Rock climbing is an enjoyable and fulfilling sport with your body and mind working together. Rio de Janeiro has beautiful beaches but few have discovered the stunning beauty of its many mountains. Rio de Janeiro is the center of rock climbing in Brazil, with over 350 documented climbs within 40 minutes of the city center. Climbing in Rio is best during April to October, the cooler months of the year. During the summer months, the tropical sun heats up the rocks to oven-like temperatures and turns the forests into saunas. If you’re going to climb during the summer, try for early mornings or late afternoons when it’s not so hot. Rio has several well-organized climbing clubs that welcome outsiders for those interested in mingling with the locals. The Companhia da Escalada offers climbing courses and treks through the mountains.