Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca) is a federal conservation unit, managed by ICMBio, that lies entirely within the city of Rio. It is home to Christ the Redeemer, Pedra da Gávea, Mirante Dona Marta, waterfalls and dozens of trails.

A replanted forest

In 1861, Emperor Pedro II declared the Tijuca and Paineiras forests Protective Forests, and the expropriation of estates and coffee plantations began in order to reforest the area. The work was entrusted to Major Manuel Gomes Archer, who started with 11 enslaved Black people, plus overseers and paid workers, according to the park itself. Later, landscape designer Auguste Glaziou turned part of the forest into a park, with nooks, fountains and lakes. In 1961 the massif became a National Park and, in 1967, it took its current name.

The sectors

• Tijuca Forest: the Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, the Mayrink Chapel, lakes and trails. According to the park rules, pedestrians and cyclists can enter from 6 a.m., with access until 5 p.m., and everyone must leave by 6 p.m. Cars have a daily quota.
• Serra da Carioca: Corcovado, Paineiras, Vista Chinesa, Mesa do Imperador and Mirante Dona Marta.
• Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea: open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the climb up Pedra da Gávea can only start until 2 p.m. and up Pedra Bonita until 4 p.m.

Hours may change in bad weather: check the official website before you go.

How to visit

For the Tijuca Forest, the most practical way is by car, taxi or ride-hailing app to Alto da Boa Vista. For longer trails, go with company and, if you do not know the way, hire an authorized guide. See options in the hiking in Rio guide.