Top Southeast Brazil Nature Walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fly over Rio de Janeiro on this hang gliding or paragliding tour. You do not need experience. Receive a short training session before heading off the Pedra Bonita ramp, located within the Tijuca National Park. Enjoy a unique perspective of the city before landing on São Conrado beach. Flight duration depends on weather conditions.

Guarantee easy roundtrip travel from Vila do Abraão to Lopes Mendes on board a comfortable schooner shuttle. Once you arrive you have the option to explore up to four beaches and a network of nature trails near Lopes Mendes at your own pace. This tour duration is flexible, ranging from five to eight hours depending on your selected departure times.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Bossa Nova Walking tour is the one and only tour in Rio with a live musician tour guide. It's an amazing walking tour by important and scenic spots at Ipanema and Copacabana lead by a musician-singer-tour guide, an all-in-one professional, playing live Bossa Nova songs and telling stories, curiosities, all about the history, the great composers and the magic behind this Brazilian music style that is Rio’s ‘trademark’. In this 3h walking tour, you’ll visit 10 different spots (Ipanema and Copacabana), such as bars, beaches and also passing by the places where the Bossa Nova music was written, played and composed. Our tour guide is an all-in-one professional as he’s also a musican and singer, playing the guitar and some other instruments along the way. You’ll get to know all about Bossa Nova, how and where it started, who were the main composers and performers, like Tom Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes, João Gilberto and others.

If you're looking for a spectacular hike in Rio de Janeiro, don't miss the Two Brothers (Dois Irmãos) sunrise hike. Our guide Maira was born in Vidigal, and she will be delighted to tell you her story. This guided hike offers you a unique experience, combining nature, history and breathtaking panoramas. The experience begins with the famous motorbike taxis which will take you to the start of the hike. You will walk for around 40 minutes to arrive at the summit just in time to witness a breathtaking natural spectacle, with the sun's rays lighting the sky in golden and pink hues. You will be able to capture incredible memories with panoramic views of the beaches of Leblon and Ipanema, the Tijuca forest and the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. Accompanied by a passionate local guide, you discover the region's rich ecosystem while learning about Carioca culture. We look forward to seeing you among us.

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.

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 ....

Start your adventure in Rio by visiting its most famous landmarks, such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, the colorful Selarón Steps, the lively Sambódromo, and the iconic Maracanã stadium. Absorb the city's rich culture and history while enjoying its stunning vistas and renowned attractions. Embark on a boat tour in Angra dos Reis, exploring Ilha Grande's crystal-clear waters. Relax on beautiful beaches, snorkel among vibrant fish, and soak up the tropical paradise with its lush scenery and serene, turquoise waters. Experience the vibrant culture of Rocinha, Latin America’s largest favela. Engage with local residents as they share their daily lives, art, and history in a safe and respectful manner. This tour provides a unique glimpse into Rio’s diverse social fabric and the community’s resilience and spirit.

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.

Soar above the city of Rio de Janeiro aboard a hang glider during this thrilling adventure. Accompanied by a fully certified instructor, launch from the Tijuca National Park and glide over the lush, verdant Atlantic Forest. Take in views of some of Rio's most famous landmarks, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Rocinha Favela, and the Christ the Redeemer Statue atop Corcovado Mountain. Touch down for a gentle landing on the white sands of Sao Conrado Beach.

Combine visits to Corcovado and the Christ Redeemer Statue, the Selaron Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral and Sugar Loaf mountain. Hit four must-sees in Rio on this full-day 9-hour tour. Start the day with a comprehensive city tour of Rio with a stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral, then ride the Sugar Loaf cable car overlooking Guanabara Bay. Refuel midday with a barbecue lunch at one Rio’s best barbecue Steak houses and then continue on over to see the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado and end your visit at the famous Selaron Steps before heading back to your hotel in time to catch dinner. Round-trip transportation from most hotels in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and São Conrado.

Escape the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro and explore some lesser-known beaches on this full-day excursion. Depart the city and head to an environmentally protected area to explore the beaches of Grumari, Prainha, and Pontal. Enjoy free time on each beach to relax, explore, and soak up the warm sun.

Discover the best of Rio de Janeiro on this full-day guided tour with lunch. Take the Corcovado train up to the Christ the Redeemer statue, take a cable car ride up to the Sugarloaf Mountain, see the famed Maracana soccer stadium, capture beautiful photos in front of the colorful Selaron Steps, and much more. This tour is also inclusive of a delicious barbecue buffet lunch at a local steakhouse.

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.

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.