The 7 National Park Days in Brazil That Earn Their Price

1.Tijuca National Park and all its wonders

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $68Our pick

Join Thomas, Lucas, or another EcotuRio guide for a four to five-hour hike through Tijuca National Park. Expect Cascatinha Taunay, at least two bathing waterfalls, rainforest plants, caves, and flexible pacing for groups of up to about 10 to 12 people.

“This hike was most definitely the highlight of my stay in Rio! I attended as a solo traveller and it was such a welcoming atmosphere. Small group with an individualized approach from our guide Thomas. Thomas was super kind, welcoming, knowledgable, and funny. We got to spend sometime in one of the waterfalls for a super refreshing dip, and also got to see some hardcore rock climbers. And as a cherry on top of an already wonderful experience, we saw a monkey!! CUTE!!!! And Thomas personalizes the hike based on the needs and abilities of each group! I, for sure, recommend this hike!!”

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2.Tijuca National Park Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 85 reviews · 4h 30m · from $79

Start with hotel pickup and ride into Tijuca National Park for a guided rainforest walk. Visit Taunay Waterfall, caves, heritage sites, viewpoints, and other falls while guides such as Thalles, Dudu, Samuel, and Sylvio explain Rio’s plants and wildlife.

“I had an amazing time exploring Tijuca National Park with our tour guide Sylvio! He was incredibly friendly and full of fascinating knowledge about the park's history, wildlife, and nature. The tour was beautiful and fun from start to finish-we even spotted a monkey, which was such a highlight! Sylvio made the whole experience unforgettable with his warm energy and passion for what he does. Highly recommend this tour if you want to discover the magic of Tijuca with a great guide!”

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3.Tijuca National Park Small-Group Hike to Pedra Bonita

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 79 reviews · 5 hours · from $63

Join a bilingual guide, often Tito or Alex, for a five-hour small-group trip from Rio’s South Zone to Pedra Bonita. Walk 3.5 kilometers through Tijuca National Park, learn about coffee farms and rainforest life, then enjoy wide views of Pedra da Gávea, Rio, and the coast.

“The tour guides are very nice and well prepared!! Definitely recommend it!!”

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4.Full-Day Trip to Iguazú National Park with Small-Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 48 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $162

Spend about nine hours exploring Iguazú National Park with a guide such as Fabio, Claudio, Gabriel, or Fabrizio. Walk the falls, ride the park train to Devil’s Throat, and take an optional boat ride that leaves you soaked. Hotel transport and line-skipping are included, but park fees and meals cost extra.

“The beauty of the falls just leaves you speechless. If you are physically fit enough the boat ride is a must. But there 150 steps if not more to go up and down the dock yard. Plan 2 days to do Brazilian and Argentinian sides. As well lower and upper circuit are very different so if possible do both. If you do the boat tour you will only visit one circuit.”

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5.Tijuca National Park & Botanic Garden Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 39 reviews · 4 hours · from $65

Spend four hours visiting Tijuca National Park and Rio’s Botanical Garden with a multilingual guide and hotel pickup. See Vista Chinesa, Taunay Waterfall, Mayrink Chapel, and views toward Christ the Redeemer. The garden entry fee is paid separately, and park closures can change the plan.

“Guide super gentil, visite sous la pluie donc un peu compliqué d’apprécier tout à sa juste valeur. Nous n’avons pas compris pourquoi l’entrée du jardin botanique n’est pas incluse dans l’activité mais à payer sur place. Peut-être l’inclure dans la réservation et la payer en amont”

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6.Private full day: Lencois Maranhenses National Park Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 8 hours

You’ll leave your Barreirinhas hotel with a private guide and driver for an eight-hour visit to Lençóis Maranhenses. Walk between lagoons, swim, eat at a family restaurant in an oasis, and watch sunset from the dunes. Guides may include Diego, Pedro, or Juliana, with multilingual support available.

“Het was fantastisch! Zeer vlotte gids en een unieke dag beleefd met de beste begeleiding!”

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7.Tijuca National Park and all its wonders!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $51Best value

Join Thomas or another certified Ecotu Rio guide for a private four-hour hike through Tijuca National Park. Walk 6 to 12 km past Taunay Waterfall, Cascata da Baronesa, Gruta dos Murcegos, wildlife, and old coffee-growing sites, with the route adjusted to your group.

“Thomas is friendly, very adaptable, and transmits his knowledge and passion for Tijuca and Rio de Janeiro.”

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