Brazil · NATIONAL PARKS
Good national park trips fill up weeks out and the best go first. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes, and where they genuinely differ.
Hike to Tijuca Peak in Rio with hotel pickup, rainforest viewpoints, Taunay waterfall, and 360-degree summit views. Steep in spots.
“Daniel was great company. He gave me the option to do what I wanted and was knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I would highly recommend this tour.”
Small-group Tijuca rainforest hike to Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, with refreshing dips, expert guides, and conservation. Half-day escape from Rio.
“Lucas Teixeira did a fantastic job, was kind and patient and we highly recommend him. We loved the waterfall pool and the rainforest.”
Half-day guided hike in Tijuca National Park from Rio, with waterfalls, a cave, viewpoints, and hotel pickup.
“Great experience and great guidance. Down to earth with a lot of knowledge and good vibes in general. Big recommendation!”
Small-group rainforest hike in Tijuca National Park to Pedra Bonita, with big Rio views, bilingual guide, and a 5-hour half-day.
“The tour to tijuca forest and all the way to Pedra Bonita was excellent! I got to enjoy the nature during the walk and had an interesting history lesson and other discussion about Brazil and Rio. The only downside for me was the easiness of the tour but that was partly my own fault because I chose the trip which demand level was "easy". After the trip I wanted to make another visit to the forest by myself but two different tourist infos adviced that either I should rent a car to get to the forest or book a tour. Renting a car in Rio was not an option (after…”
Small-group full-day trip to Iguazú Falls from Puerto Iguazú with line skipping, hotel pickup, and train, catwalk, and boat access.
“I am a solo traveler and this turned into a private tour with Fabio. I enjoyed the trip and the experience was memorable. Those of us out of shape may find it a small challenge but worth it.”
Half-day guided tour through Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park and Botanical Gardens, with Vista Chinesa views, Mayrink Chapel, and Taunay Waterfall.
“Guide super gentil, visite sous la pluie donc un peu compliqué d’apprécier tout à sa juste valeur. Nous n’avons pas compris pourquoi l’entrée du jardin botanique n’est pas incluse dans l’activité mais à payer sur place. Peut-être l’inclure dans la réservation et la payer en amont”
Guided Tijuca Rainforest and Rio Botanic Garden tour with hotel transfer, viewpoints, and free Tijuca entry for $72.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable about the forrest and the Botanical Gardens. The forest was closed to vehicles, but we were able walk part way and get an amazing view of a waterfall. He also took us on a tour of the area since the forest was closed to cars and we had a little extra time. I would recommend this tour. There is a lot of walking involved.”
Half-day birdwatching in Rio’s Tijuca National Park with Pica-pau Tours. Target species, call recordings, coffee break, and hotel return.
“Francisco Falcon was an amazing bird guide. He took every opportunity to find the most beautiful birds in The Tijuca Forest. He was prompt, professional & very accommodating. This birdwatching tour was the best tour we have ever taken. We are grateful to have gotten Francisco to guide us, the tour was the highlight of our time in Rio.”
Private hike to Tijuca Peak in Tijuca National Park. Bilingual guide, free stops, and big Rio skyline views, 5 to 6 hours.
“Our hike with OIR - Aventura was everything we could ask for and more. Our guides Thiago & Bruno took us through the National Park to the top of Tijuca Peak and made the experience unforgettable. Not only did they offer a spectacular eco-tour of the area, they tied it to Rio's rich history-complete with beautiful views, peaks, and waterfalls. They are remarkable representatives of their city and their passion made this experience unforgettable. As a result, we booked another tour with them the very next day. They will be the first we call when we visit again and the only guide service we recommend to our friends.”
A 4x4 Tijuca National Park jeep tour with hotel pickup, scenic Rio drives, Mirante das Canoas views, a natural lagoon swim, and guided stops.
“A very good tour for anyone wanting to experience a bit if the rainforests but no time to travel far. This a good experience. The guide is thorough and kept everyone entertained.”
A private full day in Lençóis Maranhenses with a jeep ride, lagoon-to-lagoon sand walks, a family lunch stop, and a dune sunset.
“Our guide Diego was fantastic and the area was absolutely gorgeous!”
4-hour guided Tijuca National Park hike from Praça Afonso Viseu, with Taunay waterfall, bat cave, wildlife chances and coffee-era trails.
“Thomas is friendly, very adaptable, and transmits his knowledge and passion for Tijuca and Rio de Janeiro.”
Pick a coast, a city or a river, and start there.
