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Alto da Boa Vista: forest without a long hike

One park sector with a waterfall, exhibition and chapel, without a long hike or an ascent of Pico da Tijuca.

Duration4h–5h including return to the gate
Stops4
Suggested daysA dry day with access confirmed; postpone during storms.
Last checked2026-11-11
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The route, stop by stop

  1. 1

    09:00

    Praça Afonso Viseu / entrada Setor Floresta

    Park entrance and Forest Sector orientation

    The square marks the entrance to Tijuca National Park’s Forest Sector. It is the access point for the waterfall, visitor centre and chapel circuit.

    Praça Afonso Viseu, Alto da Boa Vista

    Visiting details

    Pedestrians/cyclists 6 am–5 pm; vehicles 8 am–5 pm subject to quotas; exit by 6 pm under rules published 1 June 2026. Check alerts.

    Surfaces, slopes and weather may affect the route; adapt the walk.

    Canal institucional ↗
  2. 2

    09:30

    Cascatinha Taunay

    Waterfall viewed from the permitted area

    Cascatinha Taunay is a stop for observing water and forest landscape. This route uses only the marked access.

    Estrada da Cascatinha, Setor Floresta

    Visiting details

    Swimming, climbing and the Pico da Tijuca trail are not included. Suspend the outing during storms.

    Surfaces, slopes and weather may affect the route; adapt the walk.

    Canal institucional ↗
  3. 3

    10:30

    Centro de Visitantes do Setor Floresta

    Uma Floresta na Metrópole exhibition, if open

    The Uma Floresta na Metrópole exhibition helps interpret the park within the city. Building opening is separate from access to the sector.

    Estrada da Cascatinha, Setor Floresta

    Visiting details

    Confirm the building is open. If closed, continue only along the marked sector route.

    Surfaces, slopes and weather may affect the route; adapt the walk.

    Canal institucional ↗
  4. 4

    11:30

    Capela Mayrink — exterior

    Chapel façade from the permitted access

    Mayrink Chapel’s exterior adds religious architecture to the forest circuit. The route does not presume interior access or displayed works.

    Estrada da Cascatinha, Setor Floresta

    Visiting details

    View from the marked route; confirm interior access separately. Respect closures and conservation areas.

    Surfaces, slopes and weather may affect the route; adapt the walk.

    Canal institucional ↗

Bookings & tickets

Sources & method

Independent editorial research based on institutional sources. Desk research is not presented as a first-hand visit. Hours, prices and access can change. Confirm through official channels before leaving.

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