Corcovado

Vista Chinesa is a beautiful Chinese-style pavilion located about 380 metres above sea level in the heart of Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park. Built between 1902 and 1906 to honour Chinese immigrants who introduced tea cultivation to Brazil, it features a pagoda made of cement designed to look like bamboo. From this peaceful lookout, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Rio’s South Zone, including landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Ipanema, Leblon, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and even Niterói. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the natural beauty of the city.

The Emperor’s Table (Mesa do Imperador) is a historic stone table located deep within Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca Forest, built in the 19th century as a picnic site for Emperor Dom Pedro II and his royal guests. Surrounded by Atlantic Forest, the table offers a peaceful retreat with scenic views of the mountains and city below. Today, it remains a popular stop for hikers and nature lovers exploring the park, offering a unique blend of imperial history and natural beauty in one of the world’s largest urban forests.

Cascatinha Taunay is the tallest waterfall in Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park, plunging 35 metres amidst lush Atlantic Forest. Named after the French painter Nicolas-Antoine Taunay, who lived nearby in the early 1800s and depicted the waterfall in his art, it became a favourite retreat for Brazil’s imperial family. Easily accessible by car or a short trail walk, the site features a scenic stone bridge from 1860 and a newly renovated viewpoint offering beautiful photo opportunities. While swimming is not allowed directly under the main fall, visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and natural surroundings at the nearby Poço Job de Alcântara.

Mirante das Canoas is a peaceful lookout point located in Rio’s Tijuca National Park, offering breathtaking views of Pedra da Gávea, Pedra Bonita, São Conrado Beach, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Nestled around 280 metres above sea level, it’s a quieter alternative to the more crowded viewpoints in the city, making it perfect for a quick stop to enjoy nature and take stunning photos. The area also features a small waterfall and is a popular spot for watching hang-gliders soar overhead. Its serene atmosphere and panoramic scenery make it a hidden gem worth visiting.

Tijuca National Park is one of the largest urban forests in the world, covering over 3,900 hectares in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. A lush haven of Atlantic Rainforest, the park is home to hundreds of native plant and animal species, waterfalls, scenic trails, and iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Vista Chinesa, and Pedra Bonita. Originally reforested in the 19th century to protect the city’s water supply, the park is a symbol of environmental recovery and a beloved escape for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Its blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and historical sites makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Rio.