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.
Download The GPSmyCity App
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
Walking Tours in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Create Your Own Walk in Rio de Janeiro
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rio de Janeiro is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rio's Top Religious Sites
Due to the legacy of the Portuguese in language, religion, and law, Rio de Janeiro has had a rich and influential Catholic tradition. Until the mid-20th century almost all Brazilians were – at least nominally – Catholic, and today the country’s religious sites, both classic and modern, impress with their skill, creativity and devotion.
Founded in 1590 by Benedictine monks from Bahia, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Founded in 1590 by Benedictine monks from Bahia, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Rio de Janeiro Introduction Walking Tour
Rio de Janeiro is the capital city of the state of Rio de Janeiro. It was founded in 1565 by the Portuguese. It was the capital of the State of Brazil of the Portuguese Empire from 1763 until 1822.
When Brazil became independent of Portugal in 1822, Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Empire of Brazil. In 1889, Brazil became a republican nation, with Rio de Janeiro as its capital. But in... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
When Brazil became independent of Portugal in 1822, Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Empire of Brazil. In 1889, Brazil became a republican nation, with Rio de Janeiro as its capital. But in... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Rio de Janeiro Beach Walk
The Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are two of the main reasons Rio is so famous around the world. While Copacabana is a year-round tourist hub, famed for its incredible New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Ipanema and Leblon neighborhoods have the cleanest, safest, most beautiful beaches in the city, and are the favorite playgrounds of Rio de Janeiro’s upper-middle class.
Start your tour with a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Start your tour with a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Uniquely Brazilian Souvenirs to Bring Home from Rio de Janeiro
Other than the sun, passion and football, for which Brazil is renowned and which cannot be fitted into one's luggage, picking a memorable gift from Rio is a tough job. And this is not because of the lack of suitable things to choose from, but because of their abundance. Indeed, there're...