Pedra Bonita is one of the best places for hiking in Rio de Janeiro, offering a breathtaking city view. From the top, you can see several famous landmarks, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
I originally planned to go with my best friend, but she had to leave the city at the last minute. So, I decided to go by myself. I had never hiked alone before, and I must confess—I was scared. I prayed to God for guidance and decided to focus on the trail ahead.
I decided to go because my best friend had posted some pictures, and they got me really excited. However, the weather wasn’t great—it was cloudy and drizzling a little. At the last minute, I made up my mind to go anyway. I quickly packed my bag with water, food, and some fruit. First, I took the subway to the city where Pedra Bonita is located, then an Uber to Tijuca National Park.
At the beginning of the trail, I noticed a sign with some do’s and don’ts. One of the recommendations was: "Go in a small group." I looked around and realized I was completely alone. I took a deep breath and told myself, "Let’s get started!" So, I began my hike with a smile on my face. But after some time, I started feeling anxious. Negative thoughts crept into my mind, and my breathing became irregular.
I decided to go because my best friend had posted some pictures, and they got me really excited. However, the weather wasn’t great—it was cloudy and drizzling a little. At the last minute, I made up my mind to go anyway. I quickly packed my bag with water, food, and some fruit. First, I took the subway to the city where Pedra Bonita is located, then an Uber to Tijuca National Park.
At the beginning of the trail, I noticed a sign with some do’s and don’ts. One of the recommendations was: "Go in a small group." I looked around and realized I was completely alone. I took a deep breath and told myself, "Let’s get started!" So, I began my hike with a smile on my face. But after some time, I started feeling anxious. Negative thoughts crept into my mind, and my breathing became irregular.
The trail was a bit tough, but overall, it was manageable. The forest was dense, filled with lush greenery and different types of trees. I could hear birds singing and the distant sounds of other animals. As I walked, I started praying, asking God for wisdom and to help me control my anxiety. I kept telling myself that I would make it to the top.
After about 40 minutes, I met two foreigners and asked them how much longer it would take to reach the summit. They told me I was close—just about 20 more minutes. But since I was feeling anxious, those 20 minutes felt like an eternity. Still, I kept moving forward.
After about 40 minutes, I met two foreigners and asked them how much longer it would take to reach the summit. They told me I was close—just about 20 more minutes. But since I was feeling anxious, those 20 minutes felt like an eternity. Still, I kept moving forward.
As I got closer to the summit, I could see the fog rolling in and the sky turning completely white. I was thrilled with joy—I had made it! The view was breathtaking. I felt so proud of myself for not giving up, and at that moment, I completely forgot about my anxiety.
From the top, I watched the gray clouds pass by, revealing glimpses of the landscape and the vast ocean below. It was incredibly high, and I felt like the queen of the world. The city looked so tiny from up there.
Then, I spotted a group of girls who were about to leave, so I decided to befriend them and ask if one of them could take a picture of me. They were really nice and took several photos. Since I didn’t want to hike back alone, I decided to follow them. As we descended, I took my time to appreciate the atmosphere. Of course, I wished I could stay longer, but I was afraid it might start raining.
From the top, I watched the gray clouds pass by, revealing glimpses of the landscape and the vast ocean below. It was incredibly high, and I felt like the queen of the world. The city looked so tiny from up there.
Then, I spotted a group of girls who were about to leave, so I decided to befriend them and ask if one of them could take a picture of me. They were really nice and took several photos. Since I didn’t want to hike back alone, I decided to follow them. As we descended, I took my time to appreciate the atmosphere. Of course, I wished I could stay longer, but I was afraid it might start raining.
Going down the hill wasn’t difficult at all. As we chatted and laughed, the time seemed to fly by. The only inconvenience was the mosquitoes—I hadn’t brought any repellent, and I ended up with a lot of bites.
Overall, the experience was amazing, but I would have enjoyed it even more if I had gone with my best friend or my husband. It would have felt safer. Still, I learned an important lesson: I can’t give up when faced with obstacles.
Overall, the experience was amazing, but I would have enjoyed it even more if I had gone with my best friend or my husband. It would have felt safer. Still, I learned an important lesson: I can’t give up when faced with obstacles.
