the floresta da tijuca, how tijuca forest is called in portuguese, offers a seemingly endless array of wonders to discover. among the less well-known treasures of this natural haven are the numerous caves to be discovered - and among the most famous is gruta do morcego (bat cave), a large cave visible via a small opening in the rock.

the cave's reputation as the second largest cave in gnaisse stone in all of brazil makes it a popular trip for geology and geography university students.