12. Bom Retiro x Centro de Visitantes

Section: Bom Retiro x Centro de Visitantes

Guidance

Technical Information

Attractions

Section Map

Interactive Map

Trail Description

(West to East / Barra de Guaratiba to Morro da Urca)
Those starting this section at Largo do Bom Retiro in the Tijuca Forest have the first (370 m) of walking to the Transcarioca Main Trail. At this junction, follow the yellow footprints/black base towards Bico do Papagaio and Cova da Onça. Ahead on the left there is an entrance to Morro do Archer. From this point, (350 m) of trail spur to the summit of the hill that honors the father of Tijuca Forest reforestation.

Back on the Main Trail, walk another (950 m) until you find on your right the Gruta do Navio and Gruta do Papagaio. Then (300 m) more to the junction of Morro da Cocanha on the left and the trail spur to Bico do Papagaio on the right (270 m) of steep climb, highly recommended for the beautiful landscapes from the summit.

Continuing on the Main Trail, walk another (450 m) of steep terrain to a stone slab with a light scramble and soon after the summit of Cocacanha. After the beautiful view from the summit, descend a very steep slope to the Céu plateau (700 m). Walk another (50 m) and find a trail spur option on the right to Morro and Castelos da Taquara (600 m).

Back on the Main Trail, there is a long stretch of nearly flat walking with small forks, streams and rivers until reaching the long-awaited Suspension Bridge (2.3 km). Cross carefully and respect the safety rules established at the site. Now another (750 m) of walking to some wooden posts and another (160 m) to the exit on asphalt. On the asphalt, continue following the yellow footprints/black base for another (500 m) to the Park's Visitor Center.

For those starting this section at Cova da Onça (East to West / Morro da Urca to Barra de Guaratiba), just follow the black footprints/yellow base towards Morro da Cocanha and Bom Retiro.

How to Get There

This section can be reached from Largo do Bom Retiro, in the Tijuca Forest, starting at Praça Afonso Viseu (main entrance of the Forest sector). It is 3 km along Estrada da Cascatinha to Largo do Bom Retiro, which can be done by private vehicle or taxi, and then 370 meters on foot to the Transcarioca Main Trail.

For those already hiking the Main Trail coming from the West (Ciganos Dam, Tijuca Peak), just continue on the Main Trail following yellow footprints/black base towards Cova da Onça.

In the other direction, East to West, you can access from the Cova da Onça access trail where the suspension bridge is located. Ideally, start at the Visitor Center in the Forest Sector and from there follow the black footprints/yellow base towards East-Morro da Urca x West-Barra de Guaratiba.

Street View

Infographic

Attractions

Archer Hill, Bico do Papagaio, Morro da Cocanha, Morro and Castelos da Taquara, viewpoints, suspension bridge and rivers.

Commerce/Accommodation

There is currently no partnership between the Transcarioca Trail and local businesses.
There are no commercial establishments near this section.

Water Points

There are several water points along the trail.

Photos

Historical Facts

In this section of the Transcarioca Trail we have the climb to Archer Hill, named after Major Gomes Archer, who in January 1862, sowed the first seedlings in the replanting of the Tijuca forest, leading the world's first experiment in human-led regeneration of a primary forest. He was the father of silviculture in Brazil.

Adopting Group

Francisco Saraiva (Centro Excursionista Guanabara – CEG)
www.guanabara.org.br
Email: joaomollica@gmail.com