Easy Forest Bike Tour – A Relaxed Ride in the Tijuca Forest

Highlights

• Starts high up at Paineiras, so no big climb
• A car-free forest road with roadside waterfalls
• Views of Christ the Redeemer and the city below
• Wildlife: we've seen sloths, monkeys, armadillos, coatis and toucans
• Small group of up to 5; the guide rides a tricycle that can carry your bike

The route

The Paineiras Visitor Centre, in a former luxury hotel, has an interactive exhibition about the Tijuca Forest, a gift shop and a café. It's our meeting point and where we get you set up. The Tijuca Forest is the world's largest urban rainforest, the first reforestation project in the Americas and Latin America's first protected area, home to many rare species. The ride follows a car-free section of forest road. There's one hill, which you can walk if you'd rather not pedal. Depending on the group, we finish in the leafy neighbourhood of Cosme Velho, or, if everyone's keen, continue for another hour through the forest to the historic neighbourhood of Alto da Boa Vista.

Is it for me?

Yes, if you can ride a bike and would like a calm day in nature. It's about enjoying the forest at a relaxed pace, not about fitness. For more of a challenge, the Rainforest Bike Tour climbs into the forest from the city; for beaches and history, try the 12 Beaches Bike Tour.

Practical information

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Start times: 7:30 and 14:00
• Meeting point: Paineiras Visitor Centre (Uber and taxis can drop you at the door)
• Ages: 14+
• Group size: up to 5
• Price: R$495 per adult, R$390 youth (14–17)
• Included: quality mountain bike, helmet, water bottle, guide
• Bring some cash or a card for coffee or snacks.
• When booking we ask each rider's height, so your bike is the right size.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

FAQ

How is this different from the Rainforest Bike Tour? The Rainforest Bike Tour climbs into the forest from the city and includes steep sections. The Easy Forest Bike Tour starts high up at Paineiras and stays on a gentle, car-free road.

Where does it finish? Usually in Cosme Velho, where you can get an Uber or taxi, visit a local restaurant, or see the historic home and art collection of Roberto Marinho. If the whole group wants to, we continue to Alto da Boa Vista.

Will we see animals? We can't promise, but we've been lucky to see sloths, monkeys, armadillos, coatis, toucans and many birds.