Rio Nature Secrets - The Eco Citytour (small group or private)

Rio de Janeiro , Brazil

Rio Nature Secrets - The Eco Citytour (small group or private)

Active

(29 reviews)

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour combines all the main and green nature areas of Rio (Tijuca Forest, Prainha, Dois Irmãos Park, Chico Mendes Lagoon) stopping at 7 different attractions in 4 parks. Within 1 day you'll visit these parks that are not easily accessible and featured in the classic tours and experience all the different ecosystems in Rio (beach, mountains, tropical rainforest, waterfalls, lagoon, mangrove).

1) Penhasco Dois Irmãos Park - a great view to Leblon and Ipanema
2) Tijuca Forest National Park: 3 attractions Chinese View summit, Taunay Waterfall and Canoas Summit
3) Break for lunch (not included)
4) Chico Mendes Lagoon - a mangrove where is possible to see caimans and capybaras
5) Prainha - a protected and secluded beach, surrounded by mountains and rainforest . Take a walk on the beach, or a dip in the ocean.
6) Mirante do Roncador - amazing viewpoint with a great view to the "Sleeping Giant", the mountain range of Rio

* This tour do NOT visit Christ Redeemer, Sugar Loaf

Available options

Private (1 to 6 participants)

Private: exclusive car/guide<br/>Pickup included

Collective small group (max 6)

Pickup included

What's included

Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

All Fees and Taxes

Transport in small vehicle (max. 6 people) / (optional air conditioner)

Guided tour

Licensed tour guide

Insurance

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We'll visit the Penhasco Dois Irmãos Park, a cute nature park that is the limit between the beach area and the rainforest and mountains. You'll be a bit higher up with great views to Ipanema and Leblon beaches and also to Lagoon and Christ Redeemer. (there´s some walking but not hiking up the Dois Irmãos hills).

Stop 2

The Chinese View summit has one of the best views in Rio and is one of the very few places where you can see and capture Sugar Loaf and Christ Redeemer in the same frame. The scenic spot also has a pagoda built with chinese style to honor a group of chinese farmers who immigrated in the beginning of the 1900s.

Taunay Waterfall is the highestin the Tijuca Forest National Park and really loved by locals. We'll stop close to the falls to admire its beauty, feel its drops and also visit an old bridge built in 1860 that is now mixed and composed with the tropical ranforest around. Amazing spot for pictures and to feel "inside the forest' and away from the city.

Stopping by this summit, we'll be able to see Pedra da Gavea, the highest monolith close to the ocean in the world, and Pedra Bonita, the mountain where the hang-gliders take off. These 2 beautiful mountains are part of the amazing and unique Rio de Janeiro landscape and you'll have a very close angle view with the mountains, the forest and the ocean. After this attraction, we'll stop for a lunch break.

After the break for lunch, we'll visit Marapendi Park, a mangrove and lagoon area. On this park, we'll take a 10 min. walk (it´s flat terrain - no hiking up). On the lagoon, it´s possible to see capybaras and caimans and also some more wildliefe like birds, lizards and more. This stop reveals how much different the eco-systems can change within Rio limits.

Stop 6

Prainha is a small, protected and secluded beach on the West Zone of Rio, considered the best surfing spot in the city. It's very scenic, with rainforest, mountains and rocks all around. We'll have the chance to visit it, take some pictures and maybe drink some coconut water enjoying the lush of this area.

Viewpoint on the West RIo, inside Prainha Nature Park with amazing view to the 'Sleeping Giant', the mountain rage of Rio that is also a local legend.

What's not included

Food, water, drinks

Pick up/drop off OUT of the designated meeting points/areas

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

27 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Maximum of 6 participants on the tour (or you can choose a private option)

Passport name, number and date of birth is required at time of booking for all participants (for insurance)

Meeting point

Transport is included from designated hotels (more than 50 options) on the neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Leme, Santa Teresa, Flamengo and Botafogo. When booking, choose from a list the best/closest option as your meeting point.

Important notes

IMPORTANT: please contact us right after concluding your booking to inform/confirm:
• the address of the meeting point/hotel (transport included from designated hotels and hostels in several areas of Rio - South Zone ONLY). Choose the closest meeting point to your place.
• time shown here is an estimation of the start time. Exact pick up time depends on meeting point location and will be informed on the previous night at 8:10pm by email. PLEASE READ YOUR EMAILS on the NIGHT BEFORE after 08:10PM.
• passport name, number and date of birth from ALL PARTICIPANTS (required for insurance)

WHAT TO TAKE/WEAR
• Comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Bring snacks/fruits and water (1,5 liter/person) until the stop for lunch.
• Sun lotion, insect repellent

TOUR REQUIRES SOME WALKING (approx. 15 min, flat terrain) ON EACH STOP. Not recommended for participants with issues for walking.

TIME / DURATION: The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the pace of the tourand traffic conditions. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

WEATHER: Tour can still go with some rain. If there´s extreme bad weather it may be rescheduled or canceled (with a refund of the payment).

About Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, known as the 'Marvelous City,' is famous for its natural settings, Carnival, samba, bossa nova, and Balneario beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. It's a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Top Attractions

Christ the Redeemer

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic statue offers breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours R$84 (including train ticket)

Sugarloaf Mountain

A famous peak offering stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and its beaches.

Nature 2-3 hours R$88 (round-trip cable car)

Copacabana Beach

One of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.

Beach Half day or full day Free

Tijuca National Park

The world's largest urban forest, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Nature Half day or full day Free (some attractions may have fees)

Santa Teresa

A historic and bohemian neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and scenic views.

Cultural Half day Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Feijoada

A hearty stew made with black beans and various cuts of pork, often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices.

Dinner Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Pão de Queijo

Cheese bread made with tapioca flour, giving it a unique texture and flavor.

Snack Vegetarian, but contains dairy.

Moqueca

A traditional fish stew cooked in coconut milk and dendê oil, with various seafood and vegetables.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and tofu.

Açaí

A thick, creamy fruit pulp from the açaí palm, often served with granola and condensed milk.

Dessert/Drink Can be made vegan with plant-based milk.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Tijuca National Park Surfing in Arpoador Paragliding in Pedra Bonita Beach lounging in Ipanema Spa treatments in Copacabana Yoga in Botafogo Visiting museums in Centro Attending a samba show

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and the famous Carnival in February/March. Expect crowded beaches and higher prices.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL)

Time Zone

GMT-3 (Brasília Time)

Electricity

110V/220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Rio de Janeiro is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violence can occur. Exercise caution, especially in less touristy areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night in unsafe areas
• Use common sense and stay alert to your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
Santos Dumont Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center

By train

Central do Brasil

By bus

Rodoviária Novo Rio, Terminal Rodoviário da Gavea

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and air-conditioned, the metro is a great way to avoid traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, 99 Taxis

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Copacabana Ipanema Santa Teresa Lapa Botafogo

Day trips

Petrópolis

65 km (40 miles) • Full day

A charming colonial town in the mountains, known for its historic architecture and cool climate.

Paraty

170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight

A historic coastal town with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches.

Búzios

170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight

A picturesque beach town known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Festivals

Carnival • February/March (dates vary) Rio Carnival Samba Parade • February/March (dates vary) New Year's Eve (Réveillon) • December 31

Pro tips

Visit Christ the Redeemer early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
Take a helicopter tour for a unique perspective of the city
Explore the less touristy neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Botafogo for a more authentic experience
Try local street food like pão de queijo and coxinha for a taste of Brazilian flavors
Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals