7 Rio de Janeiro Off The Beaten Track Hidden Gems [2023]
This view can be found in one of these Rio off the beaten track hidden gems.
Green forests, sparkling beaches, extraordinary viewpoints that live in your mind for years to come – that’s Rio de Janeiro for you. Beyond the usual tourist attractions, Rio is teeming with ‘off the beaten track’ hidden gems just waiting to be explored. There are so many Rio secrets that are just as beautiful as its most famous attractions – if not even more stunning.
We’re here to expose these Rio secrets to the forefront with this list of 7 Rio de Janeiro Off The Beaten Track Hidden Gems! Let’s get started.
1. Vista Chinesa (Chinese View)
Pagoda structure at Vista Chinesa.
It’s not that often that you see a structure inspired by Chinese architecture in South America, but the Vista Chinesa in Rio is one of the city’s most scenic and interesting viewpoints. The views here reminded me a little bit of the views offered in Mirante Dona Marta, but without the crowds.
You can see the Two Brothers mountains from Vista Chinesa.
Just look at this gorgeous view from Chinese View in Rio.
Built in the early 20th century as an homage to Chinese culture, this ornate pagoda serves as the landmark to the view in front of it. From here, you’ll be able to see Rio’s heralded attractions such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema Beach and Niteroi city.
2. Penhasco Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers)
Gorgeous view at Penhasco Dois Irmãos.
This is one of my all-time favourite viewpoints in Rio! It’s kept hidden in a lush green park called Dois Irmãos Park, and provides a sweeping view of Leblon Beach and the skyscrapers that fill the Rio coastline.
You can catch a glimpse of Christ the Redeemer from Dois Irmãos Park.
When we visited, there was absolutely no one else there – we had this breathtaking vista all to ourselves.
3. Parque Natural Municipal Chico Mendes
Information centre of Parque Natural Municipal Chico Mendes.
I have not found any itinerary on the web with Parque Natural Municipal Chico Mendes (otherwise known as Chico Mendes Park) on it, which means that this is truly an off the beaten track hidden gem. This eco park is close to the peaceful Barra da Tijuca area, and features natural secrets such as mangroves, an alligator habitat, fascinating flora and an opportunity to spot local wildlife such as capybaras, birds, reptiles and more.
A look at the lovely mangroves at Chico Mendes Park.
The park also provides a small museum where you can learn more about these species, as well as the purpose of the park and the storied history of Chico Mendes, who was known as an environmentalist, trade union leader and human rights hero.
Can you spot the alligators at Chico Mendes Park?
Once again, on our visit, we were the only ones in the entire park. We spent a few minutes trying to spot alligators, before we received advice from the staff at the museum that they could actually be spotted just outside the park in a particular spot. The alligators apparently move their habitat from time to time, so be sure to ask the friendly people at the museum for their latest whereabouts.
4. Taunay Waterfall
The wonderfully refreshing Taunay Waterfall, located within Tijuca National Park.
Back in the Tijuca Forest National Park, the Taunay Waterfall is a refreshing waterfall tucked away amongst the green trees of the forest. You can capture the waterfall in two ways – walking up as close to the waterfall as possible, or seeing it from the bridge where the main road is.
You can find this location in front of the bridge at Taunay Waterfall.
Taking photos below the bridge at Taunay Falls.
After that, walk down the trail to view the bridge. If you want, you can take an energising dip in the waterfall’s stream. This is a hidden photographer’s spot that is especially beautiful in golden hour lighting.
5. Canoas Lookout (Mirante das Canoas)
Gorgeous view of the coastline at Canoas Lookout.
The Canoas Lookout (Mirante das Canoas) is another viewpoint that (yep – you guessed it!) had no other visitors when we were there.
Paragliders jump off this rock!
From here, you’ll also be able to see a famous paragliding spot.
6. Prainha Beach – Rio’s Best Secluded Beach
Asher at secluded Prainha Beach.
Rio de Janeiro is filled to the brim with amazing beaches – Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon are just some of the most well-known ones. However, there’s a whole coastline to explore beyond these! Although Praia da Barra da Tijuca and its surrounding beaches are good choices, explore a little further and you’ll find the secluded Prainha.
Do these rocks at Prainha remind you of the Seychelles?
Prainha is mainly visited by locals looking to avoid the busier beaches, and it reminded me a little bit of the beaches in the Seychelles due to its picturesque big boulders standing proudly on the sand. This was my favourite beach in Rio de Janeiro.
7. Roncador Lookout
Beautiful Roncador Lookout
Located just a few minutes’ drive from Prainha, the Roncador Lookout overlooks a collection of beaches but is best known for being a viewing point for the Pontal Stone (Pedra do Pontal), a small island nature reserve that from afar resembles the profile of a man’s face. Do you agree? Let us know!
Rio’s Best Hidden Gems and Secret Spots - Honourable Mentions
Why visit only 7 hidden gems in Rio de Janeiro? Check out some our other favourite secret attractions in the city.
Mirante do Leblon
You can see Two Brothers Hill and a favela from Mirante do Leblon.
Perhaps not as hidden as some of the other spots in this list, Mirante do Leblon is still relatively overlooked given how easy it is to visit. Not requiring a hike or an entrance fee, this viewpoint located at the end of Leblon beach gives you unparalleled views of Leblon and Ipanema beaches. On the other side, you’ll also be able to see Two Brothers Hill and Vidigal Favela. This is a popular sunset viewpoint as well.
Duque de Caxias Fort
Asher taking in the views at Duque de Caxias Fort.
A short 20-minute hike through the forest will take you to one of the best lookouts in Rio. While you’re there, you can also learn about the interesting military history that involves the Communism Coup Attempt,Integralist Movement and World War II.
The entrance at Duque de Caxias Fort.
When we walked over from Leme Beach, we were a bit confused as to where the entrance was. If you’re struggling to find it, ask one of the security guards in front of the car park.
Clear views of Sugarloaf Mountain from Duque de Caxias Fort.
Leme Beach (Praia do Leme)
Asher at Leme Beach.
Out of the beaches in Rio’s main tourist coastline, Leme Beach is by far the most overlooked. It may be called Leme, but it’s definitely not lame! Connected to the far more visited Copacabana Beach, we actually liked Praia do Leme more because of its easy-going vibe and proximity to Mureta do Leme – a fantastic sunset viewing location.
Mosteiro de Sāo Bento
Inside Mosteiro de São Bento.
The Mosteiro de São Bento was a church built in the 1600s and currently still operates as a monastery. Simply put, the interior of this church is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Definitely worth a visit.
How do I visit these 7 Rio de Janeiro Hidden Gems?
By Tour
We went with the eco tour company, Jungle Me to visit these off the beaten track hidden gems.
You can visit the 7 hidden gems listed in our article by embarking on an eco-tour. This is the best way to maximise your day and ensure that you get local knowledge from a guide who will explain to you the significance of each place.
After doing extensive research, we went with the tour company, Jungle Me.
We’re big believers in ecotourism and that is the core of Jungle Me’s philosophy as a tour company. With their tours revolving around nature, hiking, and exploring beyond the obvious attractions – we didn’t hesitate to book a tour with them.
The amazing Jungle Me team!
Our tour went amazingly – our guides Thiago and Antonio were not only super friendly, but really knowledgeable and fun to hang around with. They also gave us a short history lesson about Brazil (which, to be honest, was mind-blowingly interesting – I would recommend it)! Overall, it was a fantastic day, and I can’t imagine my Rio trip without having done this tour.
Without this tour, I wouldn’t have been able to see these unforgettable secret places in Rio.
You can book the tour we went on, the ‘Rio Nature Secrets Eco City Tour’, by clicking here.
Here are some other off the beaten track, nature experiences I would recommend:
Do-It-Yourself
While it’s possible to visit these off the beaten track places by yourself, we would suggest using a tour instead.
It may be feasible to visit these spots by yourself through means such as Uber or taxi, but I wouldn’t recommend this. As you might have known, Rio doesn’t have the absolute best reputation with crime and safety. Going with a guide will help minimise the chances of anything happening to you so you can just focus on enjoying your time experiencing these beautiful sights.
Taking out your smartphone to call an Uber in public places can sometimes be dangerous, especially if the wait times for your car to arrive end up taking longer. Because these places are hidden and sometimes hard to get to, I would think you might have trouble calling an Uber that will accept your ride. Beyond this, you’ll simply save a lot of time going with a tour guide and end up being able to spend longer at each place.