Tijuca Rainforest Waterfalls and Caves Hike Rio de Janeiro

Tijuca National Park, the rainforest inside Rio

Tijuca National Park covers the mountains that rise behind Rio and is one of the biggest urban forests in the world. Much of it was cleared for coffee plantations in the 1800s, then replanted tree by tree from 1861, which is why the forest you walk through today is a restored Atlantic Forest. It is part of the Carioca Landscapes, a UNESCO World Heritage listing. A Tijuca National Park tour is the easiest way to see how wild Rio can feel just minutes from the beaches.

The hike is at a comfortable pace with a guide who explains the plants, the history and the animals. Expect uneven ground, roots and some elevation gain, and about two to four and a half kilometres of walking in total depending on the day. Monkeys, toucans and other wildlife live in the park, but sightings depend on nature and are never guaranteed.

Waterfalls trail: Cascatinha Taunay and beyond

The waterfalls trail begins near Cascatinha Taunay, the tallest waterfall in the park at about 35 metres, and continues to quieter falls deeper in the forest. Depending on the season, you visit between two and four waterfalls, and the trail ends at a pool where you can cool off under a natural waterfall, so bring swimwear and a towel. The best waterfalls near Rio are often the ones you reach by foot, and this route shows a few of them.

Water levels change with the season and the weather, and after rain the falls run stronger and the forest looks its greenest. Your guide will choose the safest route and say if a section is closed. Wear closed shoes with a good grip, as the rocks near the water can be slippery.

Caves trail and the Bats Cave

Tijuca has several caves formed by huge granite boulders that have fallen and stacked against each other. The trail passes through grottoes such as the Belmiro and Archer caves and then into the Bats Cave, thought to be the largest gneiss cave in Brazil, more than 100 metres from entrance to exit. Tijuca National Park caves are a highlight of the hike because you climb, duck and squeeze through them rather than just look.

Go slowly inside, use your hands where the guide says, and bring a head torch only if your guide advises it, since group lights are usually provided. The caves are cool and damp, which is a nice change on a hot day. Do not touch or feed the animals, and please leave nothing behind.

Chinese Viewpoint and Canoas Viewpoint

The hike ends at a viewpoint over the city. On weekdays this is the Chinese Viewpoint (Vista Chinesa), a pavilion from where you look across to Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema, Copacabana and the skyline. On weekends and public holidays it is closed and replaced by the Canoas Viewpoint, which is also very scenic. Both give a view that is hard to beat for a photo.

The timing is set so you reach the viewpoint after the forest walk, when you are ready to sit down and look out. Weekday tours often have the best chances of seeing wildlife. If the weather is cloudy, your guide can still show you the views once the cloud clears, or adjust the order of stops.