any issues before you set out.
- In daylight, without rushing. Avoid climbing at night or before dawn without someone who knows the area.
- Respect the community. Vidigal is a neighborhood where people live: ask before photographing people and take your trash with you.
- Basic gear: closed shoes, water, sunscreen and a charged phone.
For the general context of favela visits, see visiting favelas in Rio, where we explain why we always recommend a local guide.
An alternative with official information
If you're after a similar view over Zona Sul with published hours and rules, Pedra Bonita, in Tijuca National Park, has a short climb and an official park page. We cover it in hiking in Tijuca National Park. For a sunset with a view of Dois Irmãos without climbing, Arpoador is another option: see sunset spots in Rio.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide for Dois Irmãos?
We didn't find a rule that requires one, but we recommend it: access is through the community and there's no official information on the trail.
How long does the climb take?
There's no official figure. Ask your guide, who knows the group's pace and the conditions on the day.
Can I watch the sunrise from the top?
Many people climb for that, but it means crossing the community before dawn. If you do it, go with a local guide and check the situation before setting out.
Sources: UNESCO: Carioca landscapes ↗ and Jornal de Brasília, April 20, 2026 ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.