Parque Chico Mendes Recreio dos Bandeirantes Rio de Janeiro
A free, 99-acre natural park in Rio's Recreio dos Bandeirantes, home to caimans, capybaras, and lush Atlantic Forest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Parque Chico Mendes Recreio dos Bandeirantes Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, 99-acre natural park in Rio's Recreio dos Bandeirantes, home to caimans, capybaras, and lush Atlantic Forest.
"A great place to spend a quiet morning out with nature, spotting wildlife and enjoying free entry."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are generally easy, but good walking shoes are essential for exploring the park's paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Pack plenty of water and some snacks for your visit. Picnics are welcome! :picnic_table:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yellow-Throated Caiman Spotting
Various lagoons and water bodies
Witness these fascinating reptiles in their natural habitat. Keep a respectful distance!
Capybara Encounters
Grassy areas and near water
Spot the world's largest rodents lounging and grazing. They're often quite relaxed!
Lagoinha das Tachas
Central area of the park
A picturesque lagoon offering serene views and a deck for observation.
Scenic Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Explore nearly 5km of well-maintained trails through Atlantic Forest vegetation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild, Respect the Wildlife
Timing is Key for a Tranquil Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are generally easy, but good walking shoes are essential for exploring the park's paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Pack plenty of water and some snacks for your visit. Picnics are welcome! :picnic_table:
☀️ Protect Yourself from Sun
Rio can be sunny! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your outdoor adventure. :sunwithface:
📸 Camera Ready!
You'll want to capture the diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are generally easy, but good walking shoes are essential for exploring the park's paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Pack plenty of water and some snacks for your visit. Picnics are welcome! :picnic_table:
☀️ Protect Yourself from Sun
Rio can be sunny! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your outdoor adventure. :sunwithface:
📸 Camera Ready!
You'll want to capture the diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. :camerawithflash:
🚫 No Feeding Wildlife
It's crucial for their health and safety. Observe from a distance and never feed the animals. :noentrysign:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Parque Chico Mendes for its tranquility, abundant wildlife like caimans and capybaras, and well-maintained, easy trails. It's a highly recommended free natural escape in Rio. Some reviews mention occasional sewage smells in certain areas, and a desire for minor improvements.
"Quiet park at the border between Recreio dos Bandeirantes and Barra da Tijuca. Clean and well kept trails, with a fee observation points and benchs. I was there in August and did not see any, but in the summer you should see many yacarés."
Jose Soplanucas
"The park is nice n the trail is easy to handle. Met some capybara and other animals. Entrance free parking free."
pauline wong
"Nice park but needs some improvements. Some areas smell sewage."
Gloria
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Copacabana, you can take a bus (e.g., lines 309, 315, 323) towards Recreio dos Bandeirantes. The journey can take around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, ride-sharing apps are readily available and offer a more direct route. :bus: :car:
Yes, the park offers free parking, which is a great perk for visitors arriving by car. :parking:
If you're in Barra da Tijuca, it's a shorter trip. You can take a bus heading towards Recreio or use a ride-sharing service. The park is located between Recreio and Barra. :bus: :car:
Absolutely! Several bus lines serve the Recreio dos Bandeirantes area, making public transport a viable option. Check local bus routes for the most convenient options. :bus:
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available in Rio and can take you directly to the park's entrance. :taxi: :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best part? Entry to Parque Chico Mendes is completely free! :moneywithwings: 
The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday, typically from 6 AM to 5 PM (17:00). Some sources mention until 6 PM in summer. Always check for any seasonal changes. :clock1:
No, Parque Chico Mendes is closed on Mondays. Plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday. :noentrysign:
Since entry is free and it's a natural park, no advance booking is required. Just show up during operating hours! :ticket:
No special requirements beyond respecting park rules and wildlife. Just come ready to explore nature! :leafy_green:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You have a great chance of spotting yellow-throated caimans, capybaras, and various bird species. Keep your eyes peeled! :alligator: :rodent: :bird: +1
Yes, the trails are generally described as easy and well-maintained, making them suitable for most visitors, including families. :walking:
Absolutely! Parque Chico Mendes is a fantastic spot for a picnic. Remember to clean up after yourself and take all your trash with you. :sandwich: :apple:
Yes, the park has a children's play area, making it a great destination for families. :child: :slide_chart:
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to spot wildlife as animals are more active during cooler parts of the day. :sunrise: :sunset:
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoint (mirante) trail offers stunning panoramic views and is a highlight for photographers. The Lagoinha das Tachas and areas where caimans and capybaras are spotted are also prime photo opportunities. :camera:
Always maintain a safe and respectful distance from wildlife. While many visitors photograph the animals, prioritize safety and avoid disturbing them. :noentrysign:
Wildlife photography is very popular, capturing caimans, capybaras, and birds. Landscape shots of the park's vegetation and lagoons are also highly sought after. :camerawithflash:
There are no explicit photography restrictions mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment. :camera:
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful, soft light for photography. Midday sun can be harsh. :sunrise: :sunset:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as there isn't much shade on some of the open paths. The park's natural setting provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to connect with nature and learn about local wildlife in a fun, engaging environment.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
+1Bring your binoculars and a field guide! The park's commitment to preservation means you can experience a relatively untouched natural environment. The mirante trail also offers great photographic opportunities for capturing both landscapes and wildlife.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
+1Your main expenses will be transportation to the park and any food or drinks you bring. It's a fantastic way to experience a different side of Rio de Janeiro without breaking the bank. Pack a picnic and make it a full, affordable day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Discovering the Wildlife of Parque Chico Mendes
Beyond these charismatic mammals and reptiles, the park is a haven for avian life. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting numerous species of native birds that inhabit the Atlantic Forest vegetation and wetlands. The park's preservation efforts ensure a safe habitat for these creatures, making it a prime location for observing wildlife in its natural setting. Remember to always observe from a safe distance and never feed the animals to maintain their health and wild nature.
+1Pro Tip: While wildlife sightings are common, they are not guaranteed. Visiting during quieter times, like weekday mornings, can increase your chances of observing animals in a more natural state, undisturbed by crowds.
Exploring the Trails and Natural Beauty
+1The park's landscape is characterized by its lagoons and restinga areas (coastal scrubland), most notably the picturesque Lagoinha das Tachas. A dedicated deck offers a fantastic vantage point for observing the water and its inhabitants. For those seeking elevated views, the mirante trail is highly recommended, providing panoramic vistas of the park and its surroundings, and is a favorite among photography enthusiasts.
+1Community Insight: Many visitors appreciate the park's tranquility and the feeling of being immersed in nature, even within the urban sprawl of Rio de Janeiro. It's a place to disconnect and enjoy the simple beauty of the natural world.
A Free Natural Oasis in Rio
+2The park's designation as a Municipal Natural Park underscores its importance in preserving local biodiversity and providing a green lung for the city. Its creation in 1989 was specifically aimed at protecting the Lagoinha das Tachas and its surrounding ecosystem, which is home to rare and endangered species. This commitment to conservation is evident in the park's well-preserved state.
+1Traveler Tip: Because it's free and offers such a unique experience, it's a popular spot for locals, especially families on weekends. For a more serene visit, consider going on a weekday.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit