Rainforest Hike in Rio: Tijuca Waterfalls & Caves
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Rio’s Tijuca Rainforest on a guided jungle hike with waterfalls, caves, and chances to spot wild animals. Perfect for nature lovers seeking an eco-friendly adventure in Brazil’s tropical forest.
Morning pickup is 6:45–8:00AM year-round. Afternoon pickup: 12:45 PM (May–Oct) or 1:30 PM (Nov–Mar). Times may vary by location.
Stay alert for the vibrant wildlife that inhabits the park! While exploring, you might catch a glimpse of cuatis, monkeys, toucans, turtles, frogs, and even sloths. Who knows what surprises nature has in store for you?
The trails range from easy to moderate, with some elevation to reach caves and waterfalls, so basic physical conditioning is recommended. All waterfalls have crystal-clear natural water from the park’s pristine basins.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
*Participants should be able to hike short sections with some elevation.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The trails range from easy to moderate, with some elevation to reach caves and waterfalls, so basic physical conditioning is recommended.
Tip: We recommend booking on weekdays for a quieter experience and a higher chance of spotting wildlife. However, if the weekend is your only option, don’t worry—you’ll still enjoy an amazing tour!
Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed since animals roam freely and are influenced by weather, time of day, and season.
Tour duration may be affected by traffic, especially in a busy city like Rio, where congestion can sometimes extend the tour time. We STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST booking on days with important commitments (flights, tours, etc.) as delays are possible. Morning tours typically offer a smoother experience.
Itinerary is subject to change based on various factors such as the park's regulations, prevailing natural conditions, and the physical capabilities of the group.
From May to October, reduced rainfall can impact the flow of certain waterfalls, affecting the itinerary. Please note that photos are for reference only and may reflect conditions during the wetter months.
Rainy weather does not affect the scheduled tour of the forest, which is known to be more enchanting and lively during such weather. The waterfalls are more magnificent and the chances of spotting wild animals increase during rainfall. Visitors are guaranteed a safe and unforgettable experience in the forest, regardless of the weather conditions.
For smoother logistics and a seamless tour, we may ask you to meet at a designated point, depending on your address.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Roundtrip Transfer: Air-Conditioned Vehicle (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, São Conrado only)
Photos taken by the guide on your device (upon request)
Entrance tickets to Tijuca National Park
Certified, passionate nature guides (EN, ES, PT)
Food and beverages
Tips or Gratuity
Pickup and drop-off outside Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and São Conrado
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Mirante das canoas
Our initial destination is Mirante das Canoas, a stunning viewpoint offering vistas of the Pedra da Gavea and Pedra Bonita mountains, as well as the Sao Conrado neighborhood. Following a brief stop, we'll proceed directly to Tijuca Park, just 15 minutes away.
Cascatinha Taunay
*Please note that the itinerary and times may change depending on the park's restrictions, the chosen tour option, weather conditions, and other factors. Witness the awe-inspiring Taunay Waterfall, the tallest in Rio, which cascades down from great heights and provides a serene atmosphere in the heart of the rainforest.
Options
Group Tour
Rio’s #1 Tijuca Tour: Cool off amidst the tropical waterfalls of Tijuca Park!
Starting time: Morning: 6:45–8:00 AM
Afternoon: 12:45–2:00 PM
Duration: 5 hours: ~3 hours in the National Park, with ~1,5 hours of hiking and pauses at waterfalls, viewpoints, and caves.
Logistics: For smoother logistics and a seamless tour, we may ask you to meet at a designated point, depending on your address.
Car or Van: Pickup in air-conditioned vehicle included from Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, São Conrado only.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate: Age: 7-60 years. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Pickup included
Private Tour
Refresh and escape the heat: Cool off amidst the tropical waterfalls of Tijuca Park!
Private Tour: This tour option offers a private guide exclusively for your group.
Pickup Area: Pick-up is available from all addresses within the Centro, South, and West zones.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate: Time spent in Tijuca Park: 3 hours approx., with stops at waterfalls and caves.
Pickup included
Reviews
987 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Fantastic Experience in Parque da Tijuca with Eric!
Guillermo U,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an unforgettable tour of Parque da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro, and our guide Eric made the experience truly exceptional. From the moment the tour began, Eric’s passion for nature, history, and Rio’s culture shone through. He provided fascinating insights about the park’s wildlife, flora, and hidden landmarks, making every stop along the way engaging and meaningful. Eric was incredibly attentive, patient, and friendly — always making sure everyone felt comfortable, safe, and included. His deep knowledge of the area added so much richness to the experience, and his enthusiasm was contagious. The views were stunning, the trails were beautiful, and thanks to Eric’s guidance, we were able to appreciate the park in a much deeper way. This tour exceeded all expectations, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Rio. Thank you, Eric, for an amazing day in nature — truly a highlight of our trip!‼️
Our guide Samuel top class
lucasbC1600DT,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00First of all very pleased with Samuel our guide . Perfect English, very calm and attentive. Trip was ok I guess we had so so weather so not too much walking. Would probably be more adventurous if weather was nicer and animals start coming out .
A great experience of the Tijuca rain forest
Ben C,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great adventure and allowed us not only to experience the Tijuca rain forest but also some stunning views getting there. Lucas was an attentive, knowledgeable, personable and friendly guide and made everyone feel at easy it the environment as well as giving explanations of various interesting plants, trees and traces of animals. There was some true unique and stunning sights which ended up at a waterfall. Well worth the experience and great value for money - definitely should be on your to do list if you are visiting Rio.
Reasonable, but slightly disappointing.
M9407FFjulianb,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Was picked up from the wrong hotel which wasn’t a great start. The tour was fine but had hoped to see much more wildlife. We only saw a couple of Toucans. It’s a walk through the rainforest, and a narrated talk on the plant life including a visit to a cave and two waterfalls
Amazing Taste of Tijuca National Park
597alesham,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Tijuca Rainforest Waterfalls & Caves Hike. It was a great way to explore some of Rio's biodiversity in less than an hour from the city centre. The tour itself was very interesting and a lot of fun. Special shoutout to our guide Eric! His knowledge and passion really added to the experience. Would definitely recommend to others!
Nice Walk
Froilan E,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very punctual. Eric demonstrates his great experience and knowledge of the place. It was a pleasant afternoon touring the forest and healthy exercise.
Beautiful nature experience
451nadjan,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a beautiful hike in the Tijuca national park! Amazing waterfalls, forest and great views on the city. Our tour guide Bernardo was very knowledge and shared a lot of interesting facts and stories.
Great tour
nehemief2022,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour, our tour guide Eric was great and very knowledgeable on the fore at. I would highly recommend this to everyone
Great tijuca experience!
Inspire656475,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eric was absolutely amazing he explained things throughout the hike, he was very friendly and what really surprised me was his punctuality! Our pick up time was at 1pm and he was there at 12:59 ready to scoop us up. I don’t usually do hikes but he was patient and attentive to make sure we got around safe. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see any animals but he has no control of that! Great experience and super happy we experienced it with Eric and our awesome group!
Nice experience
mauromJ1008WA,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The guide Erick performed excellent, patient and very knowledgeable, the rest was cute, very little fauna but still it was nice experience
From R$385.00
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