Top Rio de Janeiro Wildlife Watching in 2026

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.

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.

Get a glimpse into local life in Rio de Janeiro during a favela tour that reveals a different side of the Marvelous City. In an intimate group limited to 12 travelers, you’ll explore two of the largest favelas in Rio, and benefit from the local insight of a guide as you learn more about living conditions in the city.

If crowded boat tours aren’t your thing, this intimate experience is perfect for you. Set sail to the Tijuca Islands archipelago with a small group and explore Rio de Janeiro’s underwater world. Enjoy opportunities to spot sea turtles, colorful fish, and birds, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring along the way.

Grand Islands is ecologically rich and is known for its coastal views, marine caves and distinct plant and animal species. I would like to invite you to experience a walk at sunrise, has been a sensory experience, which has a positive energy and attitude for the rest of the day. From time to time, it is worth the effort to get up and find the sun, especially if you manage to reach a scenic landscape. The sunrise provides one of the most striking lights throughout the day, so even the familiar views can look special when bathed by the bright morning.

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.

And an opportunity to learn to samba with a carnival queen of Rio de Janeiro. Besides having a lot of fun, you will learn to sambar ....

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.

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.

This experience combines one of Rio de Janeiro’s most spectacular sunrise and sunset views with the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide who speaks multiple languages and has extensive experience in hiking, outdoor activities, and adventure sports. Throughout the hike, your guide ensures a safe and enjoyable experience while sharing insights about the region, local culture, and the best photo opportunities. Reaching the trail through Vidigal and watching the sunrise from the summit of Two Brothers Hill offers an authentic and unforgettable way to experience Rio. With small group sizes, this tour provides a more personal experience, allowing everyone to hike at a comfortable pace, enjoy the scenery, and capture unforgettable moments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Experience the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain without waiting in long ticket lines when you prebook your cable car ticket. Take in the views of Rio, the TIjuca Rainforest, Corcovado Mountain, and more as you ride from Vermelha Beach to Morro de Urca, and then on to Sugarloaf. Each mountain has attractions, shops, restaurants, and activities to enjoy—make a day out of it!

You haven’t experienced Rio until you’ve taken in a Brazilian sunset. Save time as an experienced guide and driver navigates you through the busy streets during this afternoon tour to popular attractions like Christ the Redeemer, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Selarón Stairs. Wrap up a wonderful day of exploration atop Sugar Loaf Mountain as you watch the sun set over iconic Copacabana Beach.

Perfect tour for lovers of a trail in the middle of nature, with views to the beautiful Restinga de Marambaia and the beautiful view of some wild beaches like the middle beach, deep beach, beach of hell, beach of Grumari, view to the stone of Pontal and etc. Besides knowing great stops track photo, After the end of the trail, I offer the possibility of stopping at a beach ( Grumari or Prainha ) to know and relax a little.

Trail with waterfalls, wild animals and caves. We walked through the forest, and through a historic park that was always full of activities. All this accompanied by a lot of information, history and nature.

Tijuca Forest is huge, and it can be hard to find your way if you’re traveling there alone. Combine this Tijuca Forest tour and take a hike with a guide through the rainforest to see its most beautiful sights without getting lost. Plus, spot local wildlife like monkeys and exotic birds as you explore the park's waterfalls and caves.

Discover one of the most complete and authentic surf experiences in Rio de Janeiro! Local trilingual instructors with over 10 years of surfing experience; Experience Rio like a local : as if a friend were showing you the best of the city; Full surf equipment included: surfboard and wetsuit (when needed); Surf at the beach with the best conditions for your level on the day of the lesson; Small groups for a more immersive, personalized, and exclusive experience; Certified travel agency with more than 8 years of experience: One Carioca Day; Over 2,500 customers from all around the world; More than 500 reviews across different platforms; Good vibes guaranteed; Let's surf together?

Pedra do Telégrafo is certainly one of the most beautiful and most visited trails in Rio de Janeiro. Having an expert guide also makes all the difference and offers more security in the natural environment.