What this section connects
The Transcarioca Trail describes this route as The detailed guide titles the section Morro da Babilônia → Praia Vermelha, while the general listing labels it Portão da Chacrinha → Praia Vermelha. The current safety recommendation is the Morro da Babilônia Circuit, an out-and-back from Ladeira do Barroso.. The technical guide lists Published route: 3.3 km · approx. 3 h (+1.9 km for the Babilônia Circuit) and rates the difficulty as Moderate. These are orientation references, not a guarantee that the route is open or that conditions will remain the same that day.
Hours and time of day: I do not assume one schedule for the full route. Confirm park opening, permission and the day’s guidance with local management and CoopBabilônia; start early and leave a daylight and access buffer before finishing.
The place beyond the figures
A guide with two names and one clear recommendation
There is a discrepancy between the detailed guide’s title—Morro da Babilônia–Praia Vermelha—and the general listing—Portão da Chacrinha–Praia Vermelha. The same technical page lists 3.3 km, about three hours and an additional 1.9 km circuit. Its current safety recommendation, however, is to do the Morro da Babilônia Circuit, starting and returning at Rua General Ribeiro da Costa / Ladeira do Barroso. I follow that recommendation and do not turn an ambiguous title into a confirmed track.
This is not a hike to do spontaneously
The table lists high risk, difficult navigation, limited markings and scrambling. Transcarioca strongly recommends a local CoopBabilônia guide to understand detours, conditions and context. Confirm guide availability, authorized access and recent changes directly before choosing a date. If you cannot verify them, choose another urban outing; do not improvise through the community or military areas.
Forest, restoration and community memory
The guide describes viewpoints over Enseada de Botafogo, Guanabara Bay, Copacabana and Urca, as well as reforestation, military ruins and a protected area linked to Chapéu Mangueira and Babilônia. I describe this mountain as a living territory, with resident communities and conservation work, not an empty backdrop for photos. Follow your guide, do not photograph homes or people without permission, and do not collect plants or ruin fragments.
The figure may vary by circuit
The published linear route and the recommended circuit are not equivalent. Adding the extra loop or changing the starting point changes distance, duration and exit. Use the current official map and ask the guide which option is planned. Do not rely only on an old guide or a general map pin.
How to prepareBefore setting out, I would check notices, weather and the official map; download the track for the current recommendation, arrange transport back and bring water, sun protection and suitable footwear. An easy rating does not remove heat, slopes or changing terrain. Follow signs, do not feed animals and do not enter structures, closed areas or private property.
Water: The source recommends bringing supplies before entering: do not count on potable water in the mountains. Carry enough for the heat, elevation change and actual duration of the circuit.
Map and return
The map below shows the general area; it is not a walking track or confirmation of an entrance. Open the official download and check where your chosen variant begins. If the current recommendation is an out-and-back route, return the same way; do not improvise another exit based on a general map pin.
What to combine it with
After the hike, you can rest in Leme or at Praia Vermelha if the group returns to a confirmed exit. I would not combine this circuit with Section 25 in the same morning without a guide, strong fitness and a clear schedule; it is another mountain with a different entrance. A lighter option is a walk along the waterfront afterward.
Sources and updates
Transcarioca Trail · official guide and map → · Transcarioca · list of sections →
· CoopBabilônia · ask locally about visits →
