Go Green- An Eco-Forest in the Middle of Rio

Take a Jeep ride through what may be the world’s largest urban forest and then gain a different perspective of this natural wonderland on a walk. Once you reach the Tijuca National Park, you will pause for photos at Vista Chinesa, a panoramic lookout named to honor the 19th-century Chinese immigrants that introduced tea cultivation to Brazil. UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage site for the way it seamlessly fuses urban structures and natural features. As you will discover while riding in the open-air Jeep, the panoramas and serenity are absolutely spectacular. Depending on the route, you may see thundering waterfalls, exotic rainforest vegetation and Capuchin monkeys. It is hard to imagine now, but in the 17th century almost all of the trees in this area were cleared for coffee plantations. A leisurely walk through the rainforest will further reveal the success of the reforestation and increased biodiversity that followed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride in a Jeep through a massive urban forest within Rio de Janeiro’s city limits.
• Take in the seemingly endless natural wonders while looking for wildlife.
• Enjoy a forest walk for a different perspective of Tijuca National Park.
• Pause at a lookout with sweeping views of the city that honors Brazil’s Chinese immigrants.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.