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Rio de Janeiro Tours

Our most recommended Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Tours

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

1. Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch

2. From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch

Visit the islands of Angra do Reis on this boat trip from Rio de Janeiro. Sail through the archipelago of Ilha Grande. Disembark on the small islands to explore the beaches, browse the markets, and snorkel in the deep blue waters. Savor lunch on board and enjoy round-trip transfers from Rio hotels. Relax on the 3-hour drive to the city of Angra dos Reis. A quick pit-stop on the road will be made to use bathroom facilities and buy a snack. Upon arrival in the docks, enjoy a schooner ride through the hundreds of islands of Angra dos Reis.  Marvel at the beauty of the most famous island of it all: Ilha Grande. Revel at the crystal clear water and rent a snorkel on the spot to see the different species of fish. After, devour the buffet lunch in a fishermen’s village. Explore different stops during the day in places such as the Blue Lagoon, Cataguases beach, and Japariz or Araçá beaches. The captain will choose the best spots depending on crowds and weather conditions.

Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch

3. Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch

Discover the landmarks of Rio on a full-day guided tour, including pickup and drop off at hotels in Rio. Start with a visit to Corcovado Mountain. Ride by van to the top or board the train, both through the Tijuca Forest. Then, marvel at the main monument of Brazil, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, as you take in panoramic views of Rio. Next, head towards the mythical Maracanã football stadium and observe its imposing façade. Continue to the legendary Sambódromo where the annual Carnival parade takes place. Visit the modern Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, influenced by Mayan pyramids. Check out the brightly colored tiles of the world-famous Selarón Steps at Lapa, before enjoying a typical Brazilian steakhouse lunch. After lunch, visit Sugar Loaf. Take the cable car to the top in two stages and see one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Rio.

Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

4. Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

Explore Rio’s largest favela on a half-day walking tour of Rocinha, the largest favela (shantytown) in South America. Organized by local, English speaking guides and favela hosts, the walking tour is respectful and non-intrusive to the residents. Subject of the movie "City of God," Rio’s favelas have fallen victim to unfortunate stereotypes. In order to correct this, and show you the true Rio de Janeiro, the favela tour will let you see and experience how daily life happens away from the sensationalist headlines. While other favela “zoo-tours” drive around in jeeps, you will get to walk the streets in small groups and meet the locals to hear their stories. Learn the history of the favela and its social and economic challenges. The tour cost also includes a monetary contribution to the favela community.

Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Tour with a Local Guide

5. Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Tour with a Local Guide

Take an opportunity to catch a glimpse of life in the favelas on this guided tour. Your guide is a local from Santa Marta, who will be able to share you with you an authentic perspective of the beautiful favela they call home. Using the Santa Marta cable car, your guide will take you to the top of the favela. From here you will get to witness one of the best panoramic views of the city. Spot Christ the Redeemer, the Sugar Loaf, Praia de Botafogo, Lagoa Rodrigues de Freitas and the entire district of Botafogo. Then explore the streets and alleys held dear by both residents and the many famous visitors to Favela Santa Marta alike, from Queen Elizabeth II to Michael Jackson. Stroll through the favela, seeing the best sights and stopping at many of the local artisan shops along the way.

Football Match in Rio

6. Football Match in Rio

Nowhere on the planet is the game of football more passionately loved than in Brazil. Get a feel for the importance of football to ordinary Brazilians by taking in a thrilling match. A match in any of Rio's Stadiums is an exciting experience even for those with only a passing interest in football. The atmosphere in the stadium is alive with fans waving huge silk banners and flags whilst setting off flares and fireworks. Chants and samba drums reverberate through the stadium as vendors climb through the crowds selling cold beers, popcorn, hats, scarves, and headbands. Experience the fevered frenzy of Brazilian football and join the thousands of colorful, joyous fans, playing music, singing, and jumping throughout the match. Rio's passion for football makes every game a game to remember. Matches take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 2023 Schedule: March 13, 9:10 PM: Flamengo x Vasco da Gama Semifinal 2 - Game 1 March 18, 4 PM: Fluminense x Volta Redonda - Semifinal 1 - Game 2 March 19, 6 PM Vasco da Gama x Flamengo - Semifinal 2 - Game 2 April 2, 6 PM: TBD x TBD Carioca Championship Finals - Game 1 April 9, 6 PM: TBD x TBD Carioca Championship Finals - Game 2

Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Adventure

7. Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Adventure

First, listen to a short briefing from the world's most safe and experienced Hang Glider tandem pilots. They will tell you about the take-off and other aspects of hang gliding before you get airborne. Then, glide smoothly through the tropical air after about 7 steps over the edge of the platform. Any fear you may have will soon disappear and you will experience a very unique sense of tranquility. Enjoy bird's eye views of Rio de Janeiro's main attractions, including Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado, Copacabana, Ipanema, Lagoa and Niteroi city on the other side of Guanabara Bay. Land safely on a sandy beach in São Conrado and enjoy some refreshments as you watch others come in to land. The entire activity will be photographed and recorded on cameras attached to the glider so that you can share your adventure with your friends and family back home. 

Tijuca Rain Forest Tour by Jeep from Rio de Janeiro

8. Tijuca Rain Forest Tour by Jeep from Rio de Janeiro

Venture into the Tijuca Rain Forest in an open jeep and discover a tropical forest in a large city. Drive past the "Cachoeira dos macacos" (monkey's waterfall) and learn about the importance of the reforestation process of the "Mata Atlântica" (Atlantic Forest) at "Vista Chinesa" (Chinese view). Tijuca National Park is the largest city-surrounded urban forest and the second largest urban forest in the world. Photo opportunities abound as you pass the "Mesa do Imperador" (Emperor's table), Cascatinha (Taunay's waterfall), and Capela Mayrink (Mayrink Chapel). Continue with a 1-hour hike on an easy trail to learn more about and have direct interaction with the flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem. This tour is highlighted by the variety of tropical fruits, trees, monkeys, and the multitude of birds and butterflies that live in this unique forest.

Rio de Janeiro: Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide

9. Rio de Janeiro: Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide

Explore a favela of Rio de Janeiro on this guided walking tour. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of locals on this tour that is focused on education. Get a different perspective on life in Rio de Janeiro, and benefit from insider tips from a local guide. Start your favela tour with a pickup from one of the meeting points in Copacabana or Ipanema beach. Journey to the Rocinha Favela for the start of a walking tour at approximately in the afternoon. Follow your local guide through the favela and learn more about what it is like to live there. Rio's favelas are a big part of city life and the non-intrusive tour aims to educate you in a way that pays respect to the locals. Give back to the locals as part of the cost of your tour is contributed to the community to help them build a better future.

Rio de Janeiro: Vidigal Favela Tour and Two Brothers Hike

10. Rio de Janeiro: Vidigal Favela Tour and Two Brothers Hike

Experience the mystique of the Vidigal favela and discover a peaceful community that emerged in the city around 1940. Get stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from one of the most interesting locations in Rio de Janeiro. Start your hike in Vidigal, and experience the favela like a resident. Use the transport system that circulates the neighborhood and rub shoulders with the locals. Follow your guide in a group through the forest and head to the first viewpoint. Look down at the favela of Rocinha and see one of Latin America's largest slums. Continue to the next viewpoint for a breathtaking view of Pedra da Gávea and Pedra Bonita. See Corcovado in the other direction before going to the summit of Two Brothers hill (Morro Dois Irmaos). From there, it's possible to see all the famous beaches of Rio spread out before you, including Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. Hike for approximately 4.5 hours to turn your favela tour into a true adventure. Experience the warmth of the Vidigal community and get a better understanding of the social divisions in Rio de Janeiro. 

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What people are saying about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,958 reviews

Our tour at favela rocinha was a unique experience. Our guide was a local girl. Her name was Juraca and she was very kind and friendly. She new everything about the favela and explained all details and answered all our questions. Juraca thank u! I highly recommend this tour to everyone who visit Rio. Maybe the most breathtaking experience I ever had on my trips all over the world.

First time paragliding and it didn’t disappoint. Started off extremely scared but @eduvoolivre explained everyone is the first time but once in the air you forget every fear. It was amazing and so peaceful at the same time A perfect way to see Rio from a different view

Great and efficient tour. It would've been nice to have a little bit more time at every tourist sight, but it was overall a great way to see a lot of things in one day. Would 100% recommend!

The guides were very helpful and responsive from the start, knew exactly where to go and what time. Pedro the boat driver was great and really enjoyed parasailing my first time ever!

Our guide was very talkative and realy looked after us.we had a trouble free day and realy enjoyed our day.