Tijuca National Park is the world’s largest urban forest, covering 33 sq km of Atlantic rainforest completely within Rio de Janeiro city limits. Originally cleared for coffee plantations, it was replanted between 1861 and 1888 under Emperor Pedro II and is now self-sustaining, forming one of the most unique natural escapes in Rio de Janeiro tourism. The forest is home to capuchin monkeys, ocelots, three-toed sloths, hundreds of bird species, and many waterfalls, making it a striking contrast to the coastal identity of Rio de Janeiro.
Exploring Tijuca on a half- or full-day hike is one of the most rewarding things to do in Rio de Janeiro, offering direct access to Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest without leaving the city. The most popular route is Pico da Tijuca, the highest peak in the park at 1,021 m. Starting from the Bom Retiro entrance, the 2–3 hour round trip ends with a steep stone scramble assisted by chains, but it remains manageable for most reasonably fit hikers. The summit provides a 360-degree panorama across the city, ocean, and surrounding mountain ranges, making it one of the standout top attractions in Rio de Janeiro.
A shorter alternative is Pedra Bonita at 700 m, reached via a 1-hour hike that ends at a hang-gliding launch ramp. From here, visitors can watch paragliders and hang-gliders launch over the city or pay 600–900 BRL for a tandem flight with licensed instructors. This adds a more adventurous layer to Rio de Janeiro tourism, especially for those looking beyond beaches and nightlife.
Another key highlight is Vista Chinesa, a drive-up viewpoint featuring a Chinese-style pagoda built in 1903 to honour Chinese tea growers. The view includes Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and the full sweep of southern districts and beaches. The drive through Tijuca also passes dense rainforest, monkeys, small waterfalls, and Cascatinha Taunay, one of the park’s scenic stops.
A full-day visit typically combines Pico da Tijuca in the morning with a drive to Vista Chinesa and a stop at Mayrink Chapel, a small 1855 forest chapel featuring a Cândido Portinari altar painting. Most travellers hire an Uber for trail access and arrange a private driver for the broader park circuit (around 250–400 BRL for half a day). Essentials include water, insect repellent, and proper hiking shoes, as there are no facilities in most sections. For those staying in nearby Rio de Janeiro hotels, Tijuca offers a refreshing natural counterpoint within a broader Rio de Janeiro experience.