Vista Chinesa
A lookout over city and sea.
Halley Pacheco de Oliveira — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Mcalvet — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Adenildegonzaga — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Letsshootaround — CC BY-SA 4.0
Tijuca National Park is one of the largest urban forests in the world, covering the mountains in the heart of Rio de Janeiro and taking in Corcovado itself. Most of its forest was replanted: in the 19th century the trees were cleared for coffee until the city's springs ran dry, so Emperor Pedro II ordered it reforested in 1861, and six enslaved workers under Major Manuel Archer planted more than 100,000 trees between 1861 and 1887, mostly native Brazilian species. Today it is part of the Atlantic Forest reserve and home to more than 230 species of animals and birds, among them capuchin monkeys, marmosets, coatis and hummingbirds. Its best-known stops are the Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, the Vista Chinesa lookout over the city and the sea, and the trail to Tijuca Peak, the park's highest point. Entry is free in most areas, and the trails range from easy to hard. Walk the remoter paths with a guide or in a group, start early and carry water, as the air is hot and humid in summer.
A lookout over city and sea.
Deep in the forest.
Along the trails.
Tijuca mountains, central Rio de Janeiro
Areas near the roads and lookouts are busy by day; the remoter trails are best done with a guide or in a group, starting early.