Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park is an urban national park that protects a large area of Atlantic Forest within the city limits of Rio de Janeiro, including the mountains and forests around Corcovado and Tijuca Peak. The park is one of the largest urban forests in the world and a major green lung for the city.

Key attractions include the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado with sweeping city views, multiple lookout points, waterfalls and a network of hiking trails through restored forest. The park supports recreational activities ranging from short walks and scenic drives to longer treks to peaks such as Pico da Tijuca.

Much of the forested area was replanted and managed in the 19th century to restore water supplies and protect the watershed; it was later designated a national park to conserve the remaining Atlantic Forest within the city and provide recreational space. Conservation efforts continue to focus on habitat restoration and visitor management.

The park occupies high ground within the city of Rio de Janeiro, spanning the southern zone and central hills; it is immediately accessible from multiple city neighborhoods and is integrated into the urban fabric.

• Visiting Corcovado: Corcovado is reached by a cog railway, road and walking trails; visits are busiest mid-morning and at sunset, and cloud cover can obscure views so morning visits are often clearer.
• Nature and trails: The park is urban but ecologically significant - it protects native Atlantic Forest and offers a range of walking trails from short viewpoints to full-day hikes; some trails require good footwear and navigation.

What to See #

• Corcovado / Christ the Redeemer: Corcovado mountain crowned by the **Christ the Redeemer** statue, offering panoramic views over Rio and Guanabara Bay.
• Pico da Tijuca: Pico da Tijuca, one of the park's highest points with trails and a lookout over the forest and city.
• Viewpoints and short trails: Scenic drives and viewpoints such as Vista Chinesa and Cascatinha that sit within the forest and offer short walks and lookouts.