One of the main reasons to visit Brazil is its breathtaking natural beauty, and it turns out you don’t have to go too far from Rio de Janeiro to explore it. This Brazilian metropolis is surrounded by some of the country’s best national parks, starting with these three.
Tijuca National Park
If you only have enough time to visit a single national park while in Rio, it doesn’t get much better than Tijuca. This urban national park offers everything from hiking trails to waterfalls, but it’s best known for being home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and a number of vistas offering breathtaking views of the surrounding attractions.
Itatiaia National Park
Located on the border between the Brazilian states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, Itatiaia was the first national park to open in Brazil. Its natural beauty knows no bounds, and it will win you over with its waterfalls, lush vistas, and diverse wildlife.
Serra dos Órgãos National Park
Named after the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range, this national park is heaven on earth for hiking lovers. It’s home to countless natural pools and waterfalls, but its main draw is its show-stopping mountain peaks, from God’s Finger (Dedo de Deus) to Devil’s Needle (Agulha do Diabo).