Top Rio de Janeiro Nature and Wildlife Tours

Escape the crowds and discover a different side of Rio de Janeiro on an unforgettable adventure through Tijuca National Park, home to the world's largest urban reforested rainforest. Your experience begins with convenient hotel pickup before heading into the heart of the Tijuca Rainforest. Accompanied by an experienced bilingual guide, you'll explore scenic jungle trails, hidden caves, crystal-clear waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints while learning about the unique ecosystem that makes this park one of Rio's greatest natural treasures. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including toucans, monkeys, coatis, butterflies, and many other species that call the rainforest home. They might appear to welcome you! Unlike traditional city tours, this experience takes you beyond Rio's famous landmarks and into the wild heart of the city, offering an authentic connection with nature and one of the most diverse environments in Brazil.

Experience Rio's lush Tijuca Rainforest on a thrilling open-air jeep tour. Encounter diverse wildlife, stunning waterfalls, and scenic trails in the world's largest urban rainforest. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup in south Rio and embark on a journey to the forest. Cruise through the lush landscape and keep a lookout for playful monkeys, coatis, butterflies, toucans, iguanas, and an array of fascinating insects. After 30 minutes of moderate hiking, reach a breathtaking viewpoint 690 meters above sea level for awe-inspiring panoramic views. Continue your journey to the National Park's tallest waterfall, a majestic 35-meter cascade. Take a refreshing dip and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural splendor. During the return, we will take you to the iconic Vista Chinesa, a renowned viewpoint that offers breathtaking city views. Conclude with a drive through São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana, enjoying vibrant beaches and a rejuvenating, tranquil ending.

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.

It’s hard to beat the crowds in Rio de Janeiro entirely, but trekking the challenging Pedra da Gavea gives you access to viewpoints with far fewer people, so that you can soak up views of Rio’s iconic coastline in more peace. This hiking tour helps you navigate the moderate-difficult route, ensuring you stay safe and don’t get lost along the way.

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.

Discover a side of Rio de Janeiro that goes far beyond the beaches and postcard sights. Explore waterfalls, a natural cave, and the lush Tijuca Forest in small groups, with the chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat. An authentic experience for those wishing to discover the city's wilder, more surprising side.

Discover the tropical paradise of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande—where stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes await—on a full-day group tour from Rio de Janeiro. Relax on white-sand shores, dive into vibrant coral reefs, and observe rich marine life, including colorful tropical fish on a peaceful schooner ride. Lunch is included, and snorkeling equipment is available to rent for a closer look beneath the sea’s surface.

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.

Swap the bustle of Rio de Janeiro for the tropical beauty of Arraial do Cabo, known by locals as the Brazilian Caribbean, on a full-day tour that takes care of transfers, activities, meals, and guides so you don’t have to. Letting someone else drive allows you to sit back and soak up the scenery, while stops to swim in crystal-clear waters increase your chances of spotting wildlife.

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.

Explore the incredible urban forest of Tijuca, with this guided hiking adventure in the heart of Rio De Janeiro. The region is filled with amazing wildlife and flora in their natural environment with the opportunity to admire tucan birds, monkeys, armadillos and anteaters along the way. Enjoy panoramic landscapes while visiting the Taunay Waterfall and the Vista Chinesa viewpoint before returning to the city.

You will be guided by a local resident with years of experience, who knows every corner of Vidigal. We will walk as the sky changes color and the sun rises over Guanabara Bay. A magical and unforgettable moment, with safety, information and connection with nature and Carioca culture.

A trail experience with climbing, nature and cable car. In one of the most beautiful urban places in the world.

The dramatic rock viewpoint of Pedra do Telegrado is one of the most popular photo spots in Rio de Janeiro. With this tour, explore the West Zone of Rio en route to the viewpoint, stopping at four different beaches. Hike up to the Pedra do Telegrado and enjoy plenty of time to pose for photos on the unique overhanging rock.

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.

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.

Tijuca National Park is a great opportunity to get to know Rio de Janeiro's rich avifauna, with endemic species of the Atlantic Forest. This is an ideal tour for those who want to start bird watching or for those more experienced birders.

Head to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro. Your skip-the-line ticket gives you priority access to both cable cars, saving you time waiting at this popular attraction, and is valid for any departure time on the day you select. Admire the beautiful views of the city, the mountains, and the coastline from the lookout.

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.

Watch the sunset over Rio from Mureta da Urca during this 3-hour tour in Rio de Janeiro. As the sun makes its exit, turning the sky a multitude of colors, relax with a cold bottle of beer and some snacks from one of the bars in the surrounding neighborhood. Enjoy the atmosphere of this popular meeting place, encountering other travelers and locals alike. Learn about Rio's laid-back nightlife and what local residents do in their free time from your local guide. Four beers and round-trip transportation from central Rio hotels are included.

Stray from the beaten path and access Rio viewpoints with fewer crowds on a hiking tour of Two Brothers Mountain. Don’t worry about losing your way as you follow your guide on this moderate-level trail, which culminates in panoramic views of the Marvelous City. Pose for photos with only a fraction of the people you’d encounter elsewhere.

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.

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.