Parque Nacional da Tijuca is the forest that wraps around Rio: Christ the Redeemer, waterfalls, lookouts and granite peaks just minutes from the beach. According to the park itself, it has about 200 km of trails of varying difficulty, so the key isn't to "do Tijuca" but to pick a hike that fits your fitness level, your time and the day's weather.
At a glance
- For a first hike with a great view: Pedra Bonita, about a 20-minute climb according to the park.
- To reach the park's highest point: Pico da Tijuca, 1,022 m.
- Only with climbing experience: Pedra da Gávea, rated "pesado" (strenuous) by the park.
- No effort, with a view of the Lagoa: Vista Chinesa.
- Admission: the park states that entry is free; the exception is Corcovado.
Before you go: park hours and rules
The park follows a visitation protocol with hours by sector. In Setor Floresta, pedestrians and cyclists can enter from 6:00 to 17:00, and everyone has to be out by 18:00. At Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea, hours are 8:00 to 17:00; at Gávea you can start the climb only until 14:00, and at Pedra Bonita until 16:00. Hours may change in bad weather, so check the current visitation rules ↗ on the day.
A few rules worth keeping in mind: pets, campfires and feeding animals are not allowed, and you have to stay on the official trail because shortcuts cause erosion. Cell signal is weak along many stretches. The park makes clear that each visitor is responsible for their own safety and that, in case of an accident, you should call the Fire Department (Bombeiros) at 193. The full guidelines are in the guide to visiting the park ↗.
Pedra Bonita: the short climb with a big view
This is the friendliest option if you want a postcard view without a full day of hiking. According to the official Pedra Bonita page ↗, the climb takes about 20 minutes, and from the top you can see São Conrado, the Zona Sul and Barra. The free-flight launch ramp is in the same spot: if you're interested in flying, see our guide to hang gliding and paragliding.
Best time
Early, when there are fewer people at the top and the heat hasn't kicked in yet. Parking for hikers is capped at 24 vehicles, so arriving early also helps if you're driving.
How to get there
Access is via Estrada das Canoas, a cobblestone road that climbs from São Conrado to the park's ranger station. There's no public transportation to the trailhead; most people go up by car or taxi.
Pico da Tijuca: the park's highest point
At 1,022 m, Pico da Tijuca ↗ offers a 360° view over the city. The final stretch has a staircase carved into the rock. Hours are 8:00 to 17:00, and you can start the climb until 14:00. The park doesn't publish an official duration, so plan for a full day and set off early.
How to get there
The entrance is through Setor Floresta, at Praça Afonso Viseu (Alto da Boa Vista). The park lists bus lines 301, 302 and 345. If you want to add more peaks, the Circuito dos Picos covers 19 km, and the park recommends doing it over two or three days.
Pedra da Gávea: only with experience
This is the most demanding hike and the one with the most accidents. The official page ↗ rates it as "pesado" (strenuous): it has more than 800 m of elevation gain and exposed vertical sections. The same page mentions about three hours in one section and an average of five hours in another; plan around the longer figure.
A guide isn't mandatory, but the park recommends going "com guia ou caminhante experiente" (with a guide or an experienced hiker), with at least one person who has climbing experience, and strongly recommends bringing a harness, rope and carabiners. If you don't have that experience, hire a climbing guide or choose another route.
Vista Chinesa and the Horto waterfalls
Vista Chinesa ↗ is a lookout built between 1902 and 1906, with views of the Zona Sul and the Lagoa. It's open from 8:00 to 17:00. From Horto you can take bus 409 to the last stop (Rua Pacheco Leão) and continue on foot or by bike. Estrada Dona Castorina, the road up to the lookout, is closed to cars from 7:00 to 9:00 on weekdays and from 7:00 to 19:00 on weekends and holidays.
The park allows swimming at the Horto waterfalls; at Cascatinha Taunay ↗, however, going under the falls is prohibited.
What to bring and how to stay safe
The park recommends closed-toe shoes with good soles, a cap, insect repellent, sunscreen, plenty of water and a light snack ↗. Add a charged phone battery and let someone know which trail you're doing. Among the risks the park mentions are venomous animals, falling rocks and trees, lightning, slippery ground and sudden changes in the weather: if the forecast calls for storms, save the hike for another day.
On Wednesdays there are free guided tours in Setor Floresta, according to the park's FAQ ↗. On other days, you'll need to hire a guide on your own.
Frequently asked questions
What's the easiest trail in Tijuca National Park?
Among the trails with open views, Pedra Bonita is the shortest climb: about 20 minutes according to the park. Vista Chinesa can be reached by car, by bike or on foot along the road.
Do you need a guide for Pedra da Gávea?
It isn't mandatory, but the park recommends one for anyone without climbing experience, along with safety gear.
How much does it cost to enter the park?
The park states that admission is free and that Corcovado is the only paid site. Confirm before you go, as conditions may change.
Can I bring my dog?
No. The park doesn't allow pets.
If you're planning your week, pair a hike with a relaxed day at the beaches or at the Jardim Botânico, and also check when to visit Rio.
Sources: Parque Nacional da Tijuca (ICMBio) ↗ and its individual trail pages, accessed September 28, 2026.