- Great place!
- Nice place!
- Ok place.
Prainha Park and Caete Hill
Female opinion
The wonderful beach of Prainha is not the only reason to go so far. There is Parque Natural Municipal da Prainha right next to the beach. The nature reserve features diverse flora and fauna, including some rare species. Our funniest memory about Prainha park is when a sloth almost fell on our heads as it fell asleep on a tree. Prainha park is a great place to relax, enjoy nature, hike and observe another fantastic panorama of the neighboring areas from the top of Caete hill.
Male opinion
From one of the coolest beaches of Rio de Janeiro starts a nice walking trail. The top of the trail awards you with some great views over Recreio, Pedra do Pontal and Barra beach. The trail is not hard and it takes only about half an hour to reach the top. Nevertheless, you should take the whole day to enjoy the numerous views that the road from Recreio to Prainha has to offer. Then cool off in the ocean, do the trail and later relax the rest of the sunny day on Prainha beach. It will be a day of tranquility.
Municipal Natural Park of Prainha which was opened in 2001. The national park was created at the request of frequent visitors of Prainha beach (mostly surfers) with the aim of preventing the construction of condominiums in the area. The nature reserve has a rich Atlantic forest flora and is also home for many spiecies of animals, lizards and birds. The main attraction of the park is Morro do Caeté (the word "caeté" means virgin forest in the Tupi language), with a nice trail and marvellous views. For sure you will encounter some birds and lizards on your way up, and if you are lucky then also some interesting animals.
Tips for Parque Natural Municipal da Prainha and Morro do Caeté
- There is quite a big parking area if you go by car, but it fills up quickly. Go early.
- Definitely take advantage of the neighboring beaches during your visit.
Quick facts
Type: montain trail
Touristic: no
Getting there: takes a long time
Minimal transport: bus + long walk
Time: 30 minutes to go up
Height: 130 meters
Length: 800 meters
Difficulty: easy
Cost: free
Other names: Parque Natural Municipal da Prainha, Municipal Natural Park of Prainha, Prainha park, Prainha trilha, Morro do Caeté, Caete Hill, Mirante do Caeté
How to get there
Address: Av. Estado da Guanabara
Hood: Recreio dos Bandeirantes
From Ipanema, General Osorio:
1. Take the bus to Recreio (buses that have Recreio written as destination).
2. Get off the bus at Pedra do Pontal, Recreio (ask the driver to let you know).
3. Walk along the beach promenade away from Rio.
4. Continue until you reach a channel, where the only way to go is to the right.
5. Soon you will see a bridge at your left, cross it.
6. Continue to the left, along the coast, up a hill.
7. Continue along the cliff road until you reach Prainha, the Nature Park is at your right.
