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Bucket list experience:

Hike up Tijuca Peak

Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

At just over 1,000m, Tijuca Peak is the highest of Rio’s boulder-mountains, and the views from the summit are spectacular – with Rio’s stunning landscape of bays and forest-covered mountains at your feet.

The hike itself is one of the best walks in Tijuca National Park – cutting through wildlife-filled forest, before climbing steeply through a long staircase of steps literally cut into the rock face. It’s easily done as a round trip in around 3 hours, and you can visit Tijuca’s waterfalls or even the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado on the way back. Plenty of Rio tour operators offer the hike.

Tijuca National Park

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil

Dense forest greenery

Rio’s lush urban rainforest climbs over the mountains that surround the Christ statue and Atlantic beaches, affording some of the world’s most beautiful urban views. Excellent for hiking, biking and wildlife-spotting.

Best for ages 4+

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 4 hours

Getting there & doing it

Reaching the trailhead at Bom Retiro within the park and navigating the path up, is possible under your own steam, but not advised. It’s easy to take a wrong turn and get lost. It’s better to book a half- or full-day Tijuca National Park bespoke tour, and include the peak, the Cachoeira das Almas waterfall, the Gruta do Belmiro caves or even the Christ statue in your trip. All are visitable en route.

But begin with the climb – light is best in the early morning and there’s a long, exposed section that gets hot and sweaty in the middle of the day. Bring plenty of water, a sunhat, sun protection and a head for heights. The trail culminates with a gruelling series of steps cut into the completely exposed rock

When to do it

Avoid weekends when the National Park and the mountain are at their busiest with local hikers. Aim to start the hike in the early morning. This is when it’s coolest, the air is clearest over the city (for the best views) and you will see the most wildlife.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Private Hiking Tour to Tijuca Peak - Tijuca National Park - by OIR Aventura

Rio de Janeiro

Private Hiking Tour to Tijuca Peak - Tijuca National Park - by OIR Aventura
TIJUCA PEAK Located in the Tijuca National Park is the second highest peak of the town with 1021 meters of altitude. Arriving near the top we find a staircase of 117 steps, which was carved into the rock by the slaves because the coming of the King of Belgium to Brazil.

Price: $80

Rating 5 / 5 [8 ratings]

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Private 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic

Rio de Janeiro

Private 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic
Hike through Tijuca National Park's rainforest on a 6-hour eco-tour contemplating one of the most splendid views of Rio contrasting with the greatest urban forest in the world. Accompanied by an expert guide, expect a trilling tour full of nature with waterfalls, springs, small lakes, viewpoints, and historic sites. Animals, particularly monkeys, coatis and birds, can be seen all around during walks in the lush landscape and falls. The walking distance is about 7 km, round trip, is mostly in the shade, ranging from light to medium level of difficulty. The hiking time is about 4 hrs at a slow pace. Visit the calm and beautiful waterfalls where we stop for bath and pictures. Bring swimsuits along so that you can splash around. We then continue on for more 10 min up to the scenic weir called “Açude da Solidão”. Take a break at the edge of it and enjoy snacks picnic style. After having such an adventurous day, relax on the journey back to your hotel.

Price: $196

Rating 5 / 5 [15 ratings]

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Tijuca National Park and all its wonders

Rio de Janeiro

Tijuca National Park and all its wonders
We are certified tour guides with many years of experience on the Parque Nacional da Tijuca. On this particular trail we will visit the historical circuit, where Brazilians in the past used to grow coffee and raised livestock. We still can see some of the ancient buildings of that time during the hike. Along the trail, hikers can enjoy a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Together We will talk about their characteristics and their interaction with the environment. We also promote environmental awareness and collaborate with different NGO's working for protection and conservation of nature.

Price: R250

Rating 5 / 5 [44 ratings]

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Tijuca Forest Adventure Full-Day Hike (Small-Group or Private)

Rio de Janeiro

Tijuca Forest Adventure Full-Day Hike (Small-Group or Private)
You'll be hiking in a very unusual part of Tijuca Forest, one of the biggest urban forests in the world. On this circuit of trails, discover the nature and beauty of the jungle, reaching Taquara Hill (814m=2670ft), a 100m higher than Christ Redeemer, with views to the valley of the forest and the city, in clear days. Visit caves and also coffee farms ruin. After the hike, refresh in a waterfall* (bring towel/ bathing suit). On the route to the park, stop by another summit for pictures and admiring the landscape. The scenery of this tour is amazing with nature and a lot of adventure. You'll also learn the history of Brazil, of  Tijuca Forest and everything about the coffee farms of that area, and the reforestation that happened in the 1800's. *The water flow on the waterfalls varies according to the intensity of the rain.

Price: R350

Rating 4.95 / 5 [68 ratings]

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Tijuca Peak Hiking - The Highest Summit in Tijuca National Park

Rio de Janeiro

Tijuca Peak Hiking - The Highest Summit in Tijuca National Park
Enjoy a wonderful guided hiking adventure at Tijuca National Park. You will drive through the forest and then hike up all the way to the summit of the Tijuca Peak, enjoying breathtaking scenery along the way. Your tour includes a professional guide and transport.

Price: R375

Rating 4.71 / 5 [60 ratings]

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Tijuca Rainforest Hiking Tour in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

Tijuca Rainforest Hiking Tour in Rio de Janeiro
Experience some of Rio de Janeiro’s stunning natural beauty on this hiking tour through the Tijuca Rainforest. Declared a national park in the ‘60s, Tijuca is home to Rio’s highest peak – Pico da Tijuca. Hike to this scenic spot with an experienced guide, learning about the rainforest as you go, and be rewarded with remarkable views of Rio and Guanabara Bay when you reach the top. It’s an active and educational way to spend a day in Rio!

Price: R409

Rating 4.6 / 5 [10 ratings]

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Rio de Janeiro

Southeastern Region, Brazil

Christ redeemer

Heaven for healthy hedonists – hang glide, surf or hike by day, relax on the beach and party all night. Then, of course, there’s that carnival…

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