There is a temporary blockage around the trail from Parque Lage to Corcovado and Rio de Janeiro’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue following a stabbing incident on 7th of July.
The man was one of 58 victims to be robbed along the 4km-long path in just 10 days.
Valéria Aragão, head of Rio’s tourist police department, argued for the trail inside Tijuca National Park to be shut until sufficient police can be stationed there for hikers’ protection.
She admitted that patrolling will not be enough ever as a measure as human resources in the security forces is considerably under-resourced. She suggested a temporary closure and the recommended the trail to be closed for the while. The authority also pointed out the vulnerabilities of the situation.
There has been a sharp rise in the number of attacks and to make the tourists aware of the vulnerabilities, the volunteers showed the image of a gun and a written advise stating to be cautious.
The robberies on the Corcovado trail appear to be committed by young men from the local favelas (slums), often armed with knives, who wait for tourists to pass by. Over 150 people have been robbed there so far this year.
Christ the Redeemer is one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, which can be accessed by train and taxi.
According to one of the witnesses who were among the group that was mugged, said the ruffians showed up with knives and asked them to give them all their stuffs.
Co-founder of adventure tourism company Jinga Experience, Evan Farr, told The Rio Times: “Unfortunately the Corcovado Hike has recently suffered from these incidents. It is a shame to see this happen to such a great Rio experience.
“The reality is, it is known that most people hiking the Corcovado trail will be carrying valuables because the summit is Christ the Redeemer, so the hikers become targets.”
He advises tackling more difficult paths.