JOIN RIO - Advice & Information

The Tijuca Forest -Floresta da Tijuca in Portuguese-, is a mountainous hand-planted rainforest in the Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. Located 20 km away from downtown, the Tijuca Forest is the largest urban forest in the world -with an area of 32km² (12.4mi²)- and was declared a National Park in 1961.

Despite its flora was once devastated to give place to coffee plantations, the Tijuca Forest is still home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, many of which are in danger of extinction and could be found only in the Atlantic Rainforest. This natural reserve is a must seeing attraction for those who travel to Rio.

The Tijuca Forest hosts many of the most impressive attractions of Brazil such as the statue of Christ Redeemer, the Cascatinha waterfall and the Mayrink Chapel. It is divided into three areas:  the Tijuca Forest, the Carioca Hill and the Gávea Stone.

At the Carioca Hill nucleus, the most remarkable attractions are the Dona Marta, Vista Chinesa and Mesa do Imperador Belvederes. In the Tijuca Forest nucleus, attractions include trails, the Taunay Small Waterfall, the Mayrink Chapel -painted by Cândido Portinari-, the Açude Museum and the Solidão Sugar Mill.

In addition, the Gavea Stone nucleus is the second highest peak in the city, rising 842 meters above sea level. The peak, apart from attracting visitors to see the striking scenery appreciable from its top, means an important attraction due to the impression of a human face on its vertical side which has been caused by the erosion.

At the top of Pedra Bonita, paragliding enthusiasts will be tempted to have a descend full of adrenaline.

» Tijuca Rain Forest Jeep Tour from Rio de Janeiro 

» BOOK YOUR TOUR IN RIO DE JANEIRO

How to get to the Tijuca Forest:

The access is through any of the entrances located on Sumare Road, R. Almirante Alexandrino, Dona Castorina Road, Vista Chinese Road, Redentor Road, Acude da Solidao Road and Cascatinha Road. Once at the entrance there are jeeps that will take you in. However, the climb can also be done by hike or bike.

The Tijuca National Park is opened the whole year with no admission charge, and free guidance tours are available on two Sundays every month. You can contact: +55 (21) 2492-2253, extension 24, to get more information about guided tours.

For more information about the Tijuca National Park or other attractions in Rio, contact us  and we will gladly send you further material about any subject of your interest. We will e-mail this information at no cost within 72 hours and it will be specific to your requirements.

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