Rio De Janeiro: Rainforest, Art and Views

Rio De Janeiro’s cultural landscape stretches from the mountains of Parque Nacional da Tijuca to the sea. Its defining places include the Botanical Garden, dating from 1808, Corcovado with its statue of Christ, Pão de Açúcar and landscaped areas along Copacabana Bay. Nature, viewpoints and art offer different focuses for your trip: you can put individual interests at the centre or alternate between them as you plan.

Atlantic Rainforest and Trails in Tijuca

Parque Nacional da Tijuca preserves Atlantic Rainforest. Animals native to the area include toucans, coatis, capuchin monkeys and three-toed sloths. Those with a particular interest in nature will find a different focus here than at artistic sites or a viewpoint. The wildlife can be described specifically, without limiting a visit to a single attraction.

A hiking trail in Parque Nacional da Tijuca leads to Pico da Tijuca, the unit’s highest point at 1,021 metres. The elevation is a useful reference for planning your day, but it does not indicate walking time or difficulty. Another destination in the park is Cachoeira das Almas, where swimming is permitted. Families can therefore take different interests into account: a trail to the unit’s highest point and a waterfall where swimming is allowed.

The national park’s access points are also relevant when planning an outing. The access points at Parque Lage and in Alto da Boa Vista can be reached by metro in combination with integrated bus services. If the park is among your planned outings, you can take these two access options into account when deciding where to stay in a holiday apartment.

Almost all access points, viewpoints, waterfalls and hiking trails in Parque Nacional da Tijuca are free of charge. Admission is charged only for access to Cristo Redentor and for hang gliding. This distinction helps put park visits in perspective: there is no admission charge for most of the areas and activities mentioned, while these two exceptions incur a cost.

Art, Views and Special Places

Parque Lage combines historical significance with art. In 1957, the Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (IPHAN) recognised it as part of the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Rio de Janeiro. At Parque Lage, the Escola de Artes Visuais (EAV) offers free training to aspiring artists. Those interested in the city’s art scene can take these two aspects into account when planning their trip: the site’s recognised heritage and the artistic training offered there.

Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar also offers cultural and artistic activities and includes Bosque das Artes. The park’s cable car connects Praia Vermelha, Morro da Urca and Pão de Açúcar. This means visitors can consider both the clearly defined connection between three stations and art and culture as possible travel interests. Another viewpoint is located in Parque Glória Maria. From there, the view extends to Pão de Açúcar, Arcos da Lapa, Guanabara Bay and Cristo Redentor.

A Regular Weekly Market

The Feira livre de Ipanema takes place every Friday at Praça Nossa Senhora da Paz. If visiting a market is part of your plans, this regular day of the week is a useful reference point. You can factor it into your schedule without having to assume there will be a special event on a future date.

More Destinations

More destinations to discover: Cardoso Moreira, Cabo Frio, Mangaratiba, Macaé, Iguaba Grande, Penedo, Arraial Do Cabo and Valença.

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