We will start our hike at the main gate of Tijuca National Park, located in Alto da Boa Vista. The first attraction is the highest waterfall in the Tijuca Forest, Cascatinha Taunay, which captivates visitors with its 115-foot (35-meter) cascade. We will ascend part of the way along the Trilha dos Bancos (Benches Trail) and part along the Estrada da Cascatinha (Cascatinha Road), passing Capela Mayrink (Mayrink Chapel) and Recanto dos Pintores (Painters' Corner), until we reach the National Park Museum, where we will learn a little more about the history of the forest, its fauna, and its flora.

We will continue along the trail, passing by the Tai Chi Chuan Area, heading towards Cachoeira das Almas waterfall, where we will stop for a natural shower and to enjoy the scenery. Continuing our ascent, we will reach the “A Floresta” restaurant, located in the ruins of a colonial mansion that was the headquarters of a large coffee farm in the 18th century and played a significant historical role during the reforestation of the Tijuca Forest.

We will continue our hike along the Major Archer Road to the Almirante Viewpoint, a spectacular lookout from which we can see the famous Pedra da Gávea and parts of other sectors of Tijuca National Park.

If the group is willing and able, we will hike along the Grutas (Caves) trails, a special place featuring various rock formations, where it is possible to enter the Archer Cave and the Bat Cave.

Along the way, we will visit the Baronesa Waterfall, the Diamantina Waterfall, and the Gabriela Waterfall, and we will also pass by the Os Esquilos Restaurant, a former royal residence featuring colonial architecture and period décor, which has been home to the restaurant since 1945 and is highly sought after for parties and events.

This trail is an experience for people of all ages and fitness levels, suitable for the whole family, offering plenty of history and natural beauty. Get back to nature and enjoy!