rio de janeiro's tijuca rainforest and surrounding area is a hub of gorgeous waterfalls, many of which are easily reached by foot, bicycle, or car. hidden within the mountainous terrain are falls of all sizes and shapes - no two are the same.

when summer hits the city, cariocas and visitors flood to these special spots to bathe in the cool plunge pools under the shade of the forest canopy.  temperatures can regularly reach over 40 degrees, so locations such as cachoeira do horto (garden waterfall)and cachoeira dos primatas (waterfall of the primates) are treasured among locals to offer much needed relief from the humidity and heat.

families also gravitate to the tijuca national park and children through to seniors can often be seen sharing picnics on the rocks during the weekend. the most visited waterfall in rio is the cachoeira do horto, easily accessible in jardim botânico, but many others are worth discovering as part of a great hike.