Tijuca National Park

Ecotourism

Experience the Horto Waterfall Trail and the Secret Waterfall Circuit! The tour consists of hiking trails with a moderate level of difficulty and some natural obstacles that you have to overcome. The place is beautiful and extremely pleasant, offering beautiful flora and wild animals for you to observe. Start the Horto Waterfall Trail and the Secret Waterfall Circuit towards the Jequitibá Waterfall, following trails and waterfalls until arriving at the famous Waterfall of the Shower, also known as Box Waterfall by the design and format that the rock presents. The Horto Waterfall Trail and the Secret Waterfall Circuit are an excellent alternative to get away from the overcrowded beaches of the city.

Venture into the Tijuca Rain Forest in an open jeep where you will discover a tropical forest in the middle of a large city. Drive past the "Cachoeira dos macacos" (monkey's waterfall) and learn about the history of the reforestation process and the importance of the "Mata Atlântica" (Atlantic Forrest) at "Vista Chinesa" (Chinese view). Tijuca National Park is the largest city-surrounded urban forest and the second largest urban forest in the world. Photo opportunities abound as you pass the "Mesa do Imperador" (Emperor's table), Cascatinha (Taunay's waterfall), and Capela Mayrink (Mayrink Chapel). Your tour continues with a 1-hour hike on an easy trail where you will learn more and have direct interaction with the flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem. This tour is highlighted by the variety of tropical fruits, trees, monkeys and the multitude of birds and butterflies that live in this unique forest.

Explore Tijuca National Forest in meticulously restored ex-military open-air off-road vehicles. After hotel pick-up, cut to the Lagoa with the striking view of the Christ statue and head to the rainforest. Stop at the famous Vista Chinesa to discover the history of this unique monument as you'll soak in the views of the Christ Statue in the distance. Move on to the Cascatinha Visconde de Taunay waterfall, and take a quick dip in the crystal clear refreshing water. Continue to a charming chapel constructed in 1855, and start the first of 2 trails. See coatis, toucans, and monkeys! Take a restroom stop and start the second trail of the tour, passing through the Atlantic forest with the sounds of waterfalls following your footsteps. Hop back into your top-down Jeep and head to the famous São Conrado Beach to watch the hand-gliders, before your scenic drive back to your hotel.

Visit a variety of lesser-known attractions in the Tijuca Forest National Park on the Tijuca Forest tour circuit. On a 6-km-long walk, hike along trails made in the 19th century, a period when this area was occupied by coffee plantations. Discover the history of the park, the world’s largest replanted urban forest. Along the circuit, visit the Cascatinha Taunay, the largest waterfall in the National Park, the Mayrink Chapel from 1850, the Cova da Onça Suspension Bridge, the Eucalyptus Forest which houses an old slave cemetery, and the Morcego’s Grotto, the largest gneiss cave in Brazil. Next, cool off at the Baronesa Cascade waterfall. Then, start the journey back to the starting point passing the former residence of Barão d’Escragnolle, one of the park’s managers in the past (now The Esquilos restaurant). Also see the Wallace Fountain, with a sculpture representing goodness, charity, sobriety and simplicity, a gift from the English philanthropist Richard Wallace to Brazil and produced inFrance in 1870. This circuit combines adventure, history, nature, a waterfall shower, among other things, passing through hidden spots and attractions that reveal the richness and personality of Rio de Janeiro and its tropical rainforest.

The tour takes you to hike through the Tijuca Rainforest, one of the biggest urban forests on the planet, on this off the beaten track circuit of trails to discover the nature and beauty of the jungle, reaching the Taquara Hill (814m=2670ft). This peak is a 100m higher than the Christ Redeemer statue, and on clear days, you have 2 amazing views: one to the valley of the forest and another to the West part of Rio, its coastline and lagoons. After that, you will go to a deeper part of the jungle following a trail that is almost secret as it is very rare to see other people doing it. Within 1 hour of hiking up and downhill, you will reach the ruins of an old coffee farm and, with a bit more walking, you will reach a grotto and a cave in the middle of the rainforest. After this, you head to a waterfall where you can refresh yourself (bring a towel and bathing suit). This trail circuit was designed by experts in the Tijuca Forest Park using tracks and sites that are not well-known or regularly visited, so you'll be hiking in a very unusual part of the forest. The scenery of this tour is amazing and it has a lot to offer as you are visiting sites that are not featured in most tours. On the way up, you will learn the history of Brazil, Rio, the Tijuca Forest, and everything about the coffee farms that used to occupy that area before the reforestation that happened in the 1800's.

Head out into the lush natural surroundings of Rio on this day trip. Over the course of the day, discover a variety of different ecosystems: a tropical rainforest, mountains, waterfalls, secluded beaches, lagoons, and more. Take part in a tour for those who love nature but are not in the mood to hike. Enjoy an easy walking tour that takes you to visit the South, North and West of Rio in one day. Begin your tour at the Penhasco Dois Irmãos Park for a great view of the Leblon and Ipanema beaches. Afterwards, head to the Tijuca Forest National Park, where you’ll visit the Chinese View summit, Taunay Waterfall, and Canoas Summit. After a quick break for snacks and lunch, it’s off to Chico Mendes Lagoon Park, a mangrove lagoon where you may see caimans and capybaras. Continue on to Prainha Beach Park, a tiny, secluded beach beloved by surfers and surrounded by mountains and rainforest. Cap things off with a trip to Prainha beach, a beautiful, secluded, and protected beach in a park on the West side of Rio. Afterwards, enjoy transported back to your accommodation.

Hike inside the urban rainforest of Rio de Janeiro and get back to nature in Tijuca National Park. Climb Pico da Tijuca for stunning views at the highest point in the forest at an altitude of 1,021 meters above sea level. Experience one of the most beautiful trails of Rio de Janeiro, starting at the entry gate to Tijuca National Park and travel through several sections before arrival at the summit. Discover the amazing waterfall of Cachoeira das Almas and get breathtaking views from the peak of Tijuca Mirim. See a legendary staircase carved into rock and more.

Hike one of the most famous rock formations in this wonderful city, the Pedra da Gavea. Summit at 842 meters and take in the spectacular views of the Bay of Guanabara and some of the main beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Also, see majestic views of famous mountains in nearby Tijuca National Park, such as Pico da Tijuca, Bico do Papagaio, Pedra Bonita and Corcovado. During your adventure along the Pedra da Gavea trail, you may also spot some wild animals of the Carioca Atlantic Forest! There are many animal and bird species that live in the greater Tijuca National Park area. Bring your camera and capture the panoramic views this special spot has to offer.

Get spectacular views of Rio de Janeiro on an approximate 3-hour hike of Pedra da Gávea. Follow the challenging nature trails of the largest monolith in the world, starting at sea level and ascending through Tijuca National Park to an altitude of around 840 meters. Trek through the Carrasqueira section using the safety equipment provided by your instructor, and face the challenge of basic rock climbing of approximately 30 meters in height. Once past the Carrasqueira, continue to the mountain summit, and get rewarded with amazing views of the south and west areas of Rio de Janeiro before the walk back down.

This specially designed 7-hour tour around the city of Rio de Janeiro provides a unique chance to see the attractions of Rio de Janeiro with a professional English speaking tour guide showing you all around. The day tour starts with pick-up at your hotel or hostel in Rio. Your first stop will be at São Conrado beach where the hang gliders land after their take off from Pedra Bonita. You will enjoy amazing views of the high mountains on the blue coast of the ocean. From there, you will visit the Tijuca National Park and get a glimpse of the greenest tropical rainforest. This is the best spot to check how nature and the urban area can coexist, while seeing waterfalls, tropical plants and the wildlife.  After that, stop for lunch in Ipanema, and then hit the road again, this time to visit the Christ The Redeemer. Remember to bring your camera for the breathtaking photos of this memorable day. After the visit to the Christ, have a stop in Santa Teresa. This is one of the most traditional neighborhoods of Rio. It still retains much of its original architecture and character of previous colonial years. At the end of your Rio day tour, see the Escadaria Selaron or secret Lapa steps where Snoop Dogg shot his famous video for ‘Beautiful’ with Pharrell Williams. Finally, you will be offered the option to be dropped off at Sugarloaf Mountain in time for enjoying the sunset or to be dropped off back in your hotel or hostel.