Rio de Janeiro · TOURS
Everything with a guide, a boat or a minibus attached, in one list. The 15 below are the ones worth a whole day, priced and timed, with the rest of the catalogue underneath.
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.”
Walk through Rio’s Rocinha favela with local guides, meet residents, learn its history, enjoy city views, and see capoeira in a respectful way.
“Wellington was very informative, friendly and had great energy. It was really nice to experience this with him as our Guide.”
Review of the Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande day tour from Rio, with island stops, swimming, lunch, transport, costs, and practical tips.
“Loved this excursion. My sister and I had a n amazing time. Met some great people and jumped for island to island. Well worth it would do it again in a heartbeat!!”
See Rio from Guanabara Bay on a small-group sunset sail with Sugarloaf views, caipirinhas, snacks, and optional swimming.
“The boat ride was relaxing and everyone in the family loved the excursion. Snacks and drinks are included. The views of Rio were majestic. Charisse is a gem. She makes tasty drinks, is knowledgeable about Rio, and friendly. This was a great way to spend an afternoon!”
See Christ the Redeemer early, Selarón Steps, Tijuca rainforest, Rio Cathedral, Santa Teresa, and more on a seven-hour city tour.
“I truly enjoyed this experience. Our host, Lucia, was friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely attentive. In addition to sharing historical insights and interesting facts, she also recommended places to visit, which was a wonderful bonus. It's always fantastic to learn from someone who is genuinely passionate about their work! I would definitely do it again.”
Watch Rio’s sunset from Guanabara Bay on a three-hour sailboat tour with caipirinhas, snacks, swimming, music, and views of Christ the Redeemer.
“Would highly recommend. Loh and Gabriel made us have the best experience, telling us facts about Brazilian culture, showing us unforgettable views while also seeing the best tourist attractions. We had unlimited drinks, snacks and music and we had the time out of life while also swimming in the sea which was an experience in itself. Was the highlight of our trip so far and would recommend to everyone.”
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 🙌”
See Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and Rio’s beaches from a shared helicopter flight departing Jacarepaguá Airport.
“A once-in-a-lifetime experience! The flight offers breathtaking views of Rio and the Christ the Redeemer statue. Our pilot Pedro was very friendly and shared interesting insights. Definitely worth the price. If you want a close view of Sugarloaf Mountain, consider booking a longer flight than 20 minutes. Highly recommended!”
See Rio Carnival from backstage at Samba City, try parade costumes, learn samba, and enjoy a caipirinha near the port.
“We enjoyed our tour and our guide was good fun. Only issue was the meeting place was difficult to find and a lot of the group had problems finding it too.”
See Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selarón Steps, Maracanã and more on a full-day Rio tour with buffet lunch.
“What a day! Lorraine did everything to make our day a success. It’s obvious she loves Rio ❤️ Lorraine went above and beyond so we could see the Redeemer after a mechanical issue closed the site. Despite having already left the area when word came through it had reopened, Lorraine’s made the call and we were back up the hill in record time to make the last entry. Sunset at Redeemer was gorgeous. A very late finish for our guide. Thank you so much.”
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!!!!”
Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande by bus and schooner, with calm beaches, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and a long but scenic day.
“I wanted a small group excursion to have a relaxing and fun day. This boat is not for 45 people like advertised… 45 people go on each bus and there are three buses loading the boat with over 150 people. YES!!! be prepared to join 150 on your boat ride!! Also the bus ride was about 5 hours each way to and from the boat. It was was a very chaotic day with extremely loud music and not fun at all!!! I couldn’t wait to get back home never again. On the positive side the bus driver and our guide was super nice.”
Hike Pedra do Telégrafo for sweeping Rio views, then unwind at Grumari or Prainha Beach with transport and a guide.
“I had a fantastic time on this tour! It was both fun and easy to do, making it perfect for anyone looking for a great outdoor experience. Our guide, Nicolas, was incredibly friendly and had amazing energy throughout the day. He took excellent care of the group and even captured some great pictures for us. The highlights were definitely Pedra do Telégrafo, which was absolutely stunning, and Grumari Beach, which was equally beautiful. Overall, the tour was amazing, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering it!”
Review of Rio’s 5-hour Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf tour, with cable cars, Tijuca Forest views, hotel pickup, guides, timing, and value tips.
“Absolutely amazing! Christian was very accommodating and adapted to my last minute pick up change ! He was full of knowledge and humour and him and his driver made me feel super comfortable and made it such an easy trip!! Would highly recommend”
Pick a summit, a stretch of sand or a night out.
