The park is part of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Preserve,[1] and is administered by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).

More than 230 species of animals and birds live in the park, including capuchin monkeys, coatis, agoutis, wild dogs, marmosets, hummingbirds and thrushes.

Emperor Pedro II of Brazil established federal control over the area in 1861, and efforts began to restore the former forest on the bare slopes and abandoned fields.

[7] Tijuca National Park is claimed to be the world's largest urban forest,[1] covering some 39.58 square kilometres (15.28 sq mi),[8] although this title is disputed with Johannesburg, South Africa.

[1] It is currently threatened by frequent, accidental fires set by humans, a problem compounded by colonization by more flammable grasses displacing native vegetation.

Common destinations are: Diamantina's waterfall, Parrot's Beak (Bico do Papagaio), Tijuca's Peak (Pico da Tijuca), Cave Circuit (Circuito das Grutas), Archer's Hill (Morro do Archer), Anhanguera's Hill (Morro da Anhanguera), the Excelsior Lookout (Mirante do Excelsior) and the Bat's Cave (Caverna dos Morcegos).