Top Rio de Janeiro Nature and Wildlife Tours

Discover an incredible urban forest without leaving Rio de Janeiro. This small group tour of Tijuaca National Park takes you to the most scenic viewpoints, including a beautiful beach and the famous Pedra Bonita peak. Your guide will also take you on a short hike to access a cave or one of the many waterfalls in the park that you can swim in.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Add some outdoor adventure to your time in the ‘urban jungle’ of Rio during this 4-hour Jeep excursion in Tijuca Forest. Drive through one of the world’s largest urban forests, admiring bird’s eye views of iconic Rio sights like the Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach. You’ll also have time to explore by foot along the forest’s hiking trails, keeping your eyes peeled to spot local wildlife and lush tropical plants. A guide and round-trip hotel transport are also included.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Pedra do Telégrafo with Rodrigo Índio Tours — more than just a trail, a unique adventure in Rio! Explore a little-known route with a local guide who knows every detail of the region. Take iconic photos from the cliff's edge, in complete safety and at a dedicated time to avoid crowds. Enjoy panoramic views of wild beaches and immerse yourself in the culture of the Guaratiba community. Comfortable transportation included, guaranteed fun and unforgettable memories! Avoid lines and crowds (strategic scheduling) Incredible photos without worry (with the help of a guide) Comfortable transportation from your hotel to the departure point

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.

Take a challenging hike to one of Rio de Janeiro’s most scenic viewpoints during this small-group excursion. Trek through Tijuca Rainforest to reach the famous Pedra da Gavea for stunning views of the city. Discover local wildlife, refresh yourself in a waterfall, learn about the history of Rio, and rock climb up a small section to reach the famous rock. This tour is recommended for those with strong physical fitness.

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.

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 Tijuca National Park with a local guide on a half-day hike. Learn about native plant and animal species and look out for tropical birds and reptiles along the trail. Swim in a natural lagoon and then take a rest with gorgeous Rio de Janeiro views. This tour is deal for visitors looking for an adventure in Brazil. Escape the city, immerse yourself in nature and learn about Brazilian wildlife.

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.

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.

Visit some of the most avoided areas of Rio de Janeiro with a guide who knows the areas well and knows how to keep you safe during this Rio de Janeiro Rocinha Favela Walking Tour. You’ll visit a few favelas within just a few hours as your guide tells you about the communities and their culture. Follow paths locals walk every day to see the slums and take in hilltop views of the city.