Top Rio de Janeiro Eco Tours

Get away from Rio’s raucous side and head deep into nature on this half-day tour. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll head to the city’s “Green Lungs,” aka Tijuca National Park, the largest urban rainforest on the planet. With your guide leading the way, you’ll wander amongst caves and waterfalls, watch for wildlife, and marvel at Brazilian biodiversity—bring your camera, your hiking shoes, and your exploring legs!

This tour combines all the main and green nature areas of Rio (Tijuca Forest, Prainha, Dois Irmãos Park, Chico Mendes Lagoon) stopping at 7 different attractions in 4 parks. Within 1 day you'll visit these parks that are not easily accessible and featured in the classic tours and experience all the different ecosystems in Rio (beach, mountains, tropical rainforest, waterfalls, lagoon, mangrove). 1) Penhasco Dois Irmãos Park - a great view to Leblon and Ipanema 2) Tijuca Forest National Park: 3 attractions Chinese View summit, Taunay Waterfall and Canoas Summit 3) Break for lunch (not included) 4) Chico Mendes Lagoon - a mangrove where is possible to see caimans and capybaras 5) Prainha - a protected and secluded beach, surrounded by mountains and rainforest . Take a walk on the beach, or a dip in the ocean. 6) Mirante do Roncador - amazing viewpoint with a great view to the "Sleeping Giant", the mountain range of Rio * This tour do NOT visit Christ Redeemer, Sugar Loaf

Our Jeep ride through the city of Rio de Janeiro will take you visit two sites of great natural beauty and cultural interest, besides being a trip of fun and full of adrenaline. The excursion TIJUCA RAINFOREST & BOTANICAL GARDEN - JEEP TOUR, begins with a visit to the Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful and best preserved green areas of the city. Founded in 1808 by D. João, then Prince Regent of Portugal, Botanical Garden is famous for the exuberance and importance of its plant collections, as well as the beauty of its landscapes. Its bicentennial history is expressed in its monuments, buildings and works of art. Then we will go to the National Park of Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, being able to enjoy panoramic viewpoints along the way. We will stop at the Chinese View Belvedere which features a magnificent view of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, the Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf Mountain and at the end a stop at Pepino Beach to see the hang gliders

Explore Brazil's diverse plant life on this tour of the Tijuca Rainforest and the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. During this 4-hour activity, visit the city's botanical garden to view a variety of exotic and native plants. Ride in a jeep through the Tijuca Rainforest, stopping for a leisurely hike with picturesque views and chances to see local wildlife. Round-trip transportation from Rio de Janeiro hotels is included.

Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this comprehensive 8-hour tour. With a local guide, travel through the Tijuca Forest, stopping at Paineiras to board transportation to the top of Corcovado, home of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Take the cable car from Urca up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, then eat lunch at one of the city's best steakhouses before visits to Maracanã Stadium and the Sambadrome. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included. 

A flexible itinerary ensures a customizable experience during this private sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro. Your private group can choose to focus on nature or history, with either a driver-guide or a separate guide and driver. Choose from highlights such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the Selaron Steps. History buffs can explore the historic city center while nature lovers may opt to visit Tijuca Forest.

Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this full-day tour. Travel through the Tijuca Forest to see the Christ the Redeemer statue. Take the cable car from Urca up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, before visiting downtown highlgihts such as Maracanã (outside only), the Sambadrome area, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Sao Bento Monastery and Selarón Stairs. Round-trip transport from selected hotels in Rio is included, and you can opt to include admission tickets and lunch.

Soar above the city of Rio de Janeiro aboard a hang glider during this 4-hour adventure. Accompanied by a fully certified instructor, launch from the Tijuca Forest National Park, and glide over the lush, verdant Mata Atlantica (Atlantic Forest). Take in views of some of Rio's most famous landmarks, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Rocinha Favela, and the Christ the Redeemer Statue atop Corcovado Mountain. Touch down for a gentle landing on the white sands of Sao Conrado Beach. Round-trip transportation is available for additional cost, but a video DVD of your hang-gliding experience is included.

Tour Rio de Janeiro your way, with a private car and driver, during this fully customizable tour. Choose the landmarks and attractions that you want to visit, such as Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the city's famous beaches. Learn about the food, language, culture and history of the city and its inhabitants from your informative local guide while you explore. Round trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle is included.

Get an in-depth local experience with this walking tour of one of Rio's favelas, Rocinha. Follow your resident guide to get an insider's perspective on daily life and learn about the challenges these communities face.

Ride through Tijuca National Park's rainforest in an open-top Jeep during this half-day trip from Rio. During guided eco-tour, hike through the forest to spot sloths, butterflies, monkeys, and birds. Enjoy panoramic views from Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) and marvel at the fact that this section of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) is just 10 minutes outside the city limits. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Attend the Ginga Tropical Show, a dance and music that allows you to learn about Brazil's vibrant history and culture through its traditional music and dance. During this show, see talented performers dance the lambada, samba and bossa nova dressed in outrageous Carnival costumes. Hear folklore from around the diverse country, live drumming and the Brazilian martial art: capoeira.

See two iconic Rio de Janeiro landmarks from the water—Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf—on a sailing tour. Sail in Guanabara Bay or the open sea while you relax with a welcome drink and snacks. Enjoy stunning views and discover the magic of sailing from the captain who illuminates Rio’s history. This 3-hour boat tour has a maximum capacity of 20, so there'll be plenty of room onboard.

Immerse yourself in the culture of Rio through its flavors during this half-day cooking class. Learn about the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques specific to Brazilian cuisine from your instructor. Then, get your hands dirty as you learn to prepare several authentic Brazilian recipes while sipping on a caipirinha. This experience goes beyond the restaurant scene for a true taste of Rio.

Venture away from the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro and explore the wild region of Barra de Guaratiba. Embark on a hike to Pedra do Telegrafo for beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Rio in the distance before exploring a handful of rugged beaches for a bit of relaxing. This small-group excursion is suitable for most travelers and is limited to eight for a more personalized experience.

Get more out of your visit to the famous Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden when you go with a guide. Walk through the highlights of this UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve while learning about learning about its history and mission, plus see plants and animals from around the world like monkeys, toucans, and giant Amazonian water lilies. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Pedra do Telégrafo is one of Rio de Janeiro's most-photographed natural attractions and offers great views of the city. But, located on the city's west side, it can be tricky to get there. This small-group tour takes care of your transportation then leads you on an easy hike up to the rock where you can take photos and enjoy the views.

Hike the Horto waterfalls circuit in Tijuca National Park on this half-day morning tour, led by a specialist guide. Starting from Jequitibá Waterfall, you’ll walk at a leisurely pace along a forest trail ending at Shower Waterfall, aka Box Waterfall. Stand or wade under the rock-walled cascades for a refreshing shower before reversing your steps. Upgrade to venture with your own personal guide on a private tour that includes round-trip hotel transport.

Hike to the top of Tijuca Peak with a guide during this half-day excursion from Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy convenient pickup at your Rio hotel and a scenic ride through the forest of Tijuca National Park. While you hike, your guide points out native flora and fauna that may include toucans, monkeys, sloths and snakes.

Explore the world's largest urban rainforest, Tijuca National Park, during this 3-hour tour in Rio de Janeiro. With a nature guide, discover the swaths of verdant foliage and abundance of local wildlife within the confines of this vibrant city. A bio-diverse hot spot, the fragile ecosystem is home to several waterfalls and many endangered species. Enjoy views of Pedra da Gávea and the Christ the Redeemer statue and stop at the Emperor's Table and the Chinese View. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Visit a tropical rainforest that borders a huge metropolitan city—an extremely rare thing in the world. The Tijuca Forest is an area filled with indigenous wildlife, flowers and plants, and on this tour, spot toucans, monkeys and raccoons among many other inhabitants of the forest. Then, travel to the Tijuca Botanical Garden to learn more about the flowers of Brazil and enjoy displays of plants.

Get an in-depth, compassionate tour of the Rocinha favela (the Brazilian term for shantytown) during this excursion via Jeep. With your in-the-know guide, meet the locals and observe their daily life, including visits to the neighborhood school and a street fair. Transportation from select hotels is provided.

Enjoy hiking in Tijuca National Park with your own personal guide and finish with a refreshing dip under a waterfall. Hike up to Pedra Bonita for sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro including the beaches and surrounding Tijuca Forest. See the Christ the Redeemer statue and more from the Chinese Pavilion before arriving at Horto Waterfall. This 6-hour private tour includes round-trip hotel transport.