Best Adventures in Rio de Janeiro

Ecotourism and the Best Adventures in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro’s heady mix of beach, jungle, and urban culture presents the best adventures and places to venture and enjoy surreal landscapes in Rio de Janeiro. With such natural beauty it is impossible to go through Rio de Janeiro without enjoying the beautiful mountains, forests, beaches and waterfalls. We selected for you a list of the 10th best adventures in Rio de Janeiro.

1) Pedra da Gávea Hike

The Pedra da Gávea Hike ideal challenge for those looking for adventure, adrenaline and the most beautiful view of the Wonderful City.

The Pedra da Gávea is 842 meters high and is one of the most famous rock formations in Rio de Janeiro. From the top of the largest rock block by the sea in the world, you can see some of the main beaches of Rio de Janeiro and the main mountains of the Tijuca National Park. On clear days, you can also see the mountain range of the Serra dos Órgãos.

This adventure is considered as one of the most complete of Rio de Janeiro as it includes a steep and beautiful hike and a basic level rock climbing section, that we will overcome using all the rock climbing equipments necessary, and practicing the technique of abseiling to get down.

2) Pedra do Telégrafo Hike

The Pedra do Telégrafo Hike became one of the most famous trails in Rio de Janeiro thanks to the daring photos that viralized on the internet. The place receives everyday cariocas, tourists and curious from all over the world.

Located in the sector of the Selvagens (Wild) Beaches of Pedra Branca State Park, in Morro de Guaratiba, the Pedra do Telégrafo is 354m high and is a moderate trail that passes through several viewpoints and beautiful landscapes. This place was used as a military station during World War II.

3) Two Brothers Hill Hiking

The Two Brothers Hill Hiking starts at the top of the Community of Vidigal. The tour begins like an authentic local, using the the local transports that circulate inside the community.

The Two Brothers Hill is 533 meters high and is located between the neighborhoods of Leblon and São Conrado. The place houses the favela of Vidigal, a pacified community that emerged in the decade of 1940, offering many cultural venues and outstanding views of the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The Two Brothers Hill is considered one of the best adventures in Rio de Janeiro, offering perfect viewpoints to understand better the social occupation and contrasts of Rio de Janeiro.

4) Hiking Waterfall Rio de Janeiro

The Tour Hiking Waterfall Rio de Janeiro and Circuit of Cascades is a sequence of waterfalls located within the Tijuca National Park. The hike is made through trails considered as light hikes, with few natural obstacles easy to overcome. The place hosts wonderful specimens of flora and we are usually able to see some wild animals.

In this tour, it is possible to take a bath in all the waterfalls visited and you will get to know many of the most famous waterfalls of the Tijuca National Park, such as the Cachoeira do Jequitibá, Cachoeira do Choveiro, also known as Cachoeira do Box by the format that the rock presents.

5) Tijuca Forest Complete Circuit – Tijuca Peak

The Tijuca Peak Hike 

is the ideal adventure for those who want to know the Atlantic Rainforest and the history of the Tijuca Forest, which is protected since the mid-19th century, preserving historical treasures of Colonial times of Brazil and many natural beauties.

Located at 1021m high, the Tijuca Peak is in the heart of the Tijuca National Park (PNT) and is the highest mountain of the Tijuca Forest. The tour starts at the entrance gate of the park and passes through several sections of trails before we reach the summit of the Tijuca Peak. During this Tour, you will also know the Visitor Center and Museum of the PNT, Soul Waterfall (Cachoeira das Almas), the viewpoint of Mirim Tijuca Peak and the legendary stairs carved in the rock, built in the early 20th century for the visit of King Albert from Belgium.

6) Sugarloaf Mountain Hike

The Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the best adventures in Rio de Janeiro. Climbing this natural monument is a privilege for very few people. The Tour includes both a very nice hike and a rock climbing section in the charming district of Urca.

The adventure is accomplished in a sequence of trails and more technical hike, alternating sections of land, stone ramps and beautiful lookouts. The most vertical section of the tour has a basic level climbing of approximately 20 meters high -All safety equipment is included in the tour of Nattrip. After overcoming this climbing section, the participants return to technical trails until reaching the viewpoint of Philosopher’s Stone, which offers a beautiful view of Copacabana beach, Pedra da Gávea and Two Brothers mountains. The hike continues until the summit of the Sugarloaf Mountain. The descent is made by the Sugar Loaf Cable Car, which takes us to the Morro da Urca, from where we will finish the hike through the forest.

7) Mountain Biking in Tijuca Forest:

The Tijuca Mountain Bike Forest Tour is a unique experience that leads you to know the Tijuca National Park in a complete way, passing through sections of the trails used by the best cyclists in the world during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, enjoy breathtaking viewpoints such as the statue of Christ the Redeemer and the Chinese View. In Nattrip’s Tour, you also know the Taunay Cascade and enjoy a picnic break surrounded by beautiful trees.

There are 40 km of pedaling through the incredible scenery of the Tijuca National Park, but do not worry, the route also has several sections of downhill and our suport van will always be on hand to pick you up in case you decide to stop riding or rest a little.

8) Rappel in Tijuca Forest – Parrot Peak:

The Parrot Peak is the 2nd largest mountain of the Tijuca National Park, located at 989 meters high. The rappel is vertical, with almost 20 meters of descent with the immensity of the Tijuca forest right behind you.

The tour starts at the entrance gate of the Tijuca National Park and includes trails through the Atlantic Rainforest, a visit to the Visitor Center and Museum of the park, Cachoeira das Almas and of course, the outstanding rappel in the Parrot Peak.

9) Hang Gliding

Have you ever wondered how flying would be? The Hang Gliding Rio de Janeiro takes place on the free flight ramp of Pedra Bonita, located at 520 meters high within the Tijuca National Park. The site is the only free flight ramp in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

The meeting point is on the Pepino Beach in São Conrado, where you will find a small “airport” of Hang Gliding and Paragliding. All our professionals are well experienced and have extensive knowledge in this sport and the region. The flights have routes designed to admire the beaches, mountains and peaks of the city, such as Pedra da Gávea and Two Brothers Hill.

10) Paragliding

The Paragliding flight takes place on the same ramp as the Hand Gliding, in the Pedra Bonita, with the same meeting point.

The Paragliding free flight offers a smoother and longer experience than Hang Gliding, lasting about 10 minutes.