Tijuca Forest Challenge Full-Day Hike (Small-Group or Private)
Description
A challenging hike in a very unusual part of Tijuca Forest, one of the biggest urban forests in the world. On this circuit of trails you'll walk approx. 5h, for 10,4km (6.5mi), with an elevation gain of 848m (2,670ft) and discover the nature and beauty of the jungle. Reach the Taquara Hill (814m=2670ft), a 100m higher than Christ Redeemer with mazing views to the valley of the forest and the city, in clear days. Visit caves and also coffee farms ruin. After the hike, refresh in a waterfall* (bring towel/ bathing suit). On the route to the park, stop by another summit for pictures and admiring the landscape. The scenery of this tour is amazing with nature and a lot of adventure. You'll also learn the history of Brazil, of the forest, the coffee farms of that area, and the reforestation that happened in the 1800's. *The flow on the falls varies according to the rain. *it also goes to Vista Chinesa but only on working days (on weekends/holidays Vista Chinesa is closed for vehicles)
Tour Options
Itinerary
In the Tijuca Forest National Park, we'll visit some of the most famous attractions like Taunay Waterfall, Vista Chinesa and also do our circuit hike (aprox. 9km=5.6mi) passing by waterfalls, summits and reaching peaks with magnificent views, like the Taquara Castle (814m=2,670ft).
On the way to Tijuca Forest National Park we'll drive by Canoas Summit and it´s possible to see from a distance Pedra da Gávea and Pedra Bonita, that compose a pretty landscape.
In the Tijuca Forest main sector we'll spend most of the day. Hiking in a loop circuit deep in the rainforest, well experience all its lush, passing by rivers, waterfalls, peaks and caves and in the end, refreshing in a waterfall shower.
Taunay Waterfall is the highest and most famous waterfall at Tijuca Forest Park. Before starting the hike we'll stop by to see its beauty, feel its freschness and take some pictures. (swimming in this waterfall is not allowed but after the hike we visit another fall where is possible to shower).
We'll drive by this charming, small and cute little chapel, built in 1850, when the Tijuca Forest was a coffee farm.
This is considered one of the most beautiful views in Rio and one of the few places in the city where you can put Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf in the same frame. It's not located in the same sector of the park where we'll do the hike but we'll stop there on the way to check the view and take some pictures.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Transport is included from designated hotels (more than 100 options) on the neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Leme, Santa Teresa, Flamengo and Botafogo. Choose the best/closest option on the list as your meeting point
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Very good fitness required. HARD level hike. NO technical rock climbing, just hiking.
- Hike details: 10,4km (6,5mi) (up and down rough terrain), 4 to 5h, elev. gain 848m=2782ft.
- Passport name, number and date of birth is required at time of booking for all participants (for insurance)
- Not recommended for child under 14 and they must be accompanied.
- Maximum of 6 participants on the tour (or you can choose a private option)
- Vista Chinesa summit is also visited but only on working days.
- Not recommended for people who are not used to hike.
- Not recommended for travelers that are not fit and doing exercise on a regular basis.
Reviews(140)
We had a great time with our extremely knowledgable and friendly guide Vinicius. He could answer all our questions - and there where many! - really, it was kind of a National Geographic tour, where we learned a lot and had a good time. The full day walk was challenging but worth all the fabulous sights. Thank you so much Vinicius !!! Beate & Mark
Hi Beate and Mark! Thanks so much for this wonderful feedback! We're thrilled you had such an enriching experience exploring Rio's nature with our team. Your kind words truly matter to us. Hope to welcome you back for a beach or city adventure soon! 🌍
It was well planned organised. The Tourguide, Riccardo, was very friendly, knowledgeable and professional. I do recommend it.
Thanks for the great feedback! We are so glad you found everything well organized. It is fantastic to know the tour guide made your trip both friendly and professional 🌴. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to explore Rio with you again soon.
Everything went very well and I thank Gustavo for his kindness and professionalism. I recommend it without hesitation.
Merci pour ce superbe retour ! C'est génial de lire que tout s'est parfaitement déroulé. Le guide touristique fait toujours de son mieux pour offrir une belle aventure. Toute l'équipe apprécie beaucoup votre recommandation. À très bientôt.
Gustavo is a great guide and host. It made this excursion a great experience. A 10 out of 10. The nature of Rio is breathtaking Thanks for everything!!!
¡Hola! Qué alegría leer tu mensaje. Nos emociona saber que el guía fue un excelente anfitrión y logró que tuvieras una experiencia de 10. La naturaleza de nuestra ciudad es verdaderamente mágica 🌿. Mil gracias por compartir esta aventura con nosotros y por tu recomendación.
Fantastic full day trek with Riccardo! Riccardo was really knowledgeable throughout the day and made it a really enjoyable experience. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Rio and wants to get away from the beach and city for a day.
Thank you for the fantastic feedback! We are so happy the tour guide made your full day trek such an enjoyable and knowledgeable experience. Getting away from the city buzz to explore the nature is always a great idea 🌿. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
We had an amazing day with Richard as our tour guide. Fabulous English, knowledgeable and kind. Great day had by all and spectacular views.
Wow, what a lovely review! Knowing your group enjoyed those spectacular views makes our day. We are very proud that the tour guide impressed you with his kindness and excellent English ☀️. Thank you for exploring Rio with us. We hope to welcome you all back in the future.
Vinicius was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. I enjoyed spending time with him. Hike was perfect
Hi there! Hearing that your hike was perfect truly makes our day. It is fantastic that the tour guide's knowledge and friendly vibe made your time in the forest so enjoyable 🥾. We loved having you on the trail with us. Come back to visit Rio soon.
We had a great day hiking in the rainforest around Rio with Gustavo. As well as a guide we got a history teacher, geography teacher and naturalist all in one. He also takes great photos! It is a full day with a lot of uphill so you need to be reasonably fit but the pace was perfect with plenty of stops. Really good communication from Anna when booking and the day before the trip.
Thank you for the amazing feedback! 🌿 We love that the tour guide shared so much history and nature knowledge with you. The uphill hike is definitely worth it when you go at the right pace. We will pass your compliments to Anna too. Hope to see you again on another trail.
Riccardo was the perfect tour guide. We were a group of three people and he shared many interesting insights about the forest and its history, was always very friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. Compared to the half-day tour, this excursion also includes a hike to a peak with two incredible viewpoints (about 300 meters of altitude difference, starting at an altitude of about 500 meters). I would completely recommend this tour if you're interested in leaving the touristic areas of the forest, where all the half-day tours go to, and would like to dive deeper into the forest.
Thanks for this excellent, detailed review! It's brilliant to hear you enjoyed diving deeper into the forest to see those incredible viewpoints. We're so pleased our guide's enthusiasm made it a perfect experience. Your recommendation for the full-day tour is hugely appreciated! 🌲🤩
If you're in good shape and up for a challenge, I would highly recommend this hike. Our guide, Gustavo, was kind and thoughtful, giving us lots of interesting information throughout the hike but also allowing us to walk in silence sometimes and just experience the forest. It started to rain lightly at one point, and he was prepared with ponchos for us which was really nice! He also helped us navigate around a tree that had fallen over the trail, which was a bit of excitement. Note: the hiking pole Gustavo offered at the start was KEY for me as the trail became slippery. Even if you're an experienced hiker, definitely consider it because this hike is already challenging and a little bit of rain can make it even harder. Pack yourself a nice lunch and enjoy the views!
Thanks for the detailed feedback and the great tips for future hikers! We love that you appreciated the challenge and the quiet moments in the forest. It's great to know our guide was so prepared and helpful, even with a fallen tree on the trail. Your recommendation is hugely appreciated.
