Brazil · National Parks

Tijuca National Park and Botanic Garden Guided Tour & Transfer

4 Hours Round trip from Rio de Janeiro Easy pace

View all 10 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Tijuca National Park with a professional guide
02 Enjoy views over Rio’s southern side from Vista Chinesa
03 Pass by Cascatinha Taunay waterfall and Mayrink Chapel
04 Visit the Botanic Garden and its tropical plant collections
05 Look out for local wildlife in the rainforest
06 Roundtrip transfer and Tijuca National Park entrance included

Discover two of Rio de Janeiro’s most celebrated green spaces on this guided half-day tour. Explore Tijuca National Park, one of the world’s largest urban forests, and enjoy a scenic journey through lush rainforest landscapes while learning about the area’s history and biodiversity.

Along the way, take in views from Vista Chinesa, pass the Taunay waterfall, and stop by the pink-fronted Mayrink Chapel. The experience also includes time at the Botanic Garden, home to thousands of tropical plant species, including orchids, bromeliads, and native Brazilian flora.

Have a beautiful overlook of Rio de Janeiro's southern side from the Vista Chinesa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Rio de Janeiro, Tijuca Forest

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Tijuca National Park

Located in the middle of the Rio de Janeiro city, the park was created in 1861 by decree of the Emperor D. Pedro II to reforest an area once destroyed by sugarcane and coffee plantations.

Vista Chinesa

Have a beautiful overlook of Rio de Janeiro's southern side from the Vista Chinesa.

Cascatinha Taunay

Pass the Taunay waterfall, which tumbles over rugged rock and faces into a calm pool below.

Capela Mayrink

Stop by the nearby Mayrink Chapel built in 1860 and known for its pink facade.

Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden was founded in 1808 by D. Joao VI for introducing and acclimatizing economically beneficial plants brought from other tropical regions outside of Brazil.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Rio de Janeiro 2 cities · 4 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Free entrance to Tijuca National Park

What's Not Included

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Lunch
Entry/Admission - Botanic Garden (prices may vary from 15 BRL to 60 BRL)

Know before you go

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this tour.
Do not touch or feed the animals.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers per Minivan.
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
No public transportation nearby
Infant seats unavailable
Not wheelchair accessible
Minimum of 2 people are required for this activity to take place.
Pickup is available from most hotels in the areas of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Downtown (Centro). For Barra da Tijuca/ Recreio we provide pick-up for an additional 10 USD per person that must be paid directly to the tour guide on the day of the tour.