
Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,195 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls worth booking?
Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls is a 5-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $79 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,195 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 93 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (1,195)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $79 per person
This tour is all about experiencing the best of Rio - hiking to stunning peaks, exploring hidden caves, and cooling off in waterfalls within the incredible Tijuca National Park. Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for wildlife like toucans, monkeys, sloths and coatis, while our guides share fascinating facts and stories about the park. Rio is world-famous for its breathtaking scenery and is home to one of the largest urban forests on the planet. In this 4–5 hour adventure, we’ll visit the park’s top highlights and immerse you in the unique energy of this natural paradise. To ensure a personalized experience, our groups are always small—no more than 7 people per guide.
What you get
About this experience
This tour is all about experiencing the best of Rio - hiking to stunning peaks, exploring hidden caves, and cooling off in waterfalls within the incredible Tijuca National Park. Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for wildlife like toucans, monkeys, sloths and coatis, while our guides share fascinating facts and stories about the park. Rio is world-famous for its breathtaking scenery and is home to one of the largest urban forests on the planet. In this 4–5 hour adventure, we’ll visit the park’s top highlights and immerse you in the unique energy of this natural paradise. To ensure a personalized experience, our groups are always small—no more than 7 people per guide.
What's included
Included
- Choose from 3 pickup times to fit your Rio schedule: early morning, 10:30 AM(private), or afternoon
- Certified local guides in English, Spanish & Portuguese, ready to make your adventure unforgettable
- Pickup is directly from your hotel or apartment within our pickup area — no need to go anywhere else
- Tour ends with a refreshing bath beneath a natural waterfall
- Your guide will be happy to take photos during the tour and save them directly to your phone
- Tijuca National Park entrance included — explore Rio’s lush urban rainforest
- Enjoy special group discounts when booking for 3+ people (private) or 4+ people (group tour)
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Pedra Bonita
Pedra Bonita is one of Rio’s most incredible summits, located in Tijuca National Park, offering panoramic views of the city, coastline, and iconic landmarks like Pedra da Gávea and Christ the Redeemer. With an easy-to-moderate trail, it’s a perfect spot to experience Rio from above. In case of cloudy weather, we’ll swap Pedra Bonita for another amazing hike with great scenery.
60 minutes here
Parque Nacional da Tijuca
Tijuca National Park is a lush rainforest oasis in the heart of Rio, filled with waterfalls, wildlife, scenic trails, and breathtaking views—an unforgettable escape into nature!
120 minutes here
Cascatinha Taunay
The biggest waterfall in the Tijuca National Park. Perfect to take some nice pictures and bath. This beautiful waterfall stands 40 meters tall, cascading down a rocky cliff into a pool of crystal water. The sound of the falling water resonates through the area, providing a calming atmosphere.
15 minutes here
This 40 meter high cave with light streaming in creates a surreal and breathtaking atmosphere located in the heart of Tijuca Forest. We hiking around 20-30 minutes to get there! On the way we see two other caves! As you explore further into the cave, you can hear the trickle of the water flowing through the rocks and the echoes of your own footsteps. You feel a sense of awe and wonder as you take in the majestic landscape!
15 minutes here
A refreshing waterfall bath after hiking is the perfect way to relax and recharge. The cool water soothes tired muscles and leaves you feeling renewed amid the peaceful forest setting.
15 minutes here
Vista Chinesa
Vista Chinesa is a breathtaking belvedere located in Tijuca National Park, offering sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro. From this iconic spot, you can see Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, all framed by the lush greenery of the forest. It’s a peaceful place to pause and take in the natural beauty of the city. Please note: This attraction is closed on weekends!
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
THE BEST SPOTS IN TIJUCA PARK
SMALL GROUP NATURE EXPERINCE: Stunning peaks, hidden caves, waterfalls and wildlife — with passionate local guides, transportation & hotel pickup included! MODERATE ADVENTURE: Ages 10–70. Moderate fitness recommended for small groups. For all ages and fitness levels, choose the private option. HOTEL PICK-UP & DROP-OFF: Pickup is available in Rio’s South Zone and areas of Barra da Tijuca, where most hotels and vacation rentals are located. Pickup included
PRIVATE TIJUCA FOREST TOUR
YOUR FOREST, YOUR WAY: Enjoy an exclusive Tijuca Forest adventure with a private guide and vehicle, with the freedom to explore at your own pace! CUSTOMIZABLE & FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Tailored to your interests, fitness level and pace — ideal for families, all ages and travelers seeking extra comfort. PICK UP ANYWHERE IN RIO: Enjoy private pickup from anywhere within Rio de Janeiro, including Centro, Santa Teresa and all areas of Barra da Tijuca. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rio Natural Ecotourism
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is recommended that you bring water and wear comfortable clothes, trekking or sport shoes, a bathing suit and sunscreen
- Itinerary may change a bit due to park rules, weather conditions, or group ability
- Please send us your full address (street name and building number). If you’re not sure yet, just message us on WhatsApp or chat once you have your address in Rio
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,195 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
1,195 verified traveler reviews for Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Love It!!!
It was a beautiful day to explore the park. Our guide, Rodrigo, very knowledgeable and friendly.
via Tripadvisor
Lush forest, views and lovely guide
Fabulous trip thanks to the guide Eduardo who was so effervescent and fun despite the torrential rain and level of cloudiness at the start of the tour. Lush forest, bat cave, stunning waterfalls and a great hike in a small group. I suffer from fear of falling so it was a challenging hike for me, Edward was very patient as my friend helped me manoevre the trickier bits. Very smooth pick up and drop off too.
via Tripadvisor
Great way to make the most of a short trip
I had a fantastic day on a private tour guided by Gerana! She was punctual, shared very detailed and interesting context about the history of everything we saw, and had great ideas for how to make the most of my limited time, giving me options throughout. You can tell she is very detail oriented and likes to check every fact. We were able to do multiple walks/hikes in the Tijuca park, visit beautiful wateralls, see caves, and fit in a boat tour where we saw reptiles and a capybara. She offered great recommendations throughout the day -- everything from what to see and where to walk, to where to eat, and even a good souvenir for my kid. Very impressed and I'd definitely be back
via Tripadvisor
Rain in the rainforest
It was raining for part of the day and it was a little muddy hiking to the waterfalls but it was good. Hike to the mountaintop was good. Nice view. Our tour guide Bruno was great and so was our driver.
Response from the operator: Your positive feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to keep up the good work. RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM
via Viator
Nice hike and it was nice bathing in the water fall
Guide was passionate about his work. Very nice day trip
Response from the operator: Safe travels and best wishes on all your future journeys! RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $79 to $1,060
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 418
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Rio Natural Ecotourism, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Rio Natural Ecotourism runsWhy this scores 93
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls cost?
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Prices start at $79 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rio de Janeiro usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rio de Janeiro is not rushed.
Is Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,195 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Rio de Janeiro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls?
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Around 418 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rio de Janeiro can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rio de Janeiro and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rio de Janeiro within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?
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On Outty we rank every Rio de Janeiro experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio, Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls?
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Included: Choose from 3 pickup times to fit your Rio schedule: early morning, 10:30 AM(private), or; Certified local guides in English, Spanish & Portuguese, ready to make your adventure unfo; Pickup is directly from your hotel or apartment within our pickup area — no need to go any; Tour ends with a refreshing bath beneath a natural waterfall; and Your guide will be happy to take photos during the tour and save them directly to your pho. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 209 listed pickup locations in and around Rio de Janeiro. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls?
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Across 1,195 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including THE BEST SPOTS IN TIJUCA PARK, PRIVATE TIJUCA FOREST TOUR. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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