Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca)

Popular among hikers and nature lovers, Tijuca National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that welcomes 3 million visitors each year. While many make a beeline for Corcovado, the park’s offerings extend well beyond the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Options include hiking up Pico da Tijuca (Rio’s second-highest peak), exploring the forest by bike or Jeep tour, hang gliding from Pedra Bonita, rock climbing, and walking the well-marked trails to the caves and waterfalls that dot the Tijuca rain forest. Choose a small-group driving or hiking tour to fully experience the park.

• The national park is a must-visit for adventure travelers and nature lovers in Rio de Janeiro.

• The park is free to enter, but Christ the Redeemer requires an admission ticket.

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.

• Remember to bring water and insect repellant, especially if you plan to hike.

Since there is no public transportation within the park, one of the most convenient ways to experience it is on a guided tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Those who prefer to visit independently can arrive by car or catch a bus or taxi to the park entrance.

Tijuca National Park is open daily, with extended hours in summer. Hiking conditions are best during the dry summer season (November to February). June, July, and October experience the most rain, which can make hiking a challenge without proper gear.

Taunay Waterfall is one of the park’s most popular sights, and just beyond it sits Mayrink Chapel with painted panels by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari. Dona Marta affords some of the best views on the way up Corcovado Mountain, while the Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) viewpoint honors the 19th-century Chinese immigrants who arrived to start tea plantations.

Some of the main attractions in Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca) include beautiful waterfalls, such as Taunay, Gabriela, and Diamantina; the 19th-century Mayrink Chapel; and several caves, like the Gruta Luís Fernandes, Gruta Belmiro, and Gruta Paulo e Virgínia.

To get to Tijuca National Park from Rio de Janeiro, you must travel by car or take a guided tour that provides transportation. There is no public transportation to the park. By car, take Rua Jardim Botânico two blocks past the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico).

The best hiking trails in Tijuca National Park include the trail to Pico da Tijuca, which, at 3,350 feet (1,021 meters) offers the highest panoramic views of Rio. Another worthwhile route is the steep and challenging Bico do Papagaio trail, which leads to the "Parrot’s Beak" peak.

Yes, Tijuca National Park is generally safe for tourists. However, you should practice the usual precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight. In general, it’s a good rule not to hike alone, so you may wish to book a guided tour if traveling solo.

Some of the wildlife species you can see in Tijuca National Park include brown howler monkeys, South American coati, crab-eating racoons, capybara, bearded capuchin, and brown-throated sloths. In addition, the park is home to more than 200 species of birds, including parrots and woodpeckers.

No, you cannot camp overnight in Tijuca National Park. Camping or any kind of overnight stay in the park is prohibited to protect the environment and ensure visitor safety. However, the surrounding area has plenty of accommodation options if you would like to stay nearby.