Urubu Lookout, Rio De Janeiro Travel Guide

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Hike through lush greenery to Urubu Lookout for panoramic Rio de Janeiro views and a tranquil escape in Parque da Catacumba.

Urubu Lookout, nestled within Parque da Catacumba, offers stunning panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro's Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and surrounding mountains. A gentle hiking trail leads to this serene escape, blending natural beauty with city vistas.

A brief summary to Urubu Lookout

parque da catacumba, Rio de Janeiro, Lagoa, State of Rio de Janeiro, BR

Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Urubu Lookout.

Visit in the late afternoon to catch a spectacular sunset over the lagoon.
Wear comfortable shoes for the sometimes uneven hiking trails.
Bring water and snacks to stay energized during your hike.
Combine your visit with a walk or paddleboat ride around the nearby Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.

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Explore Urubu Lookout on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Urubu Lookout, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From anywhere around the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the Urubu Lookout is easily accessible by foot. Head towards the Parque da Catacumba entrance on Avenida Epitácio Pessoa. Once inside the park, follow the well-marked trails uphill for about 20-30 minutes to reach the lookout. There is no cost for accessing the park or the trail.
Public Transport

Several bus lines circulate along Avenida Epitácio Pessoa, which borders the Lagoa. Check local bus routes to find the most convenient option to Parque da Catacumba. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions to the Urubu Lookout. A bus fare costs R$4.70.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Rio de Janeiro. Request a ride to Parque da Catacumba on Avenida Epitácio Pessoa. From popular areas like Copacabana or Ipanema, a short taxi ride would likely cost around R$40-50. From the park entrance, follow the walking directions to the Urubu Lookout.

Discover more about Urubu Lookout

Urubu Lookout, located in the heart of Parque da Catacumba, is a hidden gem offering breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro. The lookout is named after the Urubu, a type of vulture often seen soaring above the area. The park itself is an ecological reserve with a rich history, once the site of a favela.The trail to the lookout is a gentle climb through lush greenery, with the sounds of the city fading away as you ascend. The park's dense vegetation provides a cool escape, even on hot or rainy days. The panoramic views from the top are worth the 20-30 minute hike, showcasing the city's unique geography and cultural landmarks. On clear days, you can see the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Ipanema and Leblon beaches, and the Christ the Redeemer statue.Parque da Catacumba has a fascinating history. It was once an Indigenous burial ground and later a sugarcane farm. In the 20th century, it became a favela before being transformed into a park in the 1970s through a reforestation program. Today, the park is home to diverse wildlife, including birds and marmosets, and features an open-air sculpture garden. For adventure seekers, there are also activities like zip-lining and canopy tours available.