Rio de Janeiro · GUIDED
The 15 best guided tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Walk Rocinha with a local guide, learn about daily life in Rio's largest favela, and see the city from a thoughtful community-focused viewpoint.
“I liked everything. Ray is an excellent guide, showed us the place as it is and it seems I understood it. The tour was well organized. Powerful impression. I will recommend Ray to my friends.”
Explore Rio’s Tijuca Rainforest by open-top jeep, with waterfalls, viewpoints, monkeys, a guided forest walk, and multilingual guides.
“From start to finish our tour guide Darius was absolutely brilliant. He was knowledgeable, fun, always answered our questions and lead the tour with pure professionalism. The pick up was from our hotel which was convenient and having driven in an open-top Jeep from the hotel to Tijuca Rain Forest was an absolute delight. Darius was full of facts about the rainforest and Rio itself and it was a delight to be in his presence. If you’re ever in Rio this tour is well worth doing. Thank you to Darius (and driver whose name I didn’t get) for a five-star tour. I absolutely loved it.”
Explore Tijuca Rain Forest by open Jeep, hike to waterfalls, and stop at Rio viewpoints, with hotel pickup and a multilingual guide.
“Lucy Morozini was the best tour guide ever! She explained everything very clearly and answered all our questions 🙌”
Explore Santa Marta with a local guide, visit Michael Jackson Square, hear samba, meet residents, and support community projects in Rio.
“This was honestly the best part of our trip to Rio- I was sceptical and nervous it was exploitative of the poorer members of the population, but it was incredible. Completely run by locals who are obviously loved in the community and so passionate about what they do. It was very safe, everyone was so lovely, I learnt so much about the Favelas and Rio as a city - an amazing experience. If you do one activity in Rio - do this!!!!”
Meet resident guide Gilson Fumaça on a thoughtful Santa Marta tour with local stories, social projects, Michael Jackson sites, and Rio views.
“was a great experience, tour guide was very nice and lived his whole live there. we even got to play football with the local kids.”
Explore Rocinha with a local guide, motorcycle ride, secret viewpoints, capoeira, samba, and direct support for Rio’s community.
“It was amazing! My tour guide was awesome, very safe, but gave us a lot of opportunities to do different things:)”
See Rio your way with a private guide, car, flexible route, famous beaches, Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, and local neighborhoods.
“Marco did a wonderful job of navigating rain and second tier attractions, since we’ve been to Rio before. Nice guy, decent English, patient, and fun.”
Watch Rio wake from Two Brothers Hill on a guided sunrise hike through Vidigal, with local transport, forest trails, and sweeping beach views.
“Early start but well worth it, the views were spectacular in the clear night sky and into the morning sunset. Our guide Robinson was very helpful throughout, I’d highly recommend.”
Join a local guide for live samba at Pedra do Sal in Rio, with Afro-Brazilian history, a welcome drink, local nightlife, and practical safety tips.
“Lena was a great guide! I had a fun group and Pedra do Sal was amazing. I loved learning about the rich history! This is perfect for solo travellers who want to experience Brazil’s night life with someone knowledgeable and feel safe!”
See Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selarón Steps, beaches, and Rio’s historic center on an 8-hour guided tour with lunch.
“It was a perfect tour, Jose knew how to get us through the lines quickly and was very informative about Rio. Didn’t like the all you could eat buffet, meat was too tough, maybe a change of supplier required. This did not have an impact on what was a great tour.”
See a live football match at Rio’s Maracanã or Nilton Santos with hotel pickup, a local guide, covered seating, and return transport.
“Leo our tour guide was fantastic. He made sure we got in and out of the stadium without any problems and ensured we got the best seats available. A football match in Brazil is a must see.”
Ride through Rio’s beaches, backstreets, Lapa, and old center in a small group, with three routes, local insight, and lunch on the full-day tour.
“Really enjoyed the bike ride of 25km around the neighbourhoods of Rio. The Guide was excellent .Very knowledgeable and friendly .Would highly recommend! !”
Join Rio football fans for a match with a local guide, seated ticket, and drink, with help on registration, stadium entry, and getting home safely.
“Riciardo was the best! Very attentive and communicative both prior and during the game. Went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and having a good time. Would highly recommend.”
Hike Rio’s Pedra da Gávea with a bilingual guide, certified climbing gear, Atlantic Forest wildlife, and sweeping views from 842 meters.
“The guide Jessie was excellent so friendly help everyone in the group she was the price on that tour I will go back just to see her because she was amazing and fabulous we all love her”
See Rio’s top sights by private car with guide Bruno, from Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf to Selarón Steps and Valongo Wharf.
“Bruno is an exceptional guide. We saw the key sites and then some, very efficiently. Besides being extremely knowledgeable about Rio and its history, he’s a delightful person. He was born in Rio, moved to the US as a child, and returned to Rio to open a tour business a few years ago. He’s a great blend of Brazilian and US culture. So, if you’re looking for a great guide in Rio, try to book with Bruno. A+++++++++++”
Pick a summit, a stretch of sand or a night out.
