Our adventure with Rio’s wild face begins on the gentle waters of the lagoon. We glide silently so as not to startle the watchful caimans; capybaras lounge lazily on the banks, while snow-white herons and cormorants circle above the mirror-like surface. In this rocking hush we discover the invisible pulse of life.
When land is underfoot again, we enter the green cathedral of Tijuca National Park. The trail leads beneath steaming lianas; in the treetops toucans squawk, and coatis dart across the path like bronze flashes. Every breath smells of resin, moss and adventure.
In the afternoon, after a delicious lunch in a forest restaurant* we move on to the Vidigal favela. A mototaxi** climbs the favela’s serpentine lanes like a flame, and we – carried by the wind – pass colourful murals, children on the football pitch and the sounds of samba drifting from open windows. At the summit an ice-cold beer and a terrace await, where the city and ocean spread out into a shimmering mosaic of lights.
This is a journey that intertwines the gentle whisper of nature with the pulsating energy of Rio and stays under your skin forever.
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Detailed programme of the classic Rio de Janeiro tour:
Summary:
This journey weaves the wild fauna of the lagoon, the green heart of the pristine Tijuca forest and the vibrant soul of Vidigal into a single tale of Rio pulsating with nature and urban energy. Each stage reveals a different rhythm of the metropolis, creating a memory that stays with you forever.
* The Squirrel Restaurant is open on Saturdays and Sundays. During the week we will choose another, equally excellent venue.
** Mototaxi is an authorised means of transport in many favelas. Alternatively, you can reach the top of the favela by local minibus.