PARQUE NACIONAL DA TIJUCA

The Tijuca national park encompasses the last remaining tracts of Atlantic Rain forest that was once surrounding Rio de Janeiro. It covers 15sq miles-(39sqkm) in size and includes the "Serra da Carioca"-(Carioca Mountains), "Floresta da Tijuca-(Tijuca Forest), and the monoliths of "Pedra da Gavea" and "Pedra Bonita". The beautiful, well known world marvel, of the statue of "Cristo Redentor"- (Christ the Redeemer), that sits on top of Corcavado peak, is the parks main attraction and most famous landmark to be seen throughout all of Rio.

There are many other major view points throughout the park, like the "Mesa do Imperador"-(Emperors table), and the "Dona Marta" and "Vista Chinesa", which all offer the most spectacular but varied views over the city.

There are many other major view points throughout the park, like the "Mesa do Imperador"-(Emperors table), and the "Dona Marta" and "Vista Chinesa", which all offer the most spectacular but varied views over the city.

Parque Nacional da Tijuca has many waterfalls throughout the park, and one of the most beautifulest of all is located within the Floresta de Tijuca. This photo happy waterfall is located near the main gate and is called "Cascatinha do Taunay", and was named after a French painter Nicolau Taunay.

Also located in the park is the 19th century "Mayrink Chapel" that sits in a lush picture perfect setting. The chapel features the work of Condido Portinari(1903-1962), one of the most important Brazilian painters.

The Os Esquilos restaurant is also located in the heart of the Tijuca forest in an old colonial house that has operated as a restaurant since 1945. This magnificent dining place offers a small menu of Brazilian and International favorites including "feijoada" (a bean and meat stew) on the weekends.

The park is also home to hundreds of species of plants, mammals you can be sure to get a glimpse of, countless exotic birds and insects throughout the forest. There is a large tiled map of the park routes in Alto da Boa Vista, and many of the 150 odd trails still exist today, mostly made by Brazil's indigenous people. One of these trails dates back to the 19th century and takes hikers from Largo do Bom Retiro, which is a place for picnics in the Floresta da Tijuca, to the highest peak in Tijuca at 3,940ft-(1,201m).

DO NOT ever attempt to explore this great Rain forest alone. it is extremely easy to get lost in the foliage and can make your vacation a very trying experience to say the least. Our guides are very familiar with the Rain forest and will always stay walking at YOUR speed, so do not hesitate to explore a trek through the forest with us, we will always have fresh water on hand and cater to your needs.

Floresta da Tijuca also has another close by attraction you would not want to miss out on seeing. The Museu Acude, a museum housed in the neo - colonial building, that once was the home of a known successful businessman named Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya-(1894-1968). The museum is now well known for its Portuguese, Spanish, French and Dutch tiles from the 17th and 18th centuries, and for the personal Oriental art collection of Castro Maya.

The Park can also be explored by car for those of you who are not so interested in hiking ,and all the sites, along with the Rain forest experience and photography spots ,will not be sacrificed, as the vehicle will just be on the designated roads within the Rain forest and park, and you will see the hikers throughout your tour.

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