A PEDRA DO CAO SENTADO
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Parque Cão Sentado

4.6
·2k reviews·, Brazil

Discover Nova Friburgo's natural wonder, the Pedra do Cão Sentado, with its iconic rock formation and scenic trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Avoid summer thunderstorms

CrowdLow
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A PEDRA DO CAO SENTADO

Parque Cão Sentado

Best Time

Morning

Avoid summer thunderstorms

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Nova Friburgo's natural wonder, the Pedra do Cão Sentado, with its iconic rock formation and scenic trails.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Amazing rock formations and beautiful views, worth it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Essential

Trails can be slippery and humid. Wear good hiking shoes for safety, especially on descents.

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

There are no rivers or waterfalls on the trail, so stay hydrated.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,747 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pedra do Cão Sentado

Pedra do Cão Sentado

Main viewpoint

Marvel at the iconic rock formation resembling a seated dog, a natural symbol of Nova Friburgo.

Rock Formations & Caves

Rock Formations & Caves

Throughout the park

Explore fascinating geological wonders, including large stones and accessible caves, amidst lush Atlantic Forest.

Scenic Trails

Scenic Trails

Various paths

Hike through well-marked trails offering beautiful views and a moderate challenge for nature lovers.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Best Views

Visit in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, especially during summer. The trail can get humid and slippery, so early starts are safer and offer better light for photos.

Trail Safety & What to Bring

The trails are moderately challenging and can be slippery, especially when descending. Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and be extra cautious with children and older visitors. Maintenance can be inconsistent.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Avoid summer thunderstorms
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends & Holidays
Why
Park is open
Crowd
Medium
When
Friday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ponto de tupinambá / estava sentado na pedra fina #umbanda #pontosdeumbanda #caboclo #tupinamba
@umbandapuramagia
32.9K likes • 390.4K views

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Essential

Trails can be slippery and humid. Wear good hiking shoes for safety, especially on descents. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

There are no rivers or waterfalls on the trail, so stay hydrated. Reddit

Ponto caboclo Tupinambá - Sentado na pedra fina #pontosdeumbanda #caboclotupinamba #tupinambá
@pontosdeumbanda_ia
17.8K likes • 157.6K views
Um registro muito bacana do nosso diretor no Parque Ecológico Cão Sentado, um monumento natural considerado símbolo da cidade de #NovaFriburgo. É uma das mais notáveis formações rochosas do parque de Furnas do Catete. Vale a pena o passeio! #SerraNews
serranewsrj
124 likes • 3.9K views

⚠️ Watch Your Step

Be alert at all times, especially on wooden stairs and handrails, and when stopping for photos. Reddit

⏰ Go Early in Summer

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; morning visits are recommended. Reddit

Existe uma formação natural no Rio de Janeiro com o formato perfeito de um Cachorro Sentado. A trilha da Pedra do Cão Sentado fica localizada em Nova Friburgo, RJ, no Parque ecológico de mesmo nome. 📍Endereço: RJ 116 KL91.2 Friburgo/Bom jardim antes do primeiro pedágio, lado direito ⚠️Atenção aos dias e horários de funcionamento: Sextas, sábados, domingos e feriados • Horário de 9h a 15:00min...
malucaporviajar
398 likes • 13.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Essential

Trails can be slippery and humid. Wear good hiking shoes for safety, especially on descents. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

There are no rivers or waterfalls on the trail, so stay hydrated. Reddit

⚠️ Watch Your Step

Be alert at all times, especially on wooden stairs and handrails, and when stopping for photos. Reddit

⏰ Go Early in Summer

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; morning visits are recommended. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Extra Caution for Kids/Seniors

The terrain can be challenging; supervise children and elderly visitors closely. Reddit

📅 Check Opening Days

The park is typically open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Parque Cão Sentado for its stunning natural beauty, unique rock formations like the iconic Pedra do Cão Sentado, and the rewarding hiking experience. However, some reviewers note that the park's maintenance could be improved, with certain areas and structures requiring more attention for safety, especially for children and the elderly.

"It's an amazing park with a particularly nature. Huge stones, caves (some of them you access, others no) tropical nature. I consider a moderate walking, no light. Going up to achieve the top of mountain to see the seated dog rock (cão sentado), or going down, because of humidity on the stones, it becomes not safe.
The maintanence of the place is not the best.
A lot of places are unsafe, it's necessary to stay alert all the time, mainly when we go down back to the recreation area.
Extremely care with kids and old people.
All the times watch your step, and stop when you want to look around or to take pics.
There is no river and waterfalls while walking, so take water on your backpack.
The entrance is 15 reais.
Take care with the wood stairs as well. Not safe. And some of their handrail are not fixed well.
Now at summer season it is common thunderstorm at afternoon. So I recommend to go there in the morning. They open at 9am.
It is written it takes around 30 minutes to go up.
Well, I took over one hour , I am not athletic. Lol"

Eva Barsi

"Awesome trail. Not too easy nor absurdly challenging. Amazing rock formations and beautiful views. worth it!"

D. Ayres

"Top"

Catarina Louback

What People Like

Amazing rock formations
Iconic 'seated dog' stone
Beautiful natural scenery

What People Dislike

Maintenance concerns
Slippery trails
Safety of structures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Organized tours often depart from Centro do Rio, with meeting points like Posto Shell Centro. If driving, the park is located on RJ 116, KM 91.2, before the first toll booth on the Friburgo/Bom Jardim road. Instagram+1

You can drive to Nova Friburgo via the RJ 116 highway. Public transportation options might involve buses from major cities to Nova Friburgo, followed by local transport to the park. Instagram

Information on specific parking availability is limited, but it's advisable to check with the park directly or consider tour options that include transport. Instagram

The park is located on the outskirts of Nova Friburgo, accessible via the RJ 116. The exact distance can vary depending on your starting point within the city. Instagram

Yes, several tour operators offer trips from Rio de Janeiro, often including transportation, guides, and park entrance fees. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is R$15 reais per person. It's always a good idea to confirm current pricing before your visit. Reddit

The park typically opens at 9 AM and closes its ecological walk activities at 3 PM, with overall activities ending at 5 PM. It's usually open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Instagram+2

While advance booking details aren't always specified, it's recommended to check the park's official channels or social media for any reservation requirements, especially during peak seasons. Instagram

Information regarding specific discounts for children or seniors is not readily available. It's best to inquire directly with the park administration. Instagram

The park is generally open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Weekday access might be limited or require special arrangements. Instagram+2

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike is approximately 700 meters one way and can take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. Instagram+1

The trail is considered moderately challenging. It's not light, and can become slippery and unsafe, especially when descending. Reddit

You'll find lush Atlantic Forest, impressive rock formations, and caves. The main attraction is the 'seated dog' rock. InstagramReddit+1

Some sources mention activities like ziplining, climbing, and fishing, but the primary focus is the hiking trail to the Pedra do Cão Sentado. Instagram

Reviews suggest that the park's maintenance could be improved, with some areas and wooden structures noted as potentially unsafe. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The Pedra do Cão Sentado itself offers iconic photo opportunities. Various viewpoints along the trail and within the park also provide stunning natural scenery. Instagram+1

Morning light is generally best for photography, offering softer light and avoiding harsh midday sun. It also aligns with avoiding afternoon thunderstorms. Reddit

Drone usage regulations are not specified. It's advisable to check park rules or local regulations before flying a drone to avoid any issues. Instagram

Many visitors capture the main 'seated dog' rock formation. Exploring the caves and viewpoints along the trail can also yield unique photographic moments. Instagram+1

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For landscape shots, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or stable shots on uneven terrain. Instagram

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