There is a moment, about halfway up a technical climb in the Tijuca Forest, when the city disappears. The sound of traffic fades, replaced by the rustle of the wind through ancient trees and the distant call of a sagui monkey. Then, you glance back. Through a gap in the lush Atlantic Forest, you see it: the Christ the Redeemer statue, standing sentinel over the sprawling city below. It is a perspective that only hikers and trail runners get to experience—the perfect fusion of urban energy and wild nature.
As we move through 2026, the mountains of Rio de Janeiro are more alive than ever. The calendar is packed with events that cater to everyone from first-time trail walkers to elite ultra-marathoners. With new sustainability certifications, expanded family programming, and immersive training camps, this is the year to hit the trails. Here is your complete guide to the best hiking and trail running events in the mountains of Rio for 2026.
The Reigning Champion: WTR Floresta da Tijuca
If there is one event that encapsulates the spirit of Rio trail running, it is the World Trail Races (WTR) Floresta da Tijuca. Serving as the official season opener for the largest mountain sports league in Brazil, this race transforms the world’s largest urban forest into a vibrant, challenging playground .
Scheduled for March 14, 2026, the event returns to the Parque Nacional da Tijuca with its classic distances: 6km (Short), 13km (Mid), and 21km (Long) . These trails are not for the faint of heart. Runners navigate technical singletrack, steep inclines, and dense forest sections that demand respect and reward with unparalleled beauty .
What’s New for 2026:
The 2026 edition builds on the massive success of last year, which saw record registration numbers and sold-out slots over a month in advance . The organizers are doubling down on the “experience economy.” The WTR Arena, located in the parking lot of the Instituto Jardim Botânico, will be a free, open-air hub featuring live music (pop, rock, and MPB) and exclusive athlete recovery zones with massages and cryotherapy pools .
The Green Pioneer:
What truly sets this event apart is its commitment to the planet. In 2024, the WTR Floresta da Tijuca made history by becoming the first outdoor sporting event in Brazil to achieve “Lixo Zero” (Zero Waste) certification . This means that over 90% of the waste generated by the event was diverted from landfills through recycling and composting. For the 2026 season, this commitment continues, and athletes are encouraged to participate by bringing their own hydration flasks, as the event is entirely cup-free .
Beyond the Race:
Notably, the event is a significant economic driver for the region, with approximately 40% of participants traveling from outside Rio de Janeiro, boosting local tourism and hospitality . Whether you are racing for the Ranking WTR points or just for the finish line photo with a view of Cristo, this is a mandatory stop on the 2026 calendar .
The Challenge: Insanity Mountain Serra dos Órgãos
For those who crave a more rugged, intense challenge, mark your calendars for October 9-10, 2026. The Insanity Mountain Serra dos Órgãos takes place in the dramatic landscapes of the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos in Teresópolis .
True to its name, this event is designed for athletes seeking a test of mental and physical fortitude. The park is known for its iconic Dedo de Deus (God’s Finger) peak and its challenging terrain. While specific distances for 2026 are detailed on the official website, past editions have featured courses that navigate the park’s steep granite slabs and high-altitude trails . This is a destination event for serious trail runners looking to push their limits in one of Brazil’s most celebrated mountain ranges.
The Immersive Experience: Training Camp Itatiaia
Trail running is more than just race day; it is a lifestyle. That is the philosophy behind the Training Camp Itatiaia, organized by CS Experience. This is not a race, but rather a four-day immersive retreat set in the heart of the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, Brazil’s first national park .
The Concept:
Taking place over Carnaval weekend (starting February 14, 2026) , this camp offers athletes of all levels—from beginners to elites—a chance to train, learn, and connect. For four days and three nights, participants are based at the Instituto Alto Montana da Serra Fina, a private natural heritage reserve (RPPN) and mountain lodge .
The Program:
Participants are divided into groups based on experience and tackle different long runs within the park, covering distances from approximately 30km to 100km over the days . But the magic happens off the trail. The camp includes:
- Practical workshops to improve running technique.
- Roundtable discussions with elite Brazilian athletes.
- Night training sessions to practice with headlamps.
- Family integration: A dedicated “Kids” program offers guided nature walks, environmental education, and even introductory climbing, ensuring that parents can train while children have their own adventure .
The Setting:
The lodge itself is a destination, featuring over 30km of internal trails, a hang-gliding ramp, five waterfalls, and an indoor climbing wall . With meals prepared by the renowned “Cozinha do Chico,” this is the ultimate deep dive into the mountain lifestyle.
Beyond the Big Names: Other 2026 Highlights
While the Floresta da Tijuca, Serra dos Órgãos, and Itatiaia grab the headlines, the state of Rio de Janeiro is buzzing with other notable events.
- WTR Agulhas Negras (June 27-28, 2026): Later in the season, the WTR circuit returns to the Rio mountains with a stage in the Itatiaia and Resende region, focusing on the massif that houses the Black Needles (Agulhas Negras) peaks . This is high-altitude trail running at its finest.
- WTR Serra do Mar (November 21-22, 2026): The WTR season concludes in Petrópolis, in the Serra do Mar. This stage often hosts the WTR Awards, the league’s end-of-year celebration, making it a festive and competitive finale .
- MTB Avelar (February 1, 2026): While primarily a mountain bike event, the MTB Avelar in Paty do Alferes includes a 7km Trail Run category. Located in the Vale do Café region, it is a fantastic option for runners looking to combine a race with cultural tourism and beautiful rural scenery .
The Evolution Movement: A Philosophy of Running
To truly understand the Rio trail scene, one must look at the philosophy driving it. Groups like Evolution (Seja Evolution) have been active since 2017, organizing events in the Serra da Mantiqueira and around Itatiaia . Their manifesto perfectly captures the local spirit: “Não corra, viva!” (Don’t just run, live!)
They emphasize that running is a tool for mental health, social inclusion, and connection with the environment . Whether you are a Person with Special Needs (PNE) finding new ways to interact with nature, or a stressed urbanite looking for balance, the trail community in Rio is built on the idea that the mountains are for everyone.
Your 2026 Trail Running Checklist
Ready to hit the trails? Here is what you need to know before you go, based on the latest 2026 regulations and recommendations:
- Mandatory Gear (Mid/Long Distances): A hydration system (backpack or belt) with a minimum capacity of 500ml is non-negotiable . Events are increasingly cup-free, so you need your own container.
- Safety First: For longer or more technical races, a whistle and a windbreaker are highly recommended or mandatory . A headlamp is essential for night runs or training camps .
- Trail-Specific Shoes: Low or medium-grip sneakers are recommended for all distances to handle the technical terrain .
- Self-Sufficiency: Carry your own nutrition (gels, fruits, bars) and a basic first aid kit .
- Respect Nature: Embrace the “Leave No Trace” ethic. Follow the guidelines of the “Lixo Zero” movement—pack it in, pack it out.
Conclusion: The Mountains Are Calling
The mountains of Rio de Janeiro offer a unique value proposition for hikers and runners: world-class trails within a stone’s throw of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. The 2026 calendar reflects a mature, growing sport that values sustainability, community, and personal challenge.
Whether you are chasing a personal best at the WTR Floresta da Tijuca, seeking camaraderie at the Training Camp Itatiaia, or testing your limits at the Insanity Mountain, the trails are waiting. So, dust off your gear, check the dates, and come experience the vertical side of the Cidade Maravilhosa.
2026 Rio Trail Running Calendar At a Glance
- February 14-17: Training Camp Itatiaia (Carnaval)
- March 14: WTR Floresta da Tijuca (Season Opener)
- June 27-28: WTR Agulhas Negras (Itatiaia/Resende)
- October 9-10: Insanity Mountain Serra dos Órgãos (Teresópolis)
- November 21-22: WTR Serra do Mar (Petrópolis) & WTR Awards
Have you run in any of these events? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!