Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro
Tijuca National Park, located in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, is a part of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Preserve and is managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation.
The current state of Tijuca National Park and the surrounding forests is mainly the result of reforestation efforts. Back in the 1700s, the forests in this area were cleared for various purposes such as fuel, coffee cultivation, and livestock grazing. The small streams within the former forest played a crucial role in supplying water to the city. However, due to irregular rainfall patterns, the city started experiencing water shortages and flash floods.
This forest is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered and unique to the Atlantic Forest biome. The vegetation is so dense that it has been estimated that the surrounding areas experience a temperature reduction of up to 9°C (48.2°F). Additionally, the forest boasts around 30 waterfalls.
The park is divided into three visitation areas: Floresta, Serra da Carioca, and Pedra Bonita/Pedra da Gávea. It offers various activities catering to different audiences, including picnic areas, barbecue spots, free flight, climbing, hiking trails, and more. Notable historical sites and attractions within the park include the Waterfall, Mayrink Chapel, Excelsior Lookout Point, the Hut, Paul and Virginia Grotto, Fairy Lake, the Chinese Pavilion, and the Solitude Dam.
Why You Should Visit:
It's magical under the canopy of lush trees and if you are quiet and observant you can see so many species, the likes of which you have never laid eyes on before.
The hidden waterfalls and bridges make for quite an adventure and if you're feeling really daring, tour guides can further take you to either the favelas or a hang-gliding experience.
Tip:
Do not visit during rain or rainy season as the flash floods can be lethal, however exciting to see.
Wear proper shoes (not flip-flops) and be sure to leave enough time as there's no lighting after sunset.
Feel free to stop and take pictures of the various apes, but don't try to feed them or get too close – they bite!
The park is perfect for hikers and bikers but if you aren't used to walking up steep hills make sure to bring a lot of hydration at the very least.
The current state of Tijuca National Park and the surrounding forests is mainly the result of reforestation efforts. Back in the 1700s, the forests in this area were cleared for various purposes such as fuel, coffee cultivation, and livestock grazing. The small streams within the former forest played a crucial role in supplying water to the city. However, due to irregular rainfall patterns, the city started experiencing water shortages and flash floods.
This forest is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered and unique to the Atlantic Forest biome. The vegetation is so dense that it has been estimated that the surrounding areas experience a temperature reduction of up to 9°C (48.2°F). Additionally, the forest boasts around 30 waterfalls.
The park is divided into three visitation areas: Floresta, Serra da Carioca, and Pedra Bonita/Pedra da Gávea. It offers various activities catering to different audiences, including picnic areas, barbecue spots, free flight, climbing, hiking trails, and more. Notable historical sites and attractions within the park include the Waterfall, Mayrink Chapel, Excelsior Lookout Point, the Hut, Paul and Virginia Grotto, Fairy Lake, the Chinese Pavilion, and the Solitude Dam.
Why You Should Visit:
It's magical under the canopy of lush trees and if you are quiet and observant you can see so many species, the likes of which you have never laid eyes on before.
The hidden waterfalls and bridges make for quite an adventure and if you're feeling really daring, tour guides can further take you to either the favelas or a hang-gliding experience.
Tip:
Do not visit during rain or rainy season as the flash floods can be lethal, however exciting to see.
Wear proper shoes (not flip-flops) and be sure to leave enough time as there's no lighting after sunset.
Feel free to stop and take pictures of the various apes, but don't try to feed them or get too close – they bite!
The park is perfect for hikers and bikers but if you aren't used to walking up steep hills make sure to bring a lot of hydration at the very least.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rio de Janeiro. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Tijuca National Park on Map
Sight Name: Tijuca National Park
Sight Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (See walking tours in Rio de Janeiro)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (See walking tours in Rio de Janeiro)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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