representing seven percent of rio de janeiro's metropolitan territory, the fascinating floresta da tijuca is one of the the most important geological areas of the city, and home to much hiking and mountaineering.

spanning an impressive 3,953 hectars, floresta da tijuca is considered the second largest urban forest in world, after nearby parque estadual da pedra branca, the 'number one' title holder.

filled with rich vegetation and wildlife, giving it an astonishing array of biodiversity it is classified as a national park, and it is one of the most popular attractions in the city, responsible for much of the metropolitan fresh air and, thus known as the 'lungs of rio.   ● map ● more ●