Hike through Mata, just outside Rio de Janeiro
2010-08-31
For many tourists, the city of Rio de Janeiro is the pinnacle of South American travel, as the city offers all the urban amenities combined with famous sights and beautiful beaches. Yet adventure travelers may feel a bit confined by the city. Fortunately for them, there's an entire jungle waiting just outside the limits.
Those considering vacationing in Rio will surely have heard of Sugar Loaf mountain, a massive hill overlooking the city that's readily accessible by cable car. This area is popular with travelers as it allows them to get a stunning panorama of the entire city. But according to the San Francisco Chronicle, there's another reason to visit Sugar Loaf, as a trail on the mountain leads into the nearby jungle of Mata.
Although the Amazon is the most well-known jungle in Brazil, Mata is actually quite vast and offers travelers an interesting mix of flora and fauna. Even better, its conveniently located near Rio and wind's down Brazil's southeastern coast, providing great views of the water. Travelers can spend a day hiking with toucans and howler monkeys and be back at the hotel in Rio in no time.
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