Officials said the man fell nearly 500 feet after posing for a photo on the Pedra do Macaco trail.
MARICÁ, Brazil — A 44-year-old hiker died Sunday after falling from a rock viewpoint on the Pedra do Macaco trail in Maricá, a coastal city in Rio de Janeiro state, officials said.
Caio Rocha Aguiar Arrabal fell from a height of about 150 meters, or nearly 500 feet, after climbing onto an exposed rock formation used by visitors for photos. The fall prompted a difficult rescue operation through steep, wooded terrain and renewed questions about safety signs and guide rules on the popular trail.
Video recorded by another hiker showed Arrabal on the rock moments before the fall. A woman in the group could be heard warning him to be careful as he tried to climb down. Seconds later, he lost his footing and fell down the cliffside as witnesses screamed. Officials said Arrabal appeared to have tried to descend from the wrong side of the formation after posing for a picture. The fall happened Sunday morning at the top of the trail, an area known for wide views of Maricá and nearby lagoons.
Emergency crews were called to the scene at about 11:40 a.m. Firefighters and Civil Defense teams worked for about four hours to reach the area, using ropes because of the steep slope and heavy forest. Helicopter support also was used during the operation. Rescue instructor Matheus Moura, who helped recover the body, said the terrain made access difficult. “It was a very complex, very difficult rescue,” Moura said. He said teams had to climb through dense vegetation and use rope systems before reaching Arrabal, who was dead by the time crews found him.
Arrabal lived in Araruama and was with a group that had traveled to the trail, according to local reports. Officials said he was helping guide visitors, but did not have a formal license to work as a guide. It was not immediately clear whether any company or organized group was responsible for the outing. Authorities said the case remains under review by police. No charges had been announced by Tuesday, and officials had not released a final report on the fall.
The Pedra do Macaco route is short but includes exposed sections near the top. Local reports said the trail is about 700 meters long and reaches an altitude of about 230 meters. The route is often described as manageable for hikers, but the final climb to the summit can require more skill. Officials and rescuers said visitors often climb the rock formation for photographs. Moura said the area has seen previous accidents and said the lack of warning and directional signs remains a concern.
The death came during a period of concern over adventure tourism accidents in Brazil. In Maricá, officials also have investigated a separate fatal fall at a zip-line park earlier in June. Another fatal bungee-jumping accident was reported in Limeira, São Paulo state, in the same month. Authorities have not said the cases are connected, but the incidents have drawn attention to safety oversight at trails, parks and outdoor attractions.
Witnesses said the fall happened quickly after Arrabal posed at the top of the rock. The video shows him trying to adjust his position while climbing down, then slipping out of view. The footage spread on social media after the accident, but officials have not said whether it will be used as formal evidence. Police are expected to review witness accounts, the video and the conditions on the trail as part of the investigation.
As of Tuesday, officials had identified Arrabal and recovered his body. The next step is the police review into how the fall happened and whether trail conditions, guide licensing or signage played a role.
Author note: Last updated June 30, 2026.