Tijuca National Park

Best of Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park: The Absolute Essentials

Tijuca National Park, one of the world's largest urban forests, protects a diverse ecosystem of Atlantic Rainforest within Rio de Janeiro. This selection features the 710-meter Corcovado mountain topped by the Art Deco Christ the Redeemer statue, alongside historic sites like the 19th-century Mesa do Imperador and the Oscar Niemeyer-designed Casa das Canoas. Visitors can explore the 1808-established Botanical Garden, hike to granite peaks like Pedra da Gávea and Pedra Bonita, or discover secluded waterfalls and the Vista Chinesa gazebo.

Tijuca National Park: The Absolute Essentials — Map

Wolffystyle / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Christ the Redeemer

Iconic Art Deco statue representing Jesus located atop Corcovado mountain, offering panoramic views of the city. It is a symbol of Christianity and Brazilian cultural heritage.

Andrevruas / CC BY 3.0

B

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden or Jardim Botânico is located at the Jardim Botânico district in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Tijuca National Park

The Tijuca National Park is an urban national park in the mountains of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Chinese Belvedere

The Chinese-style gazebo offers breathtaking views of the city and the bay.

Rodrigo Soldon / CC BY 2.0

E

Corcovado Train

Centuries-old electric railway inaugurated in 1884 by Emperor Dom Pedro II. It transports passengers through the Atlantic Forest to the summit of Corcovado mountain.

Klaus with K / CC-BY-SA-3.0

F

Corcovado Rack Railway

The Corcovado Rack Railway is a mountain rack railway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from Cosme Velho to the summit of Corcovado at an…

G

Cachoeira do Chuveiro

Secluded waterfall in the Horto forest area, featuring a rock overhang that creates a natural shower effect for swimmers.

H

Cachoeira dos Primatos

Natural pool and waterfall accessible via a trail from the Horto neighborhood, known for frequent sightings of capuchin and marmoset monkeys.

KarlaFPaiva / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Rock of the Topsail

Pedra da Gávea is a monolithic mountain in Tijuca Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Silviad23 / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Mesa do Imperador

Historic granite table and viewpoint where Emperor Dom Pedro II and the Brazilian royal family frequently stopped for picnics during the 19th century.

Andrevruas / CC BY 3.0

K

Corcovado

Corcovado which means "hunchback" in Portuguese, is a mountain in central Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Fulviusbsas / Public domain

L

Apothecary's Square

The Largo do Boticário is a square in the Cosme Velho neighborhood of the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Sailko / CC BY 3.0

M

International Museum of Naive Art

Art enthusiasts will surely enjoy one of the largest collections of naïve art in the world. Features mostly Brazilian artists.

lalala_ / CC BY 2.0

N

House of the Canoes

The private residence the architect Oscar Niemeyer built for himself. Architecture enthusiasts should definitely stop by here.

Tiago Cobra / CC BY 3.0

O

Pedra Bonita

A 696-meter granite peak offering panoramic views of São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca. It serves as the primary takeoff ramp for hang gliding and paragliding in Rio.

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