Top Rio de Janeiro Eco Tours

Explore the world's largest urban rainforest, Tijuca National Park, during this 3-hour tour in Rio de Janeiro. With a nature guide, discover the swaths of verdant foliage and abundance of local wildlife within the confines of this vibrant city. A bio-diverse hot spot, the fragile ecosystem is home to several waterfalls and many endangered species. Enjoy views of Pedra da Gávea and the Christ the Redeemer statue and stop at the Emperor's Table and the Chinese View. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Explore Brazil's diverse plant life on this tour of the Tijuca Rainforest and the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Visit the city's botanical garden to view a variety of exotic and native plants. Ride in a jeep through the Tijuca Rainforest, stopping for a leisurely hike with picturesque views and chances to see local wildlife. Round-trip transportation from Rio de Janeiro hotels is included.

Get more out of your visit to the famous Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden when you go with a guide. Walk through the highlights of this UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve while learning about learning about its history and mission, plus see plants and animals from around the world like monkeys, toucans, and giant Amazonian water lilies. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Visit the Botanic Garden which was created in 1817 by King John VI of Portugal. Dedicated to the culture of exotic plants, the unique park features a variety of rare and exotic species brought from all over the world. Among the rarest are the Imperial Palm Trees, huge water lilies (Victorias-Regias), and Brazilian Red Wood trees (Pau Brasil), which are an endangered species in the Atlantic Forest. In its famous greenhouse, more than 500 species of delicate orchids are carefully tended to. We will then make a visit to the Tijuca Atlantic Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, stopping at the Chinese View Belvedere which features a magnificent view of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, the Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf Mountain. The access by car to the Chinese viewpoint is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. On the way back to the hotel, we stop at the Pepino Beach to watch the hang gliders.

The Tijuca National Forest is one of the largest urban rainforests in the world, set on mountain slopes just west of Rio de Janeiro. With this tour, discover two of the city’s nature sites, starting with a guided walk through the Rio Botanical Gardens, including the Turtle Lake and Sensory Garden. Then, hike through Tijuca, learn more about the native plants and wildlife, and admire Taunay Waterfall.

Discover Rio’s beautiful natural diversity on a full-day eco-tour through four stunning parks and seven unique attractions. From rainforest trails to pristine beaches, experience the city’s vibrant ecosystems, including mangroves, lagoons, and mountain summits. Perfect for nature lovers, this tour takes you off the beaten path to explore Rio’s hidden green gems while enjoying panoramic views and wildlife encounters.

See two iconic Rio de Janeiro landmarks from the water—Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf—on a sailing tour. Sail in Guanabara Bay or the open sea while you relax with a welcome drink and snacks. Enjoy stunning views and discover the magic of sailing from the captain who illuminates Rio’s history. This 3-hour boat tour has a maximum capacity of 20, so there'll be plenty of room onboard.

Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this comprehensive day tour. With your guide, tick off Christ the Redeemer statue, the Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. If you upgrade to the premium option, you can even take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, plus stop for lunch in one of the city's best steakhouses. Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Relax on the pristine, uncrowded beaches of Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis during this 12-hour excursion from Rio de Janeiro. Take a break from the urban pace with a sightseeing cruise through the islands, passing Ponta da Piedade, Lagoa Azul and Ilha de Cataguases. Stop to swim and snorkel in the azure waters or dig your toes into the soft sand. Enjoy lunch aboard the boat; drinks are available for purchase. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Get an in-depth local experience with this walking tour of one of Rio's "favelas," Rocinha. Follow your resident guide through the slum to get an insider's perspective on daily life and learn about the challenges these communities face. Upgrade your experience to a 2-day tour that includes a visit to Tijuca Forest.

Venture away from the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro and explore the wild Pedra Branca State Park. Embark on a hike to Pedra do Telegrafo for beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Rio in the distance before exploring a handful of rugged beaches for a bit of relaxation. This excursion is suitable for most travelers and is limited to a small group for a more personalized experience.

Swap bustling Rio de Janeiro for Búzios, a resort town on Rio’s northern coast. Hop aboard a boat in search of Búzios’ best beaches, then enjoy a delicious Brazilian lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, continue with a sightseeing tour of the upscale Rua das Pedras, a cobbled street that showcases sophisticated boutiques and dining options for the jet set. Round-trip hotel transport in the South Zone and Downtown Rio is included on this day trip.

See the best of Rio de Janeiro without having to worry about advance planning on a shore excursion that reveals the best of the Marvelous City. Ideal for time-pressed travelers, this hassle-free package transports you between sights in air-conditioned comfort and includes admission tickets for two top attractions.

Enjoy a flexible, fully customized way to experience Rio de Janeiro—and opt to visit the sights that interest you most—on this private, full-day sightseeing tour. Traveling aboard a private vehicle makes getting around seamless. Choose to stop at major landmarks including Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the Selaron Steps (admission tickets own expense). You can also explore the historic city center, visit Tijuca Forest, or discover bohemian Santa Teresa.

Immerse yourself in the culinary culture of Rio de Janeiro during a small-group cooking class. Learn about the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques specific to Brazilian cuisine from your instructor. Upgrade to include a market tour to discover Brazilian ingredients, spices, and souvenirs. Then, get your hands dirty as you learn to prepare several authentic recipes while sipping on an unlimited caipirinhas. Enjoy a true taste of Rio and explore local culture beyond the restaurant scene.

Sloths, monkeys, butterflies, and birds are just some of the wildlife your guide can point out on this half-day eco-tour of Tijuca National Park. Ride an open-top Jeep into the rainforest and hike around this section of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) with a guide to lead the way. Round-trip transport from Rio hotels is included to the Tijuca Forest.

Explore the pristine beauty of Ilha Grande on a private tour tailored just for you and your friends. Skip the crowded buses and enjoy a personalized experience with a private boat captain. Visit stunning locations like Lagoa Azul, Praia do Dentista, and more, all while immersed in the vibrant local culture. This full-day adventure includes snorkeling gear, transportation from Zona Sul, and the option to bring your own lunch and drinks. With a maximum group size of five, you'll enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to connect with the beauty of nature like never before. - Private tour for a maximum of 5 people, ensuring a personalized experience - Visit breathtaking beaches and stunning natural spots on Ilha Grande - Includes snorkeling equipment and private transportation from Zona Sul - Enjoy the flexibility to choose your dining options and explore at your own pace

We begin in the charming neighbourhood of Cosme Velho, walking up a cobblestone road toward the forest. Entering Tijuca Forest National Park at the historic Carioca River reservoir—built during imperial times when the river supplied most of Rio’s water—we reach the Carioca River Trail. Your adventure starts with a climb up a stone staircase, keeping an eye out for wildlife. With luck, we may spot monkeys, sloths, quatis, toucans, and a variety of birds. Along the way, we pause at a scenic lookout before arriving at the Emperor’s Bathtub—a pool once used by Dom Pedro II to cool off during forest visits. Next, we stop at the Paineiras Visitors Centre, a former hotel with information about the park. Here, you can enjoy coffee and snacks before continuing the final 1 km walk to the statue. At the top you’ll marvel at the iconic statue and breathtaking views of Rio. We then return to Cosme Velho on the Christ the Redeemer Train, ending the journey with unforgettable memories.

Ride through Tijuca National Park's rainforest in an open-top Jeep during this half-day trip from Rio. During guided eco-tour, hike through the forest to spot sloths, butterflies, monkeys, and birds. Enjoy panoramic views from Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) and marvel at the fact that this section of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) is just 10 minutes outside the city limits. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Tour Rio de Janeiro your way, with a private car and driver, during this fully customizable tour. Choose the landmarks and attractions that you want to visit, such as Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the city's famous beaches. Learn about the food, language, culture and history of the city and its inhabitants from your informative local guide while you explore. Round trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle is included.

Just beyond Rio lies a world of adventure—one you’ll sink into deeply on this guided tour. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll head straight into nature, hiking roughly 4 miles to waterfalls, lakes, historic sites, vistas, swimming pools (bring your gear!), and through one of the largest urban forests on the planet. Watch for wildlife like monkeys and coatis, take an al fresco picnic, and destress in these great outdoors.

You will be enchanted by our 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours, which includes a complete City Tour of Rio de Janeiro and an Ecological Tour, including a beautiful and light hike in the Tijuca Forest, where you will enjoy the fresh air as well as its singular fauna and flora.   The tours are accompanied by an experienced and bilingual guide (all with Cadastur). The Tour includes the following activities: Full Day Complete City Tour of Rio de Janeiro, including the visits of Corcovado, Cristo Redentor, external visit to Maracanã Stadium, Sambódromo, São Sebastião Cathedral, Sugar Loaf, Beaches and Lunch. (This is an Open Group Tour format) Ecologic Tour at Tijuca National Park, including the vists of Pedra Bonita, Chinese View and Horto Waterfall. (This is an Private Group Tour format)

Hike to the top of Tijuca Peak with a guide during this half-day excursion from Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy convenient pickup at your Rio hotel and a scenic ride through the forest of Tijuca National Park. While you hike, your guide points out native flora and fauna that may include toucans, monkeys, sloths and snakes.