Tijuca Rainforest Jeep Tour Rio: Waterfall & Vista Chinesa

Hike rainforest viewpoint, swim under 35m waterfall, see city from Vista Chinesa on return drive

This half-day jeep tour through Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca Rainforest combines an open-air ride through the world's largest urban rainforest with a moderate 30-minute hike to a panoramic viewpoint, a swim at the National Park's tallest waterfall, and stops at Vista Chinesa and the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana. Hotel pickup in south Rio, a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and round-trip transport in a convertible jeep are all included. The tour runs five hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Tijuca Rainforest and city views

• Open-air jeep tour in Tijuca Rainforest
• Hike to viewpoint 690 meters high
• Visit tallest waterfall and swim
• Stop at Vista Chinesa viewpoint
• Drive through Rio's famous beaches

The experience

The jeep picks you up at your south Rio hotel and heads straight into the Tijuca Rainforest, the world's largest urban rainforest. As you cruise through the lush landscape, the guide points out wildlife (monkeys, coatis, toucans, iguanas, and butterflies), that move through the canopy and across the trails. The open-air jeep means you're not watching through glass. You're in the forest itself, and the stops are timed so you can actually look instead of just passing through.

After about 30 minutes of moderate hiking on forest trails, you reach a viewpoint 690 meters above sea level. From there, Rio spreads out below you (the city, the beaches, the bay) all at once. The hike is steady but not steep, and the payoff is the kind of view that makes the climb worth it. From the viewpoint, the jeep takes you to the National Park's tallest waterfall, a 35-meter cascade where you can swim in the natural pools and cool off in the spray. It's the kind of moment that feels removed from the city, even though you're still inside it.

On the return, the guide takes you to Vista Chinesa, a viewpoint on the edge of the forest that frames the city differently. You see the neighborhoods, the beaches, the mountains beyond. Then the jeep winds down through São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana, so you end the tour watching the Atlantic instead of the rainforest. The whole thing takes five hours from pickup to drop-off, and the bilingual guide (English, Spanish, or Portuguese) stays with the group the whole way.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in south Rio.
• convertible jeep transport.
• licensed bilingual guide in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
• entrance fees to the Tijuca Rainforest and National Park.
• passengers insurance.
• all taxes and handling charges.

Options for this experience

2 options

Monday Special DealUp to 4 people · Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 08:00Enjoy the very same tour experience at a reduced Monday rate, offered only on Mondays. Includes pickup

Standard TourUp to 15 people · Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 08:00Includes 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 timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Gregtur Turismo

Is this one for you?Book the Standard Tour if you want the full experience with a small group and a guide who knows the forest. The Monday Special Deal offers the same itinerary at a lower price if your schedule is flexible.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (5 to 9 years). Children under 5 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.

What kind of wildlife will I actually see on the Tijuca Rainforest jeep tour?

The rainforest is home to monkeys, coatis, toucans, iguanas, colorful butterflies, and a range of insects. The guide knows where to look and the open-air jeep gives you a clear view as you move through the forest.

How difficult is the 30-minute hike to the viewpoint?

The hike is moderate and takes about 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint at 690 meters elevation. It's steady but not steep, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

Yes, the 35-meter waterfall has natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip and spend time in the water before heading back to the jeep.

What is Vista Chinesa and why is it on the tour?

Vista Chinesa is an iconic viewpoint on the forest's edge that offers panoramic views of Rio's city, neighborhoods, and beaches. It's a key stop on the return journey that frames the city from above.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in south Rio are included, along with the convertible jeep, bilingual guide, entrance fees, and all taxes and insurance.

What beaches do we see at the end of the tour?

The tour concludes with a drive through São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana, so you see Rio's famous beach neighborhoods and the Atlantic coastline before returning to your hotel.