Tijuca's Forest: The largest urban forest in the world

Hi there,

The tip of the day for you who are visiting or planning to visit Rio de Janeiro is Tijuca's Forest. Tijuca's Forest is a big green and tropical forest inside the city of Rio de Janeiro, and just like Amazon is for Brazil, Tijuca Forest works like the "lungs" of the city, refreshing the air and the climate. Alongside with other important green areas like Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico, which is more like a park), Tijuca's Forest is a must visit place. The Forest can be acessed by at leats three major routes, covering a large area, but i will talk here about the waterfall area, best known of Tijuca Rainforest.

How to get to Tijuca Forest - The forest is located in a high area of the city, in the north, between the residential borough of Tijuca and the beach/residential borough Barra. There aren't many public transport like buses to get there, and if you re located in the South Zone you might need a bit of commuting transport or a cab or a car.

The avialble buses are 233 and 234 departing from the central bus station (Rodoviaria/Alvorada) towards Barra da Tijuca, or 225 from Praca Maua (Maua Square) in the city centre towards Barra da Tijuca.

These are the common buses - they are not very comfortable and it might seem a long journey to get there with them.

You can easily find a touristic tour to Tijuca Forest in a jeep by visiting this website
http://tijuca-forest-tours.rioadventures.com/

Tijuca Forest was basic a largest Tropical Forest during the colonial centuries. After the exploitation of coffe and wood in the XIX century, trees were planted in a big project to recreate the forest. The work of slaves during the recreation has played an important role in the project. You will find old houses and architectural ruins along all the Tijuca Forest, what makes this visit even more special is the evidence of the Portuguese and colonial times in Rio de Janeiro. But the highlights of the Forest are the variety of specimens, the beauty of the tropical forest and its green and exuberant natural drama - its pervasive presence, always spreading all over the city, and the Waterfall - a magnificent view, surrounded by stones and tropical plants.

Once in Tijuca Forest, step into the little old bar/restaurant just beside the waterfall, for a quick beer or Guarana (soft drink). Enjoy the vintage and simple space and breath the fresh air around you.

Much more can be said about the Forets and its history, but you can find that in any guide. My tip is, in a hot day of summer, give a break to the beach and go for a walk or a tour in the forest, enjoy a lovely afternoon surrounded by the nature.

Now some pictures of Tijuca Forest just to give you a taste of its nature...