Tour of Tijuca National Park & Botanic Garden in Rio

If you enjoy spending time with flora and fauna, this is one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro for you. Consider signing up for a tour of the Tijuca National Park and Botanic Garden to get close to nature in the city. The experience begins with a visit to the Botanical Garden, featuring a wide variety of plants and trees reflecting the diversity of the region. Some of the must-see attractions of the Garden are the Brazilwood tree after which the country is named, the Turtle Lake and floating giant water lilies.

You can choose to see the Orchidarium and Bromeliad House, before going to the Vista Chinese gazebo for scenic views of Rio de Janeiro. From here, you will also be able to spot Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Next on the agenda for the day is the Tijuca National Forest, which is the largest urban rainforest on the planet. The forest part of the park offers hiking trails, Carioca Hill gives views of the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Pedra Bonita and Gávea are suited for hang gliding and rock climbing activities. Some of the most popular sports in the National Park are the Taunay Waterfall and the São Conrado beach.