Top Southeast Brazil Nature Walks

Get away from Rio’s raucous side and head deep into nature on this half-day tour. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll head to the city’s “Green Lungs,” aka Tijuca National Park, the largest urban rainforest on the planet. With your guide leading the way, you’ll wander amongst caves and waterfalls, watch for wildlife, and marvel at Brazilian biodiversity—bring your camera, your hiking shoes, and your exploring legs!

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.

Walk through the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest with a naturalist guide during this 4-hour tour from São Paulo. On foot, follow your guide through the dense tropical forest in search of native animals. Listen to informative commentary about the endemic plants and flowers as you weave through the dense thickets of tropical vegetation. Stop at a nearby waterfall to cool off under its impressive cascade and admire the machinery of a defunct water wheel house. Round-trip transportation from São Paulo hotels or the airport is included.

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.

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.

With your ticket at Morro da Urca, you visit and have access to the Praça dos Bondes - which displays the two previous generations of the Sugar Loaf Cable Car and the life-size bronze sculptures of those responsible for the creation and implementation of each one - Augusto Ferreira Ramos and Christopher Leite de Castro and; Cocuruto - a place that tells the story of the Sugar Loaf Cable Car, inaugurated over 100 years ago, with exhibitions of images, projections, machinery and objects that marked the trajectory of the 1st Brazilian cable car and the oldest in operation in the world. At some times of the year, the space hosts temporary exhibitions. The park has preferential access, lift platform, adapted toilets and ramps, making tourism accessible for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.

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.

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.

Imagine a tour in Arraial do Cabo that reveals the natural and historical treasures of this paradisiacal region. Starting at Praia do Farol, accessible only by authorized boat, you will be enchanted by its crystal clear waters in shades of blue and green, and the white sands that invite absolute relaxation. It is a true haven of tranquility and natural beauty. Next, we head to the Blue Grotto, where the magic happens inside the cave. With waters so clear that they reflect the sun's rays, you will be enveloped by a unique and mystical atmosphere, providing an experience of contemplation and admiration. Next, we visited Praia dos Anjos, the starting point for boat trips around the region. Finally, we end the day with a natural spectacle: the sunset at Praia dos Anjos, offering a stunning view that is the perfect setting to close with a flourish a day full of discoveries and beauty in Arraial do Cabo.

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 ....

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Take your Rio de Janeiro visit to new heights thanks to this small-group hiking excursion to the top of Pedra da Gavea. Travel to Rio’s Tijuca rainforest for your ascent of this 2,770-foot (844-meter) pinnacle of rock, admiring local wildlife during the steep climb. You’ll eventually strap on climbing equipment, completing a few basic rock climbing sections on your trip to the top. Enjoy stunning views of greater Rio from the peak before rappelling back down. A guide and all necessary equipment are all included.

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

Enjoy the spectacular sunrise on a secluded beach in Rio, followed by a dip in a hidden crystal clear water natural pool and relaxation on a wild beach. Start your day invigoratingly with an optional hike through rocks with stunning views or choose to relax on the sand. Explore a quiet long beach, perfect for photography and sports activities without the crowds. Your guide and professional photographer, Renato, a true Carioca (Rio native), shares his expertise and ensures a memorable experience with personal touches, such as drone shots included and hability to speak five languages on the adventure. - Enjoy a stunning sunrise on a Rio de Janeiro secluded beach - Swim and relax in a crystal clear water hidden Natural pool - Includes optional little hikes on the rocks for amazing views - Explore a long wild beach, away from the crowds - Guided by Renato, a local expert on natural attractions - Drone shots included to create even better memories

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 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.