Top Rio de Janeiro Nature Walks

Explore the parts of Rio de Janeiro that interest you—and skip the ones that don’t—on a private customized tour. This bespoke excursion is perfect for discerning travelers who want to maximize every moment of their vacation time without a humdrum highlights tour. Whether you decide to observe wildlife at Tijuca Forest or uncover the city’s hidden corners, your guide will organize the perfect itinerary.

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.

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.

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.

Posing for photos at the unique hanging rock of Pedra do Telegrado is a popular pastime for visitors to Rio. With this tour, enjoy a guided 45-minute hike up to the viewpoint and experience the rock at its most atmospheric during a sunrise or sunset visit. As an added bonus, enjoy round-trip transfers from your Rio de Janeiro hotel.

Summit both Corcovado and Sugar Loaf mountains on this half-day tour in Rio de Janeiro. After bright and early pickup from your Rio hotel, travel through the Tijuca National Forest to get up close with the Christ the Redeemer statue without throngs of people around. After learning about its history from your local guide, move on to Sugar Loaf Mountain for spectacular views of the sprawling city.

When renting a car seems like such a difficult thing to do, opt for this Christ the Redeemer, Selaron Steps, and Santa Teresa Tour from Rio de Janeiro that provides pickup, drop-off, and transport in between sights. This half-day tour takes you to three of the area’s most popular attractions, including the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado Mountain.

This small-group adventure combines a scenic hike through lush forests with a challenging rock climb to Sugarloaf Mountain. Learn local history as you ascend to the top for panoramic views of Rio, then take a cable car ride down. All necessary climbing equipment and a professional accredited climbing guide are included, but lunch and other food or drinks are not provided.

Explore Rio and visit Sugar Loaf Mountain during this 4-hour morning tour. Visit some of the city's most important landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and Copacabana Beach. Then, board a glassed-in cable car bound for Sugar Loaf's peak, stopping once at a scenic viewpoint. Upon reaching the top of Sugar Loaf at 1,299 feet (396 meters) above sea level, admire the views of Niteroi, Copacabana, and Santa Cruz Fortress. Round-trip transportation from selected Rio hotels is included.

As one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic attractions, Christ the Redeemer attracts lengthy lines. Save time and prevent hassle by prebooking skip-the-line tickets, which allow you to board the next available train to the summit of Corcovado, where the statue is located. Your return ticket is valid on any train, so spend as much time as you like at the top, enjoying panoramic vistas of Rio and capturing photographs of the landmark.

Enjoy hiking in Tijuca National Park with your own personal guide and finish with a refreshing dip under a waterfall. Hike up to Pedra Bonita for sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro including the beaches and surrounding Tijuca Forest. See the Christ the Redeemer statue and more from the Chinese Pavilion before arriving at Horto Waterfall. This 6-hour private tour includes round-trip hotel transport.

Discover the favela tour that brings together more than 18 years of experience, international recognition as the best walks in Latin America and Travellers’ Choice Badge on TripAdvisor. As a finalist for a Responsible Tour at an international tourism fair (WTM Latin America 2024), our commitment to authenticity and sustainability ensures a memorable and impactful experience. Book now and embark on a unique and meaningful journey within the favela!

Explore the beautiful Buzios peninsula on a full-day private tour from Rio de Janeiro. Travel by private vehicle with hotel pickup and stop at several of the area’s most beautiful beaches, such as José Gonçalves wild beach, Ferradurinha beach, and Geriba beach. Enjoy a guided city tour around Buzios to see Rua das Pedras Street, Mirante de Joao Fernandes, and more.

Sway to the sounds of Bossa Nova, the popular genre that originated in Rio de Janeiro, during this small-group walking tour through the famous Ipanema and Copacabana neighborhoods. Alongside a musician guide, visit several spots where your favorite songs were written, composed, and played. Learn how and where it started and about its famous performers, such as Joao Gilberto and Tom Jobim.

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.

Spend the day trekking through the lush Tijuca Rainforest on this small-group tour. Discover local wildlife as you make your way up to Taquara Hill which is 330 feet (100 meters) higher than Christ the Redeemer. Take in views of Rio, visit caves and grottoes, and take a dip on the refershing pools of the Baronesa Waterfall. This is a challenging hike for those with good physical fitness.

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.

Take your Rio de Janeiro visit to new heights thanks to this small-group hiking excursion to the top of Pedra da Gavea. Travel to Rio’s Tijuca rainforest for your ascent of this 2,770-foot (844-meter) pinnacle of rock, admiring local wildlife during the steep climb. You’ll eventually strap on climbing equipment, completing a few basic rock climbing sections on your trip to the top. Enjoy stunning views of greater Rio from the peak before rappelling back down. A guide and all necessary equipment are all included.

Favela da Rocinha is the largest favela in Rio, located in the South Zone. With this tour, join a local family-run tour to experience the rich history, culture, and heritage of Rio as you learn about life in the favelas. Explore the alleys of the favela on a guided walking tour, peek inside the shops and restaurants, and learn about local cultural projects

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.

Imagine a tour in Arraial do Cabo that reveals the natural and historical treasures of this paradisiacal region. Starting at Praia do Farol, accessible only by authorized boat, you will be enchanted by its crystal clear waters in shades of blue and green, and the white sands that invite absolute relaxation. It is a true haven of tranquility and natural beauty. Next, we head to the Blue Grotto, where the magic happens inside the cave. With waters so clear that they reflect the sun's rays, you will be enveloped by a unique and mystical atmosphere, providing an experience of contemplation and admiration. Next, we visited Praia dos Anjos, the starting point for boat trips around the region. Finally, we end the day with a natural spectacle: the sunset at Praia dos Anjos, offering a stunning view that is the perfect setting to close with a flourish a day full of discoveries and beauty in Arraial do Cabo.

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.

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.