You don't need to hike a trail to get a great view from the Tijuca forest. Vista Chinesa, Mesa do Imperador and Mirante Dona Marta are lookouts in Tijuca National Park reached by paved roads, with views of the Lagoa, Zona Sul and the bay. This guide brings together hours, access routes and the park's traffic rules.
At a glance
- Vista Chinesa and Mesa do Imperador: daily, 8:00 to 17:00, on Estrada Dona Castorina.
- Mirante Dona Marta: daily, 8:00 to 17:00, at 360 m, with views of Sugarloaf Mountain, the bay and Maracanã.
- Cars: Estrada Dona Castorina is closed to vehicles from 7:00 to 9:00 on weekdays and from 7:00 to 19:00 on weekends and holidays.
- Bus: line 409 reaches the Horto; from there you continue on foot or by bike.
- Admission: the park says access is free, except for Corcovado.
Vista Chinesa
It's an Asian-style pavilion built in the early 20th century, overlooking the Lagoa, Zona Sul and Sugarloaf Mountain. According to the park's page ↗, it's open daily from 8:00 to 17:00.
How to get there:
- By bus, then on foot or by bike: from Zona Sul, take line 409 along Rua Pacheco Leão to the last stop, in the Horto. From there the park says to continue along the road on foot or by bike. It's uphill: allow time and bring water.
- By car: from Jardim Botânico along Rua Pacheco Leão, or from Tijuca or Barra by driving up to Alto da Boa Vista and taking Estrada Dona Castorina. Keep in mind the road's closure to vehicles (below).
Mesa do Imperador
It's on the same road, a little higher up than Vista Chinesa. According to the park's page ↗, it was a spot for the nobility's open-air lunches, and Pedro II visited it on his rides through the forest. It's open daily from 8:00 to 17:00; the page mentions until 18:00 during daylight saving time, but it dates from 2020, so confirm the hours. It's reached by the same routes as Vista Chinesa.
Mirante Dona Marta
According to its page ↗, it stands at 360 m and offers a panoramic view that includes Sugarloaf Mountain, Maracanã, Guanabara Bay and Corcovado. It's open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, and staying overnight is prohibited. The official page doesn't explain how to get there: check the route on a map and the traffic rules for the day.
The park's traffic rules
According to the park's visiting rules ↗, in force since April 2024:
- Estrada Dona Castorina (Vista Chinesa and Mesa do Imperador): closed to cars and motorcycles from 7:00 to 9:00 on weekdays and from 7:00 to 19:00 on weekends and holidays. During those hours you go up on foot or by bike.
- Estrada do Redentor: closed to motor vehicles all day; only pedestrians and cyclists may pass.
- Weather: hours may change in bad weather.
In practice, if you want to go by car on a weekend, you need to arrive outside the closure hours or leave the car and go up on foot or by bike.
Planning the outing
- Combine it with Jardim Botânico: the access from Rua Pacheco Leão passes by the garden. Ideas in how to visit Jardim Botânico.
- More nature: if you want to walk, see the routes and rules in hiking in Tijuca National Park.
- Light: the lookouts close at 17:00, before sunset. For a sunset, see sunset spots in Rio.
- Taxi or app: if you go up in a ride-hailing car, think about the return before you go.
On a hot day, add a stop at the park's waterfalls.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The park says access is free; the only paid spot is Corcovado.
Can I drive up on a Sunday?
Estrada Dona Castorina is closed to vehicles from 7:00 to 19:00 on weekends and holidays, so that day it's better to go by bike or on foot from the Horto.
Do I need to book?
We didn't find any booking requirement for the lookouts. Check the visiting rules in force on the day you go.
Sources: Tijuca National Park: Vista Chinesa ↗, Mesa do Imperador ↗, Mirante Dona Marta ↗ and visiting rules ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.