Overview
Andaraí Maior is a closest summit from Pico da Tijuca, the highest point of Tijuca National Park. There are some great walls in the west side, with easy access to start the climb. From the top is possible to see almost all mountains of PNT , Downtown and Rio’s North Zone. The forest around the peak is untouchable, covering all the sides with a beautiful atlantic green. Andaraí Maior is the first peak of Tijuca Massif, looking from North Zone, having one of the best views to the mountains and peaks of Rio de Janeiro. Few people know this peak, helping the preservation. Looking to north, is possible to see all Serra dos Órgãos ( Tinguá Reserve to Caledônia Group – 200 km of distance ) ; to west, Pico da Tijuca east side and Tijuca Mirim; looking to south, is possible to see Pedra do Conde and sectors B and C of PNT; To the east side, Guanabara Bay and Niterói, neighbour city of Rio.
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Getting There
From Downtown Rio or South Zone, you must to go to Tijuca district, driving by Conde de Bomfim street. Seek the plates to Alto da Boa Vista district, because there is the entrance of PNT. Arriving in Afonso Vizeu square, enter in PNT and rise by the way to Bom Retiro farm, the last parking car. Take the trail to Pico da Tijuca, and walk up to the indication to go to Tijuca Mirim Peak, continues and you’ll see another indication to Andaraí Maior, turning round Tijuca Mirim by right side and you'll see later the main summit of Andaraí Maior . Attention in this part, very steep and slippery. The trail to get the top of Andaraí Maior is very easy, protected and shaded. The top haven’t shadows and if the day is hot, there aren’t freshness places.
Bus line from downtown :
233 : Grand Central to Barra da Tijuca ( Rodoviária x Barra da Tijuca )
234 : Grand Central to Barra da Tijuca ( Rodoviária x Barra da Tijuca - litoraneous )
Taxis:
From Downtown around US$ 20;
From Southzone around US$ 25.
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Red Tape
No taxes to visit Andaraí Maior;
Parking car at Bom Retiro Farm, at the trailhead;
Timetable to visit Andaraí Maior :
08:00 am to 17:00 pm, everyday.
Do not bring valuable equipments.
When To Climb
All seasons are good to climb or walk up to Andaraí Maior. At summer, the temperatures could be around 40°C at day and, storms reach this mountains frequently. Winter season is the best, the climate is freshness, not exceeding 25 – 30°C at day.
Rio de Janeiro current weather
Camping
The camping is forbidden inside TNP. I advise you to stay in hotels at South Zone ( Copacabana or Ipanema ).
Rio Hotel Guide
Mountain Conditions
Andaraí Maior is in good conditions of trail and preservation. There aren’t webcams of this mountain but, TNP keep the trail, access, plates and cleaning. Some mountain guards walk sometimes to check the conditions and the mountain security.
Andaraí Maior Routes
Achado Por Acaso – 4°sup
Cactus Tequila – 5° VIsup 7b/A1
