Everything You Need To Know About Rio’s Pedra Do Telégrafo

Phoebe Lowndes

Pedra do Telégrafo in Rio offers the ultimate vacation photo opportunity – a stunningly beautiful mountaintop location that, when photographed at the right angle, produces a thrilling optical illusion, with none of the risks associated with clambering up rock faces.

How far would you go to get the perfect shot?

Many people take risks as par for the course when it comes to documenting their travels, and the selfie phenomenon has driven people to challenge themselves even further.

Pedra do Telégrafo offers travelers the chance to pose for daring pictures without any danger

Extreme selfie-taking has sparked a craze in travel photography. No longer satisfied with a poolside snap or generic landscape, many adventurers today strive to achieve perfection, and to gain optimum ‘likes,’ they will bend over backwards – sometimes literally – to get the best photo.

There’s no shortage of evidence demonstrating the impressive lengths people will go to for the perfect Instagram shot. Simply check out the famous #boyfriendsofinstagram hashtag for examples of the things people endure in order to capture the perfect Instagram-worthy picture. A carefully curated image or selfie is widely considered proof that you are here, and having fun.

However, there’s a side to these pictures that belie the veneer of cool. Seemingly relaxing baths often involve cold, naked dashes from phone to tub before the timer goes. So-called ‘roofers’ risk life and limb scrambling onto high-rise buildings exclusively to get an epic shot from the top. Boyfriends are pictured sprawled on the ground, in the middle of busy traffic crossings, to snap their girlfriends at the perfect angle.

Numerous selfie-related accidents, some tragically ending in deaths, have sparked campaigns warning of the dangers of selfie-taking. “A cool selfie could cost you your life,” warned Russia’s interior ministry in a leaflet aiming to raise awareness about the risks of posing and posting without thinking. That’s not the case at Pedra do Telégrafo, though.

Pedra do Telégrafo

At Pedra do Telégrafo, what looks like a death-defying stunt involving a jutting rock and heart-stopping drop actually amounts to nothing more than an illusion.

From clinging on to the cliff for dear life to toppling a loved one over the edge, clever positioning and witty art direction enable a multitude of scenarios guaranteed to shock and awe – and at a mere 9.8 feet (three meters) from the ground, you’re not putting your neck on the line. The results are eye-catching and sure to cause a few smiles (plus a few hundred ‘likes’ if you’re savvy).

How to get to Pedra do Telégrafo

People are often surprised at the effort it takes to reach Pedra do Telégrafo; a 90-minute drive from Copacabana is just the beginning. Many opt to take a taxi or hire a guide rather than work out the local bus timetables themselves. For non-Portuguese speakers, public transport might be more hassle than it’s worth and could end up taking twice as long.

The trail up to the spot is 0.6 miles (one kilometer) and clearly signposted, but you have to complete a hike double that length before you even reach this point.

About an hour’s walk up a steep slope, it would be wise not to attempt the journey in flip-flops, but it is easily managed by both adults and kids. The views of wild beaches and Brazilian greenery along the route make this an enjoyable hike, with plenty of shade on the Telégrafo stretch too – although, come prepared for the heat.

The money shot

Views from Pedra do Telégrafo are awesome, and it’s worth the schlep just to see them. However, check the weather forecast before heading up – if it’s foggy, the photo simply won’t work.

Be prepared to queue for pictures. On sunny days, you can easily spend hours in the heat waiting to take your turn. Considering the whole point is to capture this one shot, it’s a small price to pay if you’re committed.

And finally, do a little bit of research and check out other people’s photos before arriving, which will ensure you make the most of your time and get the all-important ‘money shot.’

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article