Horto Waterfalls Circuit: Rio de Janeiro hike with swimming

Swim at four waterfalls on a single trail through Rio's rainforest

The Horto waterfalls circuit is a guided hike through Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro where you walk between a sequence of waterfalls, starting at Jequitibá and ending at Shower Waterfall, with swimming allowed at every stop. The trail has light difficulty and takes four hours, moving through forest with native flora and wildlife. A professional guide leads the route, and round-trip transfer from selected hotels is included.

Options for this experience

3 options

From US$ 62 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Group hike to the Horto Waterfalls 08:30 Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese Open group hike for anyone, for 2 or more people. Transportation is not included; the tour is based on a meeting point. Starting point: Rua Pacheco Leão, at the corner with Rua Oton Bezerra de Melo, in Horto.

Hike in a group with transportation 08:00 Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese Group hike with a specialist guide, open to anyone. For 2 or more people. Round-trip transportation from your hotel is provided, and pickup is included.

Private group with transport 08:00 Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese Join a specialist guide on the Horto waterfalls tour, hiking from Jequitibá Waterfall to Shower Waterfall, also called Box Waterfall. Round-trip transportation is included, and pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Horto Waterfalls Circuit

• Begin hike at Jequitibá Waterfall
• Follow trail through waterfalls
• Enjoy bathing at waterfalls
• End hike at Shower (Box) Waterfall

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• round-trip transfer from selected hotels (depending on the option you choose).
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Times

• Every day 08:00 08:30

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 10 1 private ›

Live guide English, Spanish and Portuguese Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Ages Adult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Nattrip - Tourism, Ecotourism and Adventure in Rio de Janeiro

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Traveler reviews

4.71 ★★★★★ Excellent 14 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

Tijuca National Park sits inside Rio de Janeiro, and the Horto waterfalls circuit runs through Sector C on hiking trails that connect four named waterfalls. You start at Jequitibá Waterfall and follow the trail as it passes each waterfall in sequence until you reach Shower Waterfall, also called Box Waterfall for the shape of the rock formation there. The hike has light difficulty and involves a moderate amount of walking over four hours.

All the waterfalls in this circuit permit swimming and bathing, so you stop to refresh yourself at each one instead of just passing through. The trail winds through forest with specimens of native flora, and you'll likely spot wildlife along the way. A professional guide leads the route and speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese depending on your preference. This circuit offers an alternative to Rio's crowded beaches: a way to cool off in the city's own waterfall system rather than traveling to a distant natural pool.

Depending on the option you choose, round-trip transfer from selected hotels is included, or you can book the hike without transportation. The tour operates subject to favorable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can reschedule, choose a different tour or receive a full refund. Bring comfortable shoes with good grip, water, a light snack, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Horto waterfalls circuit and where does it start?

The Horto waterfalls circuit is a sequence of waterfalls in Sector C of Tijuca National Park, beginning at Jequitibá Waterfall and ending at Shower Waterfall (also called Box Waterfall). The trail connects the waterfalls on hiking paths through the forest.

Can you swim in the waterfalls on this hike?

Yes, all the waterfalls in the Horto circuit permit bathing and swimming. You stop to refresh yourself at each waterfall along the trail instead of just viewing them.

How difficult is the hike and how long does it take?

The hike has light difficulty and takes four hours total. It involves a moderate amount of walking on established trails through the forest, and you need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to complete it.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

Round-trip transfer from selected hotels is included if you book the private group option or the group hike with transportation. The regular group hike option does not include transportation, so you arrange your own way to the trailhead.

What wildlife and plants will I see in Tijuca National Park?

The forest along the Horto waterfalls circuit contains beautiful specimens of native flora typical of Rio's rainforest. You will usually spot wildlife as you hike, though specific species depend on the time of day and season.