Continuing with our series on incredible Brazilian landmarks, we bring you the Tijuca Forest, one of the world's largest urban forests, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
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The Tijuca Forest is a mountainous hand-planted rainforest in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It represents 7% of the whole city's territory, and it is also known as the lungs of Rio. Visiting the city without seeing the forest is like going to New York city and not seeing Central Park.
The national park includes the Corcovado which offers stunning views from its summit where the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer is situated. It also offers fantastic picnic areas, many waterfalls and some great walks.
The Tijuca Forest is part of the 15 square mile Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca) and is located in mountainous area behind the Tijuca, Lagoa and Gavea neighbourhoods. It also includes Corcovado Mountain with Christ the Redeemer Statue and the Pedra Bonita Mountain (pic below).
In colonial times much of this rain forest was cut down to make way for coffee plantations. In the mid 19th century the forest was replanted to preserve and protect the city's water supply. In 1961 the area was declared a national park as to further protect and preserve this precious ecosystem and to create a recreational area for Rio's inhabitants.
The Tijuca Forest is full of lush tropical plants and trees, numerous animal species, waterfalls (cachoeiras), caves, scenic vistas, hiking trails, and mountain peaks.
In addition to forests and waterfalls, there are the observatories, which fascinates visitors with privileged views as the Stone of Tijuca (Pedra da Tijuca), the Parrot’s Beak (Bico do Papagaio) and Earl Stone (Pedra do Conde), among many other splendid landscapes and landforms. Besides all that the park still offers the Visitors Centre, a place for permanent exhibits illustrating and reporting issues related to the Tijuca National Park.
Brought to you with thanks to Pot Noodle Brazilian BBQ Steak Flavour.
