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Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

1. Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train

2. Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train

Go all the way up to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer by the Corcovado Train. The train rides through a railway inside Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world, making a unique view over Rio de Janeiro city. Enjoy an amazing ride on a train that takes you right up to the foot of the statue of The Christ, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and one of the most famous sights in Brazil. Besides admiring one of the most beautiful landscapes of the city, you will take a walk through Brazil's history. The Corcovado Railroad was the first electrified railroad in Brazil. Inaugurated in 1884 by D. Pedro II, it is older than Christ the Redeemer itself. In fact, it was the train that, during four consecutive years, transported pieces for monument’s construction. Your visit starts on the century-old electric locomotive, riding across the preserved Atlantic Forest, part of the Tijuca National Park. At the foot of the statue of Christ, you'll be able to take in the most beautiful view over the city, and see from above what makes Rio de Janeiro so special.

Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch

3. Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch

Discover the landmarks of Rio on a full-day guided tour, including pickup and drop off at hotels in Rio. Start with a visit to Corcovado Mountain. Ride by van to the top or board the train, both through the Tijuca Forest. Then, marvel at the main monument of Brazil, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, as you take in panoramic views of Rio. Next, head towards the mythical Maracanã football stadium and observe its imposing façade. Continue to the legendary Sambódromo where the annual Carnival parade takes place. Visit the modern Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, influenced by Mayan pyramids. Check out the brightly colored tiles of the world-famous Selarón Steps at Lapa, before enjoying a typical Brazilian steakhouse lunch. After lunch, visit Sugar Loaf. Take the cable car to the top in two stages and see one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Rio.

Tijuca National Park Small-Group Hike to Pedra Bonita

4. Tijuca National Park Small-Group Hike to Pedra Bonita

On this 5-hour tour you will discover the beautiful Tijuca National Park and admire magnificent views of Rio de Janeiro as you enjoy hiking your way to some of the highest peaks in the area. An easy trail takes the group to one of the most stunning summits of Rio de Janeiro with a 1-hour walk. From the top of Pedra Bonita at 696 meters (2,283 feet) and through a unique angle you will see the famous and majestic Pedra da Gavea, one of the highest monoliths (844 meters/2,769 feet) in the world that ends directly in the ocean. Stop at another viewpoint in the park along the way. The trail goes through the Atlantic Rainforest inside the Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world. On the way up, discover the history of Rio de Janeiro and Tijuca Forest, and all about the coffee farms that used to exist there, its golden years, and the reforestation that took place in the 19th century. The tour also drives you from the South Zone to the Tijuca Mountains. Hike: EASY (3,5km=2.2mi) / 2h / elev. gain 203m (667ft) Fitness is required to hike on rainforest rough terrain, up and downhill.

Tijuca Rain Forest Tour by Jeep from Rio de Janeiro

5. Tijuca Rain Forest Tour by Jeep from Rio de Janeiro

Venture into the Tijuca Rain Forest in an open jeep and discover a tropical forest in a large city. Drive past the "Cachoeira dos macacos" (monkey's waterfall) and learn about the importance of the reforestation process of the "Mata Atlântica" (Atlantic Forest) 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). Continue with a 1-hour hike on an easy trail to learn more about 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.

Rio: Tijuca Forest & Horto Waterfalls Circuit Tour

6. Rio: Tijuca Forest & Horto Waterfalls Circuit Tour

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.

Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea Guided Hike Tour

7. Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea Guided Hike Tour

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.

Tijuca Forest: Adventure & History Half-Day Hike

8. Tijuca Forest: Adventure & History Half-Day Hike

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. Hike: MODERATE (6km=3.7mi) / 3h / elev. gain 354m (1,161ft) Requires good fitness to hike on rainforest rough terrain, up and downhill

Rio Essentials: Christ Redeemer & Sugarloaf Official Tickets

9. Rio Essentials: Christ Redeemer & Sugarloaf Official Tickets

Book your tickets in advance and visit both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro at your own pace. Christ the Redeemer: you will have the chance to ride the century-old electric Cog Train locomotive, first electrified railroad in Brazil inaugurated in 1884 by D. Pedro II. Riding across part of the Tijuca National Park, you’ll be able to take views of the city, and see from above what makes Rio de Janeiro so unique. Sugarloaf: you will visit another historical Brazilian landmark since the first cable car was installed in Brazil, and the third one in the world. From the top, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of Rio, while being surrounded by the local flora and fauna.

Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Tandem Flight

10. Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Tandem Flight

Benefit from pickup from your hotel, São Conrado Subway station, or make your own way to the Brazilian Confederation of Hang Gliding headquarters to meet your instructor.  Then take a 15-minute jeep ride into Tijuca National Park, arriving at the Pedra Bonita Ramp, 1,700 feet (520 meters) above sea level. After a safety briefing and a rehearsal, it's time for takeoff. Take the leap and experience incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, Rio’s famous beaches, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay and much more.  Your tandem flight ends with a smooth landing on the beach at São Conrado and the entire adventure will be captured by GoPro cameras attached to the wing. Enjoy an unforgettable sightseeing experience in Rio de Janeiro.

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What people are saying about Tijuca National Park

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 3,720 reviews

Sabine is an excellent guide. She is friendly and attentive and she knows a lot of things. The day went very well, with the typical attractions no morning, a quality lunch in a churrasqueira, and the city tour in the afternoon allows you to learn more about Rio. Really perfect to start discovering the city or for those in a hurry!

Great and efficient tour. It would've been nice to have a little bit more time at every tourist sight, but it was overall a great way to see a lot of things in one day. Would 100% recommend!

This was such a good experience! Way better than getting a bus up, the views on the train were so scenic. Definitely a MUST

This was a great experience. We went with the help of a private tour guide that helped us figure out the ticketing process.

Our guide was very talkative and realy looked after us.we had a trouble free day and realy enjoyed our day.