The Telegraph Stone, situated in Pedra Branca State Park in Barra de Guaratiba, stands at a height of 354 meters. Once used as a military submarine observation post in World War II, it is now a popular destination for its stunning panoramic views.
From a higher vantage point, you can admire the untamed beaches of Rio de Janeiro, like Praia do Meio, Funda, and Grumari, as well as Recreio, Barra da Tijuca, and Pedra da Gávea. Additionally, the impressive sight of Restinga da Marambaia and the mangrove add to the picturesque landscape.
Barra de Guaratiba has become increasingly popular among tourists seeking unique tours in Rio de Janeiro. Whether visitors are interested in exploring secluded beaches, trying Stand up Paddle in the mangrove canals, or dining at one of the area’s renowned seafood restaurants, Barra de Guaratiba offers a great opportunity to break away from the ordinary.
One notable attraction in the neighborhood that has drawn a lot of visitors is the Telegraph Stone. This stone has sparked debate on social media and captured the interest of many curious individuals. It became known for the photos showing people hanging on the edge of a large cliff.
In this article you will find
- How can one reach the Telegraph Stone?
- Rewrite: Message Stone Pathway
- Advice for visiting the Telegraph Stone
- Excursions and Passes in Rio de Janeiro
- National travel insurance
- Renting a car in Rio de Janeiro
- Tickets for flying to Rio de Janeiro
How to reach the Telegraph Stone.
The trail starts near the Army barracks, at the Marambaia Proof Field. There is a bridge leading to the Marambaia Restinga, which is under their administration. The ascent is along a hill close to the mototaxi stand. This is a popular trail in Rio de Janeiro.
Traveling by automobile
From the South Zone and Barra da Tijuca, head towards Recreio dos Bandeirantes on Avenida das Américas. Once in Barra de Guaratiba, follow Roberto Burle Marx Road until the end. Look for parking near the barracks or wherever you can find an available space.
It can be challenging to find parking in that area, especially on weekends. It’s best to arrive early or consider taking the bus.
From Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and buses
Instructions: Ride the BRT Express Pingo d’água from Alvorada terminal to Ilha de Guaratiba station. Once there, walk across the cloverleaf interchange and board bus number 867 towards Barra de Guaratiba. Alight at the stop located after the army barracks.
A two-wheeled vehicle powered by a motor.
The path to the Telegraph Rock starts at the hilltop, beyond the houses, and can be easily covered by a mototaxi. This is perfect for those unfamiliar with the area who wish to save time instead of walking. The ascent to the starting point of the trail is steep and more exhausting than the trail itself, allowing you to conserve energy for the hike. By doing this, you can complete the trail in just 30 minutes. The starting point is close to the final stop of bus 867, and the mototaxi ride costs R$7.00.
You don’t need a motorcycle to descend, you can walk all the way down.
Stone Track Telegraph
The trail, which takes around 30 minutes to complete, is peaceful and serene. The initial highlight is a stunning lookout point that offers a panoramic view of Restinga da Marambaia. As you reach the trail’s end, you’ll come across a stone adorned with the Brazilian flag, but the renowned stone is slightly further ahead, concealed from view. By navigating through a narrow path alongside the cliff, you will eventually reach the distinctive pointed stone. Despite its actual name being Bigorna Stone, it has become popularly referred to as the Telegraph Stone, after the site itself.
Right now, the Bigorna Stone has become the main focus and popular attraction in the area. On weekends, there are even lines of people waiting to take the iconic photos on the cliff platform.
The appearance of a cliff under the stone in the photo is actually an optical illusion created by the photographer adjusting the angle and frame of the shot. To achieve this effect, the photographer must crouch down and modify the ground to make it seem like there is a drop below the stone. However, it is important to be cautious as the ground is sloped, and any misstep could result in the hill rolling down.
Experience relaxation and rejuvenation while taking in the beautiful view of this lesser-known corner of Rio de Janeiro.
The path is clearly marked and can be completed without a guide, but for added safety, it is best to go with a knowledgeable companion or hire a guide. I suggest reaching out to Desbravando Rio, who offer various interesting tours in Rio de Janeiro. You can find them on Instagram at @desbravandorio.
Additionally, we suggest booking the Trilha package with Civitatis, which includes a visit to Telegraph Stone and Grumari Beach, along with transportation and a bilingual guide! 😉
Suggestions for when visiting the Telegraph Stone.
- Text: Make sure to dress in comfortable attire and wear appropriate shoes for hiking in Rio de Janeiro.
- Remember to bring water, a snack, and insect repellent as there are many mosquitoes along the trail.
- The ideal time is before 2 p.m. because the sunlight brightens the beaches in that area, resulting in stunning photos. Once it reaches 2 p.m., the sun is no longer present in that location.
- Ride a mototaxi to the trailhead to avoid a long walk.
- Explore the Barra de Guaratiba area, engage in activities like stand-up paddleboarding, and dine at top-notch restaurants like Tia Penha and Tia Palmira.
Exploring Rio de Janeiro with guided tours and tickets
Text: Have you made arrangements for your tours in Rio de Janeiro? Make sure to leave home prepared with everything in order to avoid wasting time in line for tickets, and take advantage of the option to pay in up to 12 installments without the IOF tax. Explore tour prices or browse through our list of top choices.
- Complete Rio de Janeiro sightseeing tour including tickets – R$ 456.30
- Complimentary guided tour of Rio’s historic center and Lapa.
- Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain tour costs R$ 414.90.
- Guided tour of Rocinha slum – $150
- Evening boat excursion along the river costs R$ 250.
Explore additional fantastic tours to enhance your complete Rio de Janeiro vacation experience.
Travel insurance provided by the government.
Unexpected events can occur! In case you lack health insurance or if your current coverage is not accepted in the area you are traveling to, opting for a domestic travel insurance can be a wise choice. This type of insurance is very affordable, starting from R $ 4 per day, and provides peace of mind by protecting you from unexpected costs while you travel. Learn more.
Rental of vehicles in Rio de Janeiro
Renting a car in Rio de Janeiro is a fantastic option as it can save you time and allow you to have more freedom to explore without depending on public transportation.
We greatly appreciate using Rent a lot Cars to search for the vehicles we rent for our trips. It is the sole service in Brazil that compares top rental companies globally, allowing you to pay in Brazilian Real without foreign transaction fees. Moreover, it is the exclusive platform that offers a 12-month installment plan with no interest. It is definitely worth using!
Have you not yet arranged to rent a car for your trip? Get the best price and pay in up to 12 installments with no interest at RentCars.
Airfare for traveling to Rio de Janeiro
Are you searching for great deals and affordable flight fares? When purchasing tickets to Rio de Janeiro, it is recommended to check out the Vai de Promo website.
It is often easy to come across flight options that are more affordable and superior compared to other websites. We consistently rely on and recommend them. 😉
