Tijuca Forest, Sacred grove in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Tijuca Forest is a woodland area spanning roughly 4,000 hectares of Atlantic Forest within Rio de Janeiro, featuring cascades and natural formations that visitors can explore. The space is divided into different sectors with various routes that lead to different landmarks and diverse vegetation types.
Centuries of coffee farming stripped the region of its forests until Emperor Pedro II launched a major restoration effort in the 1860s. Large-scale tree planting transformed the damaged land back into a functioning woodland over subsequent decades.
The forest serves as a gathering place where Rio's residents connect with nature and learn about local ecosystems. Many people visit to find peace and escape the bustling city nearby.
The forest has multiple entry points and trails are clearly marked for easy navigation. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring water, as paths climb through hilly terrain.
The forest stands as one of the world's most successful ecological restoration projects, demonstrating how damaged land can be renewed through systematic effort. The plant and animal diversity visitors see today originated largely from 19th-century planting campaigns.
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