Tijuca National Park
The largest forest massif with an area of 32 km is located in the city limits of Rio de Janeiro2. This is the rarest case on the whole planet when there are real jungle in the middle of the city. In 1961, this forest territory was declared a national reserve in order to prevent soil erosion, as well as to prevent floods. Nowadays, Tijuk is the most visited forest, with many attractions. In 1991. Tijuka recognized the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The forest massif of Tijuk is known since 1861. At this time, the Brazilian emperor decides to at least somehow preserve the forests, which, at that time, were actively destroyed in order to organize a coffee plantation or agricultural land in a free place. It is for this reason that they began to actively plant the territory with small seedlings brought from the Atlantic forest. Thus, for thirty years, a small group of workers, by order of the mayor of the city, planted the territory with small trees, the number of which totaled approximately 100 pieces. The subsequent ruler of the city, this area began to acquire a more well-groomed and attractive look. He arranged recreation areas here, putting a variety of benches, dug artificial ponds with decorative bridges. Glory immediately crawled about this cozy park, and both ordinary residents of the city and important guests of the capital began to come here.
Tizhuk Park has many tropical trees, a variety of colors. And despite the fact that in practice, this forest was created artificially, its flora is very diverse. Palm trees, cedars, mangoes, bamboo, as well as coffee trees grow here. The fauna is quite diverse, but much poorer for the flora. There are some species of animals that are characteristic of the Atlantic forest. Among them there are varieties of spiders, rodents, snakes, as well as lizards.
Local residents, as well as many tourists, love Tizhuk Park, for the large number of attractions located on the territory, both natural and built by mankind. Among them, the famous world, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, the rock of Pedra da Gavea, the Mayrink chapel, as well as the Cascatina waterfall. In addition to the listed places, the territory is endowed with a wealth of waterfalls, mountain peaks, from which a wonderful view is opened. And even when there is absolutely nothing to breathe from the heat in the city, fresh air is always present here.
Tizhuk Park is divided into sectors and has several entrances to the territory. All the attractions that belong to him work daily from morning to evening. Many hiking hiking trails, as well as bike paths, have been developed here. There is also the opportunity to use an electric vehicle. Entrance to the park is always free, but the administration does not advise you to stay until late in the evening, since the crime rate is quite high.
Having visited Tijuk Park, you will have pleasant memories of an unusual ennobled forest with a diverse animal and plant world, which is located in the middle of the city of Rio de Janeiro.