Rio de Janeiro · RIO WATERFALL & CAVE HIKES
10 tours
Rio packs a lot into a small strip between the granite and the sea, and the rio waterfall & cave hikes below are the 10 that use it best. Each entry carries its price, its running time and the kind of traveller it suits, strongest first.
Half-day small group hike through Tijuca Forest National Park, with waterfalls, caves, old coffee ruins, and hotel pickup in Rio.
“It is a little bit disappointing that we haven’t seen any animals. The whole hike was fine, but not so much interesting to see in the forest. A few waterfalls and a cave didn’t impress, and there are a lot people there. So far Vinnie was ok.”
6-hour Paraty jeep tour through Serra da Bocaina, with Pedra Branca waterfalls, the Tobogã rock slide, Poço do Tarzan swimming, and cachaça tasting.
“A trip really well worth the money that you pay, lots of variety throughout the day! English speaking guide which was really important for us, it was quite difficult to find English speaking guides in Paraty so this was a great bonus! Definitely recommend!”
Hike Tijuca National Park for jequitibá and Cachoeira do Chuveiro, then cool off with a permitted waterfall shower. Small-group fun.
“The trip was very rewarding, there was a little climbing but nothing to worry about. Highly recommended for getting out of the city for couple of hours”
Hike through Paraty’s Atlantic Forest to Cachoeira do Saco Bravo, a sea-facing waterfall pool, with a small guide-led group and included boat transfer.
“Our experience with Evgenia was amazing! We met her in the morning and spent the day together hiking to the waterfall and also spent a couple of hours at the waterfall! It was absolutely amazing, she explained a lot to us about the area and Read more”
A guided hike through Rio’s Tijuca Forest with Taunay Waterfall, a bat cave, and Chinese View for big panoramas in about 5 hours.
“Great tour and experience with Eric. Recommended for a nice brief hike through the forest. We were back at our hotel by early afternoon.”
Hike Garganta do Céu and Pedra da Gávea for Rio views, then cool off at Sorimã Waterfall in Tijuca National Park.
“This was a very challenging hike for me. Took me 2hrs going up. Rugged terrain with lots of rocks. Ron Beulah is an excellent guide and truly helped to make sure that I got up and down without incident. There were 3 tourists & 1 guide. If you have any major health issues or are out of shape do not do this hike! You need at least 2 liters of water and snacks. It was very rewarding and satisfying to see the monkeys and tropical forests. I’d do it again since I’m aware of the level of difficulty.”
Hike Tijuca National Park for waterfalls and caves, cool off in natural crystal water, and explore under the rainforest canopy with a small group.
“Highly recommend this tour. Lucas was our guide and we could not be more grateful. He was extremely knowledgable, patient and took the time to take awesome photos for us. He was fantastic 10/10!!! Thank you, Lucas!”
A small-group hike to Cachoeira do Saco Bravo, ending at an ocean-edge natural pool, with an English guide and private transport.
“Wonderful experience and travel with family and friends. I would definitely recommend to others and our travel guide.”
Tijuca Forest half-day tour with Vista Chinesa viewpoints, Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, Parque Lage, and a Chinese tea history stop in Rio.
“Ended up being the only one on the tour which gave a much more personal experience. This is definitely a must do for anyone interested in nature and history - despite being in the middle of the city, you feel a million miles away”
A private 3-hour Paraty outing to Tobogan and Tarzan waterfalls, plus Alambique cachaça, Penha Church, and Estrada Real history.
“Very nice tour and our guide Teresa was very friendly and knowledgeable. She knew all the good spots”
