- Great place!
- Nice place!
- Ok place.
Dois Irmaos Hill
Female opinion
Morro Dois Irmaos, which translates to “The Two Brothers Hill”, are the mountains that you are able to see from Ipanema beach. Dois Irmaos is one of Rio's most iconic views and is often seen on some of Rio’s most picturesque postcards. But, did you know that it is possible to hike to the top these mountains? Seems unbelievable, right? But, the answer is, yes, you can! In fact, it's actually not that hard! You even get to visit Vidigal favela, a great way to take in some culture and the experience is an adventure on its own. The hike is a great way to burn calories and the stunning views of Rio are a reward well worth the every step of the trail.
Male opinion
The Dois Irmaos is part of the beautiful landscape that you can enjoy from Ipanema beach, whilst drinking your caipirinha. However, you cannot compare this with the panoramic views and satisfaction you get from climbing it. This trail is a must for everyone who can handle a bit of sweat. The views of Rocinha favela, Ipanema beach, the lagoon, Pedra da Gavea, among others, are priceless. I could just sit on the rock, absorbing the view for hours. But, as you make your way back down the mountain, you can find a nice favela bar and treat yourself to a cold beer.
Dois Irmaos is located in Vidigal neighborhood. They are two mountains: Irmao Maior (Older Brother) 533 meters high and Irmao Menor (Younger Brother) 421 meters high. The trail to the top of Irmao Maior is 1.5 km.
Morro Dois Irmaos features a 360º view of Pedra da Gavea, Pedra Bonita, Sao Conrado, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas as well as other parts of Zona Sul. It is one of the best viewpoints for observing the size of Rocinha favela, the biggest slum of Latin America, with around 70, 000 inhabitants (according to the official data from 2010).
Tips for trilha Dois Irmaos
- It is not possible to get a taxi to the beginning of the trail. Take a minivan, or if you are more adventurous, a moto taxi, which you can take from the favela entrance. Rides up costs more or less the same as a bus ticket.
- The entrance to the trail can be hard to locate. Look for people in sporty clothes, observe which direction they came from or just ask. Locals are always happy to point you in the right direction. “Where is the trail for Dois Irmoas” : "Onde é a trilha dos Dois Irmãos?".
- Go before 14, to get back down before the dark.
- Hail a minivan or mototaxi to go back down, as the streets of the favela are very winding and confusing to navigate. There are many exits from the trail and there are no specific minivan stops around, so be prepared to look for one.
- Take plenty of water and a dry shirt if you prefer!
Two Brothers trail safety
Vidigal favela and its main entrance are under police control, so it is fairly safe to go there. It is one of the safest and most touristic favelas in Rio. You can bring your camera to the trail, but keep it in your backpack until you reach the track, just in case. The hill has many climbers and therefore you are rarely alone. The trail does not require any actual climbing, so it is suitable for anyone moderately fit.
Song related to Dois Irmaos
One of the most famous figures in Brazilian popular music (MPB), Chico Buarque, dedicated one of his songs to Morro Dois Irmaos:
Quick facts
Type: montain trail
Touristic: just a little
Getting there: fairly easy
Minimal transport: walk + minivan
Time: 1 hour to go up
Height: 533 meters
Length: 1,5 km
Difficulty: medium/hard
Cost: free
Other names: Dois Irmãos, Dois Irmaos, Two Brothers hill
How to get there
Address: Av. Pres. João Goulart, 948
Hood: Vidigal
From Ipanema, General Osorio:
1. Walk down to Ipanema beach and continue towards the Dois Irmaos mountains.
2. In the end of Leblon beach turn left, continue up the hill.
3. Continue walking up the coastal road until you reach entrance of Vidigal favela.
4. Take a minivan or moto taxi to "trilha Dois Irmaos".
