Tijuca National Park hiking tour: Waterfalls and rainforest

Three waterfalls and a 39-square-kilometer rainforest in one morning

A guided hike through Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro takes you to a 35-meter waterfall at the start or end depending on weather and group pace, plus at least two smaller waterfalls where you can swim and rest. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours with a certified guide in your choice of language, park entry included, and covers the forest's history—from old coffee plantations to its current role as an urban refuge. Moderate fitness is needed; the hike is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Tijuca National Park and waterfalls

• Visit Tijuca National Park
• Hike to biggest waterfall
• Stop at two other waterfalls
• Enjoy refreshing baths and rest

The Experience

Tijuca National Park sprawls across 39.58 square kilometers of Rio de Janeiro, a green barrier between the city and the Atlantic that holds one of the world's largest urban rainforests. The hike begins in this preserved landscape, and your guide—certified and fluent in English, Spanish or Portuguese—shapes the route around the group's pace and the day's weather. The biggest waterfall, standing 35 meters high, anchors the itinerary: depending on conditions, you'll reach it first to set the rhythm, or save it for the finale when legs are tired and the payoff matters most.

The route passes through at least two additional waterfalls where the water is cold enough to swim and the pools deep enough to rest in. Each stop stretches between 15 and 30 minutes depending on how the group moves, so there is no fixed schedule pressing you through. Your guide shares the forest's layered history as you walk—the coffee plantations and livestock farms that once cleared this land, the ruins and old buildings that remain, and the delicate ecosystems that have reclaimed it. The park entrance fee is already in the price, and the hike demands moderate fitness; steep sections and uneven terrain are part of the day.

What’s included

• Park entrance fee.
• certified guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• access to three waterfalls with swimming pools.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by EcotuRio

Is this one for you?Reach three waterfalls and swim in a real rainforest within four to five hours, leaving your afternoon free to explore the city.

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Top questions

What's the biggest waterfall like on the Tijuca hike?

The main waterfall stands 35 meters high and is the signature stop of the tour. Depending on weather and how fast the group moves, you'll visit it either at the start to set the day's energy or at the end when the hike is nearly done.

Can I swim in the waterfalls during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes at least two waterfalls beyond the main one where the pools are deep enough and the water is refreshing enough to swim and rest between hikes.

How long does the hike take?

The tour runs between 4 and 5 hours total. Time at each waterfall varies—usually 15 to 30 minutes—depending on the group's pace and how long people want to stay.

What languages do the guides speak?

Guides are certified and fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so you can choose the language when you book.

Is Tijuca National Park hard to reach from Rio?

Public transportation options are available nearby the park, so you can reach the trailhead without a car if needed.

What's included in the price?

The Tijuca National Park entrance fee is included. Your guide, the route, and access to all three waterfalls are part of the tour.