Outdoor Activities in Southeast Brazil

Rio de Janeiro has no shortage of spectacular vistas. Dois Irmaos Hill is one of the best and perhaps most interesting, overlooking both glamourous beaches and gritty favelas. Begin early with a hotel pick-up in a traditional kombi (VW bus) to the trailhead at the base of Two Brothers Hill. Hike through Tijuca Forest to summit Dois Irmaos for a panoramic view of Rio's South Zone. Hike back down continuing the tour with a closer look at favela life before being dropped off back at your hotel.

Discover the UNESCO-listed Tijuca National Rainforest and famous Christ the Redeemer Statues on a 6-hour hiking tour. Start the moderate hike at Parque Lage, at the base of Corcovado Mountain, with your guide and a small group of 15 guests or less. Take in the aerial views from the top of the mountain and look out for local wildlife along the way.

Hike into the hillsides above Rio for amazing views and fresh air during this 5-hour trek to the peak of 'Dois Irmaos' (Two Brothers Hill). Depart from Vidigal favela on easy walk to the summit of this well known hill. As you hike, admire the lush foliage, endangered orchids and plentiful birds like hawks and owls that inhabit the area. Enjoy postcard-worthy views of Rio de Janeiro when you reach the peak, followed by time to explore the streets of Vidigal with your guide. Round-trip hotel transport is also included.

Hike to Bico do Papagaio in Tijuca National Park and marvel at magnificent views of Rio de Janeiro from above. Follow an informative guide on a nature trail in the Tijuca Forest during this full-day tour. Splash under the Cachoeira das Almas (Waterfall of the Souls) and visit the Tijuca National Park Museum. Upgrade to venture with your own personal guide on a private tour that includes round-trip hotel transport.

Explore the network of subterranean caves in Tijuca National Forest during this hiking tour in Rio. Following your expert adventure guide, set off through the Tijuca forest, learning about the surrounding animal and plant life through informative commentary. Pass several pristine waterfalls on the approach to the caves. Flick on your provided flashlight as you explore the interiors of several caves, getting glimpses of native subterranean plant life and unusual rock formations. This easy hike is suitable for all skill levels.

Visit Morro da Urca in Rio de Janeiro on this biking and hiking tour. Ride along the promenade of Copacabana beach on the way to Morro da Urca. There, hike up the first hill to catch views of the surrounding landscape. Following that, you can choose to take a cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain (cable car ticket not included in price of tour).

Hike to Morro da Urca, then ride the aerial cable car the rest of the way to Sugar Loaf mountain on this half-day tour. Follow your guide on a forest trail to the twin granite domes and be rewarded with sweeping views of Guanabara Bay and Rio's UNESCO-listed landscape from the summit. Upgrade to venture with your own personal guide on a private tour that includes round-trip hotel transport.

Embark on a rigorous hike to Garganta do Ceu cave, situated on the south face of Pedra da Gavea. This private full-day tour, led by an expert guide, offers sturdy hikers a steep and demanding trek through the dense Atlantic Rainforest with some basic rock climbing and rappelling. On arrival you're rewarded with magnificent views of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay and Morro Dois Irmaos (Two Brothers Hill).

Trek through the rainforest to Praia do Sono (Sono Beach) on this full-day guided tour from Paraty. Set out from Laranjeiras Village through the leafy jungle filled with native plant and animal life, learning about the area's history and natural resources from your experienced hiking guide along the way. After about an hour, reach Praia do Sono to relax and swim during several hours' free time before hiking back to your starting point. Round-trip transportation from Paraty hotels is included.

Experience a hang gliding or paragliding tandem flight over Rio de Janeiro, taking off from Pedra Bonita in UNESCO-listed Tijuca National Park. After a safety briefing from your qualified instructor, you'll soar above granite peaks draped in lush forest. Take in the coastline as you fly for 8 to 15 minutes before landing at Pepino Beach in Sao Conrado.

Explore the lush rainforest and rugged terrain of Tijuca Forest on a 4-hour, small-group Jeep tour from Rio de Janeiro that includes round-trip hotel transfer from Rio's South Zone. Get sweeping views of the city from Vista Chinesa, see a scenic waterfall, and visit the park's museum and visitor center, while enjoying Rio de Janeiro's natural side.

Trek to the top of Morro Dois Irmaos (Two Brothers Hill) and visit the Vidigal Favela on this nature and educational tour in Rio. Follow your local guide to the top of the trail leading to the highest of the two hills for spectacular views of Rio splayed out below. This round-trip hike takes about 2 hours and is moderately difficult. On the way down, walk through Vidigal favela. Interact with the local residents and see how life operates in this neighborhood. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels or the cruise port is included.

Hike to the summit of the famous Pedra da Gavea on a full-day small-group tour from Rio de Janeiro. This 842 meter summit isn't for the faint of heart but those who make it are rewarded with fantastic views of the coastal city. Hike through Tijuca National Forest, a UNESCO-listed site, and observe popular landmarks from the top such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer Statue.

Embark on a challenging trek up to the top of Gavea Rock (Pedra da Gávea) on this 7-hour tour in Rio de Janeiro. Get epic views over the city after trekking through the Tijuca Rainforest and scrambling up a rock face. Use of safety equipment, national park fees, and round-trip hotel transportation included. Total hiking time is about 4 hours.

Take your Rio de Janeiro visit to new heights thanks to this 8-hour private hiking excursion to the top of Pedra da Gavea. Travel to Rio's Tijuca rainforest for your ascent of this 9,060-foot (842-meter) pinnacle of rock, admiring local wildlife during the steep climb. You'll eventually strap on climbing equipment, completing a few basic rock climbing sections on your trip to the top. Enjoy stunning views of greater Rio from the peak before rappelling back down. A guide, equipment and round-trip hotel transport from select locations are all included.

Rappel from Bico do Papagaio on this guided hike in the Tijuca Forest and be treated to views of Rio de Janeiro. A specialist guide provides climbing equipment and support while you descend 65 feet (20 meters) from the summit. You'll have the unforgettable opportunity to refresh under Cachoeira das Almas (Waterfall of the Souls) and visit the Tijuca National Park Museum. Upgrade to venture with your own personal guide on a private tour that includes round-trip hotel transport.

Spend the night in a cabin in the remote fishing village of Ponta Negra, only accessible by sea or walking trail. Your guide will take you hiking on trails through wild and unspoilt Atlantic Rainforest to the beautiful sandy beaches of Sono and Antigos on the way to Ponta Negra. From Ponta Negra you will explore the remote waterfalls and pools in the Rainforest, including Saco Bravo Waterfall, perched on the rocks overlooking the rough seas.  The natural beauty of the surroundings plus the fresh seafood served on the beaches make this an unforgettable trip.The perfect escape from big city living!

Hike the Horto waterfalls circuit in Tijuca National Park on this half-day morning tour, led by a specialist guide. Starting from Jequitibá Waterfall, you'll walk at a leisurely pace along a forest trail ending at Shower Waterfall, aka Box Waterfall. Stand or wade under the rock-walled cascades for a refreshing shower before reversing your steps. Upgrade to venture with your own personal guide on a private tour that includes round-trip hotel transport.

Hike to the summit of Pedra Bonita, a rocky viewpoint with a magnificent look at Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay. This moderate 4-hour hiking tour through the Tijuca Forest takes you along the Agulhinha Gavea trail to the granite peak. Snap photos of Pedra da Gávea, Sao Conrado and the hang gliders taking off from the top. Upgrade to venture with your own personal guide on a private tour that includes round-trip hotel transport.

Tijuca Forest is huge and it can be hard to find your way if you're traveling there alone. Combine this Tijuca Forest tour and tree canopy ride from Rio, and take a hike with a guide through the rain forest to see its most beautiful sights without getting lost. Plus, you'll go through a fun course up in the trees that has 36 obstacles, including swinging bridges, ziplines, and tunnels.