Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls

Recommended by 97% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

High interest

Booked 2 times today.

5 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· higginselijah ·

Feb 2026

Bernardo was the best guide we’ve ever had. Everything was seamless. Worth every penny! Beautiful views, food, people, and experience. Would recommend 10/10 and would do it all over again!

· Lei_G ·

Feb 2026

Just finished the tour this morning. It was truly small group and well organized: we were the first one on the top of mountain and have that view for ourselves until we were leaving. We saw two types of monkeys, butterflies, tucan, etc, along the way. What makes the trip memorable is the guide Eduardo, he is entertaining, informative, patient, great driver and full of energy. Highly recommended!

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Overview

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.

Discover a beautiful forest within Rio de Janeiro
A small group tour means a more personal experience
See wildlife, including birds and snakes, in their native habitat
Hassle-free pickup from your South Zone, City Center, or Barra accommodation

What's Included

Professional guide
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle

Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Our pick-up service covers the South Zone, North Zone, City Center, and Barra da Tijuca, where most hotels and rental flats are located. Plus, take advantage of special discounts when booking for groups of 4 or more!

Itinerary

Pedra Bonita

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Parque Nacional da Tijuca

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Cascatinha Taunay

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

the Bat Cave

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cascata da Baronesa

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Vista Chinesa

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
It is recommended that you bring water and wear comfortable clothes, trekking or sport shoes, a bathing suit and sunscreen

Itinerary may change a bit due to park rules, weather conditions, or group ability
Please send us your full address (street name and building number). If you’re not sure yet, just message us on WhatsApp or chat once you have your address in Rio
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Linda_A

Eduardo was the most EXCELLENT guide. We hiked to a fantastic view point and then visited waterfalls and more view points. He was witty and informative. This tour exceeded our expectations because of Eduardo. I hope you get him if you book this tour because he is awesome!

Reviews

4.9

based on 813 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

If you love nature, Tijuca hike is a must!

Elizabeth_C, Mar 2026

Real hiking in a real forest with the reward to reach the mountain top with amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains! Sergio is top notch and shares his love for his beautiful country with us!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

We hope to see you again soon for another memorable adventure! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Enjoying day in the rainforest

Mcacorr, Mar 2026

Sergio was an awesome guide, informative and very funny!! We saw birds and local animals, learned about the forest and different trees as well as Rio facts and interesting information. Tip… don’t forget your bug spray, we came home to tiny , unnoticed bites.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

We hope to see you again soon for another memorable adventure! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Fun in the forest

Thomas_F, Mar 2026

We enjoyed this tour. Our guide was Bernardo, he was very knowledgeable, friendly and fun. The only downside of the tour was the clouds that eliminated the great views of the city from the lookout points. We were also surprised that the tour was in an SUV. There were six of us and we were somewhat cramped in the vehicle. The waterfalls and bat cave were as good as promised. The hike to the bat cave was somewhat difficult. We did have some rain so the rocks and dirt were all wet and slippery.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thanks for taking the time to write this review; it means a lot to us. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Must Do with Daniel

Terri_P, Mar 2026

Daniel was an amazing tour guide. Personable and flexible to our preferences. We had no idea what to expect and were very pleased with the afternoon.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Safe travels and best wishes on all your future journeys! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Hike Tijuca

Nickie_M, Mar 2026

This was a great immersive experience. Pedro was very good at give great information all about Rio. He drove us to many beautiful locations that included two waterfalls! He knew exactly where to go and traveled quickly. Now for things to know;. If you are not somewhat athletic or have mobility issues this is not the tour for you. Hike was long and straight upstairs of rocks. 40 min up. But the view from the top Spectacular! Well worth the pain. I’m 58 but a fairly active person. So I was able to do it. However the drive is very rapid and winding thru the very narrow roads up and down the mountain. So if you get car sick easily then not the trip for you. The cars your tour guides will use are small to be able to navigate. But honestly even we went up another time in a large Mercedes van and it still rocks you around. These locals know how to drive though. It is a little scary to watch but they navigate well. All in all well money well spent. I would recommend! Very nice having your own tour guide! There were 3 of us and very private.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Absolutely phenomenal...

Steve_M, Mar 2026

Absolutely phenomenal tour. Fun, informative, customizable, and saw some incredible things. I don't know how he knew so many things. Would definitely do it again.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Tijuana tour

bianca_a, Mar 2026

We had an opportunity to do our tour with Eduardo and guys he is amazing! He’s very informative, friendly and super funny. He made sure he took some amazing pictures of us. I definitely recommend!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thanks for taking the time to write this review; it means a lot to us. Cheers! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Rio Rain Forest Hike

Elizabeth_W, Mar 2026

Loved the hike - what a view from the top! Saw wildlife along with way, including monkeys and raccoons. Guide, Dudu, provided some history and took some great photos. The bat cave and waterfall swim were also worth seeing. Highly recommend this trip!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Great tour! Henrique was...

Niko_D, Feb 2026

Great tour! Henrique was very knowledgeable of the park, its contents, and its history. The hiking portion allowed for a range of difficulty and adventure.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Rodrigo was really...

Kaeleen_G, Feb 2026

Rodrigo was really friendly, super engaging, and just all around fun to spend half a day with! He takes great pictures, and was knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna without being too much. Definitely would do this adventure again! I loved the small group vibe too

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Safe travels and best wishes on all your future journeys! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Couples trip

Jackie_D, Feb 2026

This was just a walk through forest trails. Some were steep and very slippery, we should have been warned and we would have worn our sturdy walking shoes rather than normal trainers.We thought we would have more explanation of the forest trees and wildlife rather just have a walk. The guide kept stopping to chat to people he knew along the way rather than speaking to the group. This became annoying after a while.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thanks for taking the time to write this review; it means a lot to us. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

A beautiful day in an urban forest

Shankar_A, Feb 2026

Rodrigo, our driver and guide, arrived right on time. He was extremely knowledgeable, pointing out numerous points of interest along the hike and sharing engaging anecdotes about the area's history. The initial ascent to Pedra Bonita was a bit challenging, requiring several short breaks because the trail is continuously uphill. Nevertheless, it’s manageable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness, and the panoramic view from the summit is absolutely rewarding. Afterward, we explored a pair of waterfalls. The second waterfall lets you stand directly beneath the cascading water—a natural “massage” that’s both refreshing and invigorating. If you plan to take advantage of this, bring a swimsuit and a towel. While sturdy hiking shoes are ideal for the trek, sandals will also get you to the falls (and back) albeit a bit wetter. Overall, we had a fantastic time, and I wholeheartedly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

We are so glad to hear that you love our tour! Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

I was really looking...

Ruvashni_N, Feb 2026

I was really looking forward to seeing the views as per the pictures I seen before booking this tour however I didn't get to experience the beauty of being on top with the beach view. Also we weren't explained too much just told to go this way etc

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

This tour was so much...

Siobhan_N, Feb 2026

This tour was so much fun! It included a hike going across rivers and learning about the wildlife and nature in the national park. I really enjoyed seeing the waterfalls, so beautiful.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

We hope to see you again soon for another memorable adventure! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Bernardo was the best...

higginselijah, Feb 2026

Bernardo was the best guide we’ve ever had. Everything was seamless. Worth every penny! Beautiful views, food, people, and experience. Would recommend 10/10 and would do it all over again!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Safe travels and best wishes on all your future journeys! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Fun and definitely recommend it

bindu_a, Feb 2026

The hike was fun and interactive. Our guide Eduardo was friendly and knowledgeable about the forest.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thanks for taking the time to write this review; it means a lot to us. Cheers! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Easy Hike with Incredible Views

Erica_G, Feb 2026

Rodrigo was super nice and accommodating and helped us all get great pictures. The hiking trail wasn’t too difficult and there was a great view at the end. And then we saw some waterfalls - bring a swimsuit!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Rainforest and cave tour

Nick_P, Feb 2026

The hikes weren’t too bad but the views were amazing. We had Dudu as our guide and he was great. Would def recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Just finished the tour...

Lei_G, Feb 2026

Response from Host, Feb 2026

We hope to see you again soon for another memorable adventure! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Great experience!

Peter_S, Feb 2026

It was a great experience to see/hike and learn about the forest. Our tour guide was excellent, knowledgeable, friendly and funny. My only downside was that I get motion sickness and did get sick because of the number of turns. But I still enjoyed it.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Peaceful, relaxed tour through Tiijuca rainforest

Mehul_P, Feb 2026

Overall great, peaceful and quiet adventure through Tijuca National Park. Our guide Renato was friendly, relaxed and a good match for this type of tour. We got to see the Chinese vista, 1 waterfall, hike to a small cave but could not see the higher viewpoint due to a thunderstorm. We saw some local wildlife, but you have to keep your eyes open! Renato gave great local tips for shopping in Barra de Tijuca neighborhood. Overall recommend, for families or adults alike.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thanks for taking the time to write this review; it means a lot to us. Cheers! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Uphill both ways! NOT

Kerry_A, Feb 2026

Eduardo was a great guide! He was knowledgeable and factual about the rain forest. He gave us options and listened to what we wanted. He was also supportive and encouraging for those of us that were not regular hikers. Highly recommended!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

We hope to see you again soon for another memorable adventure! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Sylvio – Energetic and Informative

Wai_S, Feb 2026

My guide was Sylvio. Pickup was about 25 minutes late, and since I was picked up last, it seemed delays earlier in the route affected the schedule. The first stop was a city skyline viewpoint, followed by a stop at what is considered the largest waterfall in the park. We then did a 45-minute hike through the rainforest. The trail is mostly uphill and, unless you’re new to forest hikes, it felt fairly uneventful. After that, there was a short 10-minute walk to a cave, which is mainly a photo spot. The final stop was the Chinese Vista viewpoint, which was nice, but personally I found the views from Sugarloaf more impressive. Overall, the park itself felt a bit underwhelming. I understand this is because it is largely man-made and one of the few natural areas close to the city. However, Sylvio was excellent — very energetic, spoke perfect English, and continuously explained what we were seeing along the way, which added a lot of value to the experience.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Our experience at Tijuca...

Ethan_H, Jan 2026

Our experience at Tijuca National Park was incredible, largely thanks to our guide, Sylvio. He led us to some truly spectacular hidden gems and was happy to wait while we soaked in the breathtaking views. We also loved hearing his deep insights into the area’s history, it added so much more depth to the tour. Highly recommended!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

We are so glad to hear that you love our tour! Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Totally worth booking

Hardeep_J, Jan 2026

Rodrigo is an attentive and great tour guide with good English. His tour was small there was only 4 of us which made the experience better than a big group. Rodrigo has his own car so you can take a backback with your items and leave it in the car during stops, so no need to carry it on the hike. Bring a towel and flipflops or water shoes for the waterfall. He was super knowledgeable and taught us lots about the animals. He also gave us great Rio food recommendations. Honestly a tour worth booking.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Safe travels and best wishes on all your future journeys! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Great tour with Rodrigo

Tracey_S, Jan 2026

Rodrigo was excellent and very knowledgeable. We had a small group of four and thoroughly enjoyed his company. The day was often rainy, but we still got great views after our first hike and at the Chinesa overlook. Warm enough, despite the rain, that the waterfall was very refreshing.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

We hope to see you again soon for another memorable adventure! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Great tour with great views of the city

David_H, Jan 2026

Rodrigo was an awesome guide. Enthusiastic about the tour. Knowledgeable about history. Speaks great English.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

This was a nice afternoon...

Timothy_S, Jan 2026

This was a nice afternoon experiencing the Tijuca forest. It included some hiking through the forest to various points (scenic overlooks, cave, and waterfalls). Our guide Rodrigo was great and also a great photographer taking photos of us through the afternoon. He was constantly on the lookout for the various wildlife.