Rio Tijuca Forest: Small Group Hike, Waterfalls & History

Walk old coffee trails in Rio’s Tijuca Forest with waterfall swims and local stories

You’ll hike historic trails through Rio’s Tijuca Forest with a local guide, passing waterfalls like Cascatinha Taunay and stopping at places like Mayrink Chapel and Bats’ Grotto. Expect real stories, a waterfall swim to wake you up, and a side of Rio most travelers never see, plus pickup so you don’t have to stress about getting there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and explore Tijuca Forest

• Hike 3-hour loop circuit
• Visit Atlantic rainforest trails
• Pass waterfalls and caves
• See bridges and historical sites
• Take waterfall shower break

The experience

I didn’t expect to smell eucalyptus before I saw it: honestly, I thought it was just my sunscreen at first. But our guide, Felipe, grinned and pointed out the tall trees ahead, explaining how this part of the Tijuca Forest used to be an old slave cemetery. That hit me harder than I thought it would. The air was thick and a bit sweet, almost humming with cicadas. We’d started out from Rio early (pickup was easy), and by the time we reached Cascatinha Taunay, the tallest waterfall in the park, the city felt far away.

The hike itself isn’t exactly easy but not punishing either. Just enough up and down to remind you you’re alive. At one point we crossed this stone bridge called Cova da Onça, mossy underfoot and slippery from last night’s rain. Felipe told us about the 19th-century coffee farms here. I kept picturing people trudging these same paths way before us. There’s something about walking on those old trails that makes you pay attention differently, you know? We stopped at Mayrink Chapel (from 1850), its pink walls faded but still stubbornly bright against all that green.

My favorite part (well, maybe tied with the waterfall shower later) was ducking into Bats’ Grotto. It’s the biggest gneiss cave in Brazil apparently (Felipe said “gneiss” like “nice,” which made us all laugh). It was cool inside, damp stone under my hands, and someone’s phone flashlight bouncing shadows around. After that we cooled off at Baronesa Cascade, icy water but worth every shiver, and then started heading back down through more tangled forest, legs a bit shaky but spirits weirdly light. Still thinking about that eucalyptus scent mixing with earth after rain.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from set meeting points in Rio de Janeiro, guided hiking through Tijuca Forest on historic trails with a licensed guide who shares local history along the way, all entry fees covered so you don’t have to worry about cash or tickets, transport in a small vehicle (with optional AC), insurance for peace of mind, and yes, a well-earned waterfall shower before heading back down to where you started.

Options for this experience

2 options

Small group tour (maximum 6 people)Guide in English or Portuguese · 08:00Includes pickup

Private option for 1 to 6 participantsGuide in English or Portuguese · 08:00Private: exclusive car and guide, includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Jungle Me

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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.

How long is the Tijuca Forest hike?

The hike covers about 6.4 km (3.8 miles) over roughly 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points are included.

What should I bring for the Tijuca Forest tour?

Bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, and maybe a change of clothes for the waterfall.

How many people are on each tour?

The group size is up to 6 participants or you can choose a private option.

Do I need to be very fit for this hike?

A moderate level of fitness is required. There are some uphills and uneven terrain but no technical climbing.

Are entry fees included in the price?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in your booking.

Will there be a local guide during the hike?

Yes, a licensed local guide leads the entire tour.