Tijuca National Park

Jeep & 4WD Tours

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.

Start your private Rio de Janeiro adventure with a drive along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Go to Corcovado Station and ride to the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue by train. Relax on the 20-minute ride through the Tijuca Forest, and get a preview of the wonderful landscape that awaits you. Upon arrival at the top of Corcovado, get a meet and greet at the main monument of Brazil and marvel at the 710-meter statue of Christ with his arms outstretched. Enjoy unparalleled views of the city and surrounding countryside from Rio de Janeiro's most strategic viewpoint. Follow your guide as they point out Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi and other highlights, such as the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, the Botanical Garden, the Jockey Club and the Tijuca National Park. Look further towards Copacabana, Botafogo, Flamengo and the famous Sugar Loaf mountain. Descend Corcovado and continue your tour with an external view of the Maracanã Stadium, Mario Filho (which staged two World Cups and one Olympic Games). Visit the Sambódromo, the famous parade ares of Rio's carnival. Enter the Metropolitan Cathedral to observe its impressive and unusual architecture. Go to the brightly-colored Selarón Steps in Lapa, one of the most visited landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. Take time to lunch at a restaurant of your choice (not included). Head to the Urca neighborhood to ride the cable car to the top of the mountain in 2 stages. Board the cable car to Urca Mount, 224 meters above sea level, and then continue to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain, 395 meters above sea level. Here, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful panoramic views of the city before you return via the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana en route to your hotel drop off.