most companies specialize in hiking tours in specific parts of rio de janeiro, but all are always available to offer suggestion on whom to call for routes they do not cover, or even arrange a special outing on request - these contacts are provided as courtesy only, and visitors who intend to use these services should check for safety records and certifications of individual guides - in addition to the extra safety hiking guides can provide, professional guides are fluent in portuguese and would be indispensable in case of an emergency to communicate with rescue crews.

for visitors interested in a close-up look to amazing nature and perhaps even a glimpse at some alligators (jacarés) the company ecobalsas rio, based at avenida das américas, 700, barra da tijuca, specializes in taking visitors on the lagoons of barra, such as the lagoa da tijuca and lagoa de marapendi - the service can be contacted via email on this link, by calling 21 2132.8053, or via the website on this page.