Tijuca

Tijuca is a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, located in the North Zone of the city. It is densely populated and mixed-use, with residential streets and commercial areas, and lies adjacent to the Tijuca Forest.

The Tijuca Forest, also known as Mata Atlântica do Rio de Janeiro, forms a large portion of the Serra da Carioca and is protected within the Tijuca National Park. The park was established in 1961 and covers a substantial part of the city’s mountainous terrain. It protects remnants of the Atlantic Forest and preserves several ecological habitats, as well as popular outdoor areas. The park includes Pico da Tijuca, the highest point in Rio de Janeiro at about 1,021 meters, and features trails, viewpoints, and waterfalls such as Cascatinha Taunay.

Historically, the area around Tijuca was heavily forested and later cleared for coffee production during the 19th century. In response to deforestation in the city’s hills, the forest was gradually restored and eventually incorporated into a protected area, making Tijuca one of the largest urban forests in the world.

The neighborhood remains closely tied to the forest, serving as a gateway for visitors and a residential community that blends urban life with access to natural spaces.