Brazil · NATIONAL PARKS
Good national park trips fill up weeks out and the best go first. Below: the 15 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.”
Guided 4-hour Horto Waterfalls circuit in Tijuca National Park, from Jequitibá to Shower (Box) Falls, with hotel pickup options.
“We are both 60+ and went on the hike early in the morning with Pietro on a private tour. Some of the reviews I had read were about how hard and difficult it was. We were offered a choice to do an easier hike or do one with 3 obstacles. We did the 3 obstacles. You are required to be able to climb some steep rocks and pull yourself with the ropes that are already hanging. I’m not going to say it was easy but we both were able to do it. You do need to have some leg and upper body strength therefore if you have any mobility or…”
Hike Tijuca National Park, then rappel at Horto Falls into a natural well. Small group, guide and gear included, snacks provided.
“I really don't know how to rate this tour. The experience was unforgettable but not in a really good way. It started out badly and got worse. The tour operator was not very helpful to say the least. I had opted for a 1pm time but was told that I had been booked at 9am. The day was horrible, rainy and cold. I asked if I could reschedule and was told no. So we went but no real instructions on how it was going to play out. We were told merely to bring a towel and dry clothing. We assumed there would be a place to put dry clothing to…”
Private hike to Gávea Stone in Tijuca National Park with hotel pickup, climbing gear, and English guidance from OIR Aventura.
“Es war ein wunderschöner Ausflug mit Thiago den ich nur jedem empfehlen kann. Der Tag mit Thiago wurde individuell auf mein Niveau angepasst. Ich habe von der ersten Kontaktaufnahme den Unterschied zu einer großen Agentur gemerkt, da man nicht nur einer von ganz vielen ist. Der Tag war lustig, sehenswert und fordernd, so wie ich es liebe. Zum Schluss gab es einen atemberaubend tollen Ausblick und tolle Fotos sowie gute Tipps für meinen weiteren Aufenthalt.”
Guided hike to Pico da Tijuca in Tijuca Forest National Park with waterfalls, museum stops, and city views, plus hotel pickup.
“I was picked up at my hotel and taken to the national park early in the day, before the heat had a chance to rise. My tour guide, Rafaela, was excellent. She struck a perfect balance of sharing information about what we were seeing and giving me a chance to appreciate the natural world around us. The hike was challenging without being strenuous, giving us plenty of time at the summit before beginning our descent. I highly recommend the tour.”
Hike Serra dos Órgãos National Park from Rio, swim at Poço Verde, and enjoy postcard views of Dedo de Deus on a guided day tour.
“We had an Excellent guide. We saw Unbelievable views. The hike was exhilarating but Moderate hike. The swim in the falls was unmatched . We recommend this day experience”
Pick a coast, a city or a river, and start there.
