Teresópolis is a mountain town in Rio de Janeiro state and the gateway to Serra dos Órgãos National Park (Parnaso), famous for its granite peaks and the Dedo de Deus ("God's Finger"). From Rio it takes about two hours by bus, so you can do it as a day trip if you start early. This guide helps you plan the trip and pick trails that suit your pace.
At a glance
- How to get there: Viação Teresópolis bus from Rodoviária Novo Rio. Online listings show trips of about 2 hours.
- The park: open Tuesday to Sunday and on holidays; closed on Mondays.
- Teresópolis entrance hours: entry from 7:00 to 16:00, exit until 17:00.
- Admission: currently free, but you must show ID.
- Don't miss: the lookout on the Cartão Postal trail, with a view of the Dedo de Deus.
Getting there from Rio
In the online listings checked on October 27, 2026 (DeÔnibus ↗), the only company shown is Viação Teresópolis. On a weekday there are departures from 6:00, with trips of around 2 hours. ICMBio ↗ also names it as the regular route between Rio and the town. For leaving from the terminal, see the Rio bus station guide.
The park's Teresópolis entrance is on Avenida Rotariana, at the town's access from the BR-116 highway, next to the bridge over the Paquequer River and near the Mirante do Soberbo lookout. From the Teresópolis bus station, plan on a taxi or ride-hailing car to the gate.
To make the most of the day, take one of the first buses and check when the last one back leaves before heading up the mountain.
The park: days, hours and rules
According to the ICMBio visitor guide ↗ and its visitor protocol ↗:
- Days: Tuesday to Sunday and national and Rio de Janeiro state holidays. Closed on Mondays for maintenance, unless it's a holiday.
- Teresópolis entrance hours: entry from 7:00 to 16:00, exit until 17:00.
- Admission: entry, parking, trails and campgrounds are temporarily free.
- ID: required. The park asks for a CPF and a photo ID, such as a passport; if you don't have a CPF, bring your passport and ask at the entrance.
- Not allowed: pets, barbecues, campfires, sound systems or glass containers.
Trails for a day visit
ICMBio publishes the trails at the Teresópolis entrance ↗ with their length and difficulty:
| Trail | Difficulty | Length | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trilha Primavera | Easy | about 500 m | 15 min |
| Trilha Suspensa (wheelchair accessible) | Easy | 1,300 m | 1 h |
| Trilha Mozart Catão | Easy to moderate | 800 m | 1 h 30, round trip |
| Trilha Cartão Postal | Moderate | 1,200 m | 2 h, round trip |
| Trilha 360 | Moderate | 2,600 m | 2 h 30 |
The Cartão Postal trail ends at a lookout facing the Dedo de Deus, the granite spire that symbolizes the range. If you're short on time, pair it with the Trilha Suspensa.
Pedra do Sino, at 2,275 meters, is a different matter: about 11 km, 5 to 6 hours, moderate to hard, with a cap of 100 people a day. To do it as a day hike, entry is from 7:00 to 10:00 and you must hand in a form filled out in advance at the Visitor Center. The Petrópolis–Teresópolis traverse, about 30 km across the high ground, requires experience and separate planning.
What to bring
- A jacket: it's cooler in the mountains than on the coast, and the weather changes fast.
- Water and food: you can bring food and drinks into the park.
- Shoes with good grip and sunscreen.
- ID for the check at the entrance.
If you've already hiked in the city, compare with the trails in hiking in Tijuca National Park.
Frequently asked questions
Teresópolis or Petrópolis?
Petrópolis is a trip for history and museums; Teresópolis, for nature and trails. If the imperial town center interests you, see Petrópolis in a day.
Do I need a guide?
ICMBio doesn't require a guide for the short trails at the entrance. For Pedra do Sino or the traverse, the park publishes a list of accredited guides.
What other day trips are there from Rio?
Compare options in day trips from Rio.
Sources: ICMBio: Parnaso visitor guide ↗, getting there ↗, Teresópolis entrance trails ↗ and visitor protocol ↗, and DeÔnibus: Novo Rio–Teresópolis ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.