14. Portão da Floresta x Mesa do Imperador

Section: Portão da Floresta x Mesa do Imperador

Orientation

Technical Information

Attractions

Section Map

Interactive Map

How to Get There

This section can be reached from the Portão da Floresta in Alto da Boa Vista. For those coming from the Visitor Center, simply follow the main trail. It is also possible to access it from Mesa do Imperador via Estrada das Paineiras. There are no direct public transport lines to the trailhead, so a private vehicle or taxi is needed.

Route Description

(West to East direction/ Barra de Guaratiba to Morro da Urca)
Those starting this section at Praça Afonso Viseu at the Floresta da Tijuca gate should now follow the yellow footprints/black base towards Estrada do Redentor, entering just before the gas station.

The walk goes to the wooden stairs of Amado Nervo (900 m) and then just enter and follow the well-signposted trail to the marked fork (1.9 km). Here there is a spur trail to Mirante da Freira (600 m).

The view is unmissable and worth the small effort of the (1.2 km) round trip to the viewpoint.

Back on the Main Trail, following the yellow footprints/black base, we walk uphill to Morro do Queimado (1.7 km). Now rest a bit and continue + (200 m) to Mirante da Proa where the view of the sea, south zone and mountains is breathtaking.

Descend carefully, as ahead there are three metal handholds to assist on the descent. From this point, keep walking along the Main Trail and in just over half an hour (1.0 km) you will arrive at Mesa do Imperador where this section ends.

For those coming up the trail in the reverse direction (East to West/Morro da Urca to Barra de Guaratiba), starting at Mesa do Imperador, simply follow the black footprints/yellow base towards Portão da Floresta da Tijuca.

Attractions

Praça Afonso Viseu may be unknown to many people, but for hiking enthusiasts it is perhaps the most important square in Rio de Janeiro, after all it is where most trails in the Tijuca Forest begin. The "pracinha do Alto", as it is also known.

A large stone fountain serves as a landmark and meeting point for various groups. Another landmark of the square is a restaurant.

There is parking space at the square, although there are other places where parking is allowed inside the Forest.

Mirante da Freira is an important viewpoint where it is possible to see the entire sector C of Tijuca National Park with Pedra da Gávea, Pedra Bonita and Barra da Tijuca beach.

There is also Morro do Queimado and Pedra da Proa where you can see Guanabara Bay, the north zone and the south zone of the city. Mesa do Imperador is also one of the main viewpoints of the city and the trail passes through it for the delight of hikers.

Shops/Lodging

Currently there is no partnership between the Transcarioca Trail and local businesses.

At Praça Afonso Viseu there is a restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. A gas station between Praça Afonso Viseu and the Amado Nervo stairs offers a well-equipped snack bar to serve hikers. On weekends it is also possible to find a small food kiosk practically at the entrance of Portão da Floresta da Tijuca.

Photos

Historical Facts

The trail also passes by an old road, which began to be opened in 1857 to connect the tram line between Jardim Botânico and the City Center. The contracted company even dynamited half the path and opened enough space between the rocks for the wagons to pass. The work, however, was not completed, as the company went bankrupt before finishing the project.

Following the old railway, you will reach the top of the stairways that lead to Mesa do Imperador, where D. Pedro II used to have picnics with the royal family.

Adopting Group

Anderson Ribeiro (Avec Trilhas)
Email: avectrilhas@globo.com