Top Southeast Brazil Nature and Wildlife Tours

Skip the gridlocked city traffic and the crowded tour buses. Just 40 minutes from Rio's famous beaches lies a protected UNESCO World Heritage wilderness where the dense jungle canopy blocks out the city chaos. This is a paced, small-group journey designed to show you Rio’s wild side without the crowds.

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.

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!

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.

Take a break from the city streets without venturing too far on this half-day Jeep tour through Tijuca Rainforest. Explore the lush jungle with a small group in an open-air vehicle that provides unobstructed views so you can observe the wildlife. Take a short hike to a beautiful viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the city and visit the park’s tallest waterfall for a refreshing dip.

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.

This walking tour of São Paulo's historic center offers an in-depth look at the city's architectural gems and cultural highlights. Begin at the Pateo do Collegio, the birthplace of São Paulo, and journey through centuries of history with stops at the Manor of the Marquesa of Santos and the majestic Catedral da Sé. Marvel at the neoclassical beauty of the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and experience the grandeur of the Martinelli Building, Latin America's first skyscraper. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Theatro Municipal, a symbol of São Paulo's cultural evolution. Throughout the tour, your private guide will share fascinating stories and exclusive insights, making this an unforgettable experience.

Embark on a walking tour through the historic heart of Sao Paulo, led by an English-speaking guide who will unveil the city's architectural and historical marvels. Begin at Pateo do Collegio, the birthplace of Sao Paulo, and traverse through centuries of stories and iconic structures. Stand in awe of the majestic Sé Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and marvel at the pioneering heights of the Martinelli Building, once the tallest in Latin America. Experience breathtaking city views from Farol Santander, a testament to the city's modernity. Delve into the industrial heritage embodied by the historic Matarazzo Building. Engage with the vibrant cultural and political history at Vale do Anhangabau, a central hub of Sao Paulo's evolution. Finally, immerse yourself in the rich artistic legacy at Theatro Municipal, a symbol of the city's cultural grandeur.

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 the rugged Brazilian countryside on horseback during this door-to-door tour from Paraty, suitable for all abilities. This hassle-free private tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, meaning you won't have to worry about finding a meeting point. Plus, letting someone drive you through Serra da Bocaina National Park means you'll have more time to focus on the scenery before riding on horseback throughout the country.

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.

Beat the crowds of the main beaches of Paraty and discover the fishing village of Trinidad on this nature-focused tour. Relish a mix of swimming and hiking, for the ultimate day in nature—your guide leads the way and helps you spot flora and fauna as you explore. Plus, snorkels are included so you don’t need to worry about packing kit.

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

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.

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.

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.

Discover parts of Arraial do Cabo that most tourists miss on this half-day boat tour. Going by boat means you can access secret beaches and stunning swim spots that you can’t reach any other way. Board your covered boat and spend a few hours exploring the “Caribbean of Brazil,” with a few stops along the way.

The turquoise waters of Arraial do Cabo have given the area the nickname of the “Brazilian Caribbean” and this boat tour from Buzios takes you to the best spots. Sail along the coast and stop at several points of interest such as the Blue Grotto, Fenda da Nossa Senhora, and a few beaches. During your journey, stop to swim in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a delicious lunch at Cabo Frio.

Visit the islands of Angra do Reis aboard a boat on this excursion from Rio de Janeiro. Relax as the boat sails through the deep blue waters and you watch the vibrant green of the Atlantic forest pass by on the shoreline. Get a chance to interact with some local dolphins and participate in water sports (own expense). Disembark on some of the small islands to explore the beaches, shop the open-air markets for local handicrafts and sidle up to one of the beach bars for a drink. Lunch on board the boat and round-trip transportation from Rio hotels are included.

Instead of following the same standard itineraries, explore the world-class coves and pristine beaches of Paraty at your own pace on a private boat tour. Relish the undivided attention of your captain and crew, and tailor your itinerary to align with your tastes for a personalized day on the water.

Explore some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches when you take this boat tour around Arraial do Cabo. You'll travel to several stops with your captain at the helm, and your guide will explain them all to you. This is about a half day tour, and it will go to places like Forno Beach, Crevice of Our Lady of Assumption for photos, Gruta do Amor, the beautiful Farol Beach, and Prainhas do Pontal which is the staircase beach.

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.