Jeep Tour through the Tijuca Forest, the large swath of tropical rainforest in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Stop at the “Vista Chinesa”, a pagoda lookout, to take pictures and listen to the history of the reforestation of the Tijuca Forest and the importance of the Atlantic rainforest. Visit the Cascatinha waterfall for refreshments and to see the Mayrink Chapel. Enjoy an easy one-hour hike to learn more about the ecosystem. Return via Açude da Solidão (Loneliness Dam) to São Conrado along the scenic Estrada das Canoas. Watch the hang-gliders soar over the forest and land on São Conrado beach.
The tour also includes a visit to Rio de Janeiro’s landmark statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the modern wonders of the world. The statue stands on top of Corcovado Mountain (2,300 feet above sea level). To access the statue, board the cogwheel train at the Corcovado train station in Cosme Velho for a 15-minute ride through the lush Tijuca forest. The Tijuca National Park is the largest urban forest in the world, with 8,000 acres of Atlantic rainforest in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. From the viewpoint at the feet of the 120-foot-high concrete and soapstone statue, enjoy spectacular 360º degree views over the city.