Nature/ Wildlife Areas in Rio de Janeiro

THE 10 BEST Rio de Janeiro Nature & Wildlife Areas

Nature & Wildlife Areas in Rio de Janeiro

  • Traveler favorites
    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
  • Traveler ranking
    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
Nature & Parks
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
Good for
13 places sorted by traveler favorites

What travelers are saying

  • Hans B
    Eindhoven, The Netherlands171 contributions
    Bosque da Barra is situated within in the city limits of Rio de Janeiro. The 35 square km offers a variety of things to do.
    A afternoon picnic around lakes or in the forest, playful times with our family, but also the possibility to find Capyvara's, Agouti's, Monkeys, Alligators, Lizards and other species of rainforest wildlife, Also interesting native plants, tree's and flowers.
    The park is separated into two parts, There is the family area where you'll find picnic area's (those are populair with the Carioca's in the weekends) Area's suitable to make fantastic pictures and ability to buy snacks and refreshments.
    The other part brings you around the park 1,5hrs walk around the swamp area where you are able to meet part of the Brazilian wildlife and some great views over the swamp.
    For the second part it is advisable to bring mosquito repellent and water.

    For the wildlife the best times to visit would be early morning or later in the afternoon (park opening hours are 8am to 5pm daily).
    Weekdays are also advisable as the park will not be filled with family's and the chance of encountering wildlife is more realistic.
    Written October 2, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ValeriaFreundt
    Doha, Qatar26 contributions
    Easy to reach by car or hiking, clean, well maintained, safe and on the park offers beautiful views from Rio de Janeiro.
    Written December 5, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vitorbabrazil
    Salvador, BA9,164 contributions
    Park open to the public on the idylic island of Paquetá, 50min away by boat from Rio (6,50 costs the fare).
    With different sections, this small green area is so well-kept and clean, facing two different sides of the bay, including a tiny section where one can bathe.
    One hill can be climbed for a fantastic overlook over the park and a couple of beaches.
    An amazing finding on this tranquil island, a real must!
    Written January 22, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RioUrbanExploration
    Rio de Janeiro, RJ94 contributions
    Chico mendes i situated in the quiet and beautiful neighbourhood of Recreio. It is free, but closed on Mondays as most municipal attractions. The park is pretty, bathrooms are OK (you find the paper on top on the defunct dryer), and they have a small collection of alligators and turtles in cages a few 100 feet from the playground.
    The REAL attraction is the small trail - the smallest being 73 metres - here your trip will be disturbed by the lizard that roam freely in the park. The are up to 1 metre long and it's quite shocking when they cross the trail before you. Recommendable as a free and fun attraction - combine with Recreio beach or skateboarding / surfing.
    See pictures on the riourbanexploration dot com website :-)
    Written April 11, 2013
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tammy U
    Los Angeles, CA90 contributions
    If you like animals that are not from this part of the world go and visit the museum, the macaws are adorable.
    Written January 28, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio de Janeiro