Rio de Janeiro · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Rio de Janeiro

174 tours  ·  from $10

A long weekend or a fortnight, the problem is the same: two summits, six beaches and one bus out of town, all competing for the same morning. The 15 below are the days that earn their place, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath.

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch - Morning pickup through Rio’s hotel zones
Lunch Experiences, Rio City Tours, Tour Reviews

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

1.6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,157 reviews · 8 hours · from $130Our pick

Spend eight hours seeing Rio’s essential sights by air-conditioned minivan, with a multilingual guide such as João, Roger, or Ursula. Ride to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf, visit the Cathedral and Selarón Steps, view Maracanã and the Sambadrome from outside, and stop for a buffet lunch.

“Personally the stop at the soccer stadium was not necessary, especially to only see it from the outside. Having to make Otherwise everything we were very pleased with our experience and our guide. Thanks again.”

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Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train - Why the weather can make or break the visit
Rio Christ the Redeemer Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train

2.Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,476 reviews · 1 day · from $45

Take the official Corcovado Train through Tijuca National Park to Christ the Redeemer. You’ll see Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and Rio from above, then visit the statue, museum, and visitors center. The ticket costs $45, is wheelchair accessible, and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

“We had a great time on the train and visiting the Christ the Redeemer.Was fantastic.Very nice view”

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Rio de Janeiro: Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide - Pickup from Copacabana or Ipanema
Guided, Rio Favela Tours, Rio Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide

3.Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,052 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $36

Spend about two hours walking through Rocinha with a local guide such as Ray, Bruno, or Carlos. Pickup is available from Copacabana or Ipanema, with multilingual guides, air-conditioned transport, and a community contribution included in the $36 price.

“It was an amazing experience. And our guide Ray, was the best. Very good in English and she made you feel comfortable, which was nice, when it’s your first time in a favela.”

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Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch - Hotel pickup and the long Rio road day
BBQ, Lunch Experiences, Rio Christ the Redeemer Tours, Selaron Steps Tours, Sugarloaf Mountain Tours, Tour Reviews

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

4.Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,428 reviews · 8 - 9 hours · from $69

Spend 8 to 9 hours seeing Rio’s essential sights with hotel pickup, a multilingual guide, Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf cable cars, Selarón Steps, and a Brazilian barbecue. Guides such as Sandra, Newton, Emma, and João are praised for clear explanations and patient help. Check your package carefully, since lunch and Sugarloaf tickets vary.

“The best experience ever with our tour João Verano, extremely knowledgeable, positive, such a good vibe and fun!”

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Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour - Meeting at Copacabana Palace
Half-Day, Rio Favela Tours, Rio Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

5.Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,272 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

Walk through Rocinha with local guides such as Wellington, Alberto, or Daniel, hearing about daily life, history, and local challenges. The three-hour route includes narrow alleys, steep stairs, a hilltop viewpoint, and often a capoeira visit. Small groups keep the experience personal and respectful.

“Wellington was a great tour guide. Very informative tour. Felt safe and residents were very friendly.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour - Leaving Rio for Angra dos Reis
Angra dos Reis Day Trips, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour

6.Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,673 reviews · 14 hours · from $77

Leave Rio’s southern beaches by coach and boat for Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde, Cataguases, Freguesia de Santana, and Japariz. Guides such as Marcelo and Tiago lead the multilingual group, while swimming, snorkeling, music, and a buffet lunch fill the day.

“The parking of the boat in the ocean was amazing. I just wish we had more than an hour on the last stop which I enjoyed the most, but no complaints”

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Rio de Janeiro: Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema - Meeting the instructors at Samba Fit
Rio Beach Tours, Rio Samba Nights, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Rio de Janeiro: Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema

7.Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,071 reviews · 1 hour · from $25Best value

Spend one lively hour at Samba Fit in Ipanema learning samba basics from Carla, Ranaa, or Gaby, instructors who have performed with major samba schools. The small group class includes photos, videos, and a chance to wear Carnival costumes at the end.

“Gaby is a great instructor! Really makes samba 101 fun and we even got to try on some costumes and got a little gift at the end. 10/10 would recommend :)”

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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour - Leaving Marina da Glória and finding the boat
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Rio Boat Tours, Rio Sunset Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

8.Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 994 reviews · 3 hours · from $75

Sail from Marina da Glória with up to 12 people, passing Rio’s forts, Boa Viagem Island, and the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum. Guides such as Clarisse and Karina serve caipirinhas, sparkling wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks while you watch the sun set near Sugarloaf Mountain.

“It was a really nice tour, the guides did a good job”

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Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba - Arcos da Lapa at Night
Drinking Tours, Food & Drink, Nightlife, Pub Crawls, Rio Food and Drink Tours, Rio Samba Nights, Tour Reviews

Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba

9.Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 881 reviews · 4 hours · from $33

Join Caipi Tours in Lapa for four cachaça samples, a free caipirinha, the Arcos da Lapa, Selarón Steps, live samba, and a nightclub finish. Guides such as Andressa, Raffa, Marcos, Nayara, and Rafael keep the group together in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

“I’ve tried pub crawls in many other cities, honestly this one was the best one I’ve done!!”

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Rio de Janeiro: Christ, Selaron Steps, and Tijuca Park Tour - Parque Lage and Tijuca Park: a useful change of pace
Rio Christ the Redeemer Tours, Selaron Steps Tours, Tijuca Forest Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Christ, Selaron Steps, and Tijuca Park Tour

10.Christ, Selaron Steps, and Tijuca Park Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 857 reviews · 7 hours · from $68

Cover Rio’s essential sights in seven hours with an English, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide. Visit Christ the Redeemer early, explore Parque Lage and Tijuca Park, stop for lunch, then see Maracanã, the Cathedral, Municipal Theater, Selarón Steps, and Santa Teresa. Finish at Sugarloaf or your hotel.

“The tour was well organized, little bit rushed but we visited everything on time. Joao has a lot of knowledge and he answered all our questions in details”

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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar - The three-hour route, from Urca to the evening return
Cruises & Boat Tours, Drinking Tours, Evening Experiences, Rio Sunset Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

11.Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 785 reviews · 3 hours · from $57

Meet your host in Urca for a three-hour sail around Guanabara Bay. Expect Christ the Redeemer views, a swim stop, caipirinhas, beer, snacks, music, and stories about Rio. Hosts such as Paola, Lohanny, Mariana, and Jhulia are praised for attentive service and friendly English guidance.

“It was well managed and the view of Rio from the sea was great. The staff were friendly and informed and it is a trip I would recommend”

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Rio de Janeiro: Hang gliding adventure - Seeing Rocinha from the air
Rio Hang Gliding, Tour Reviews

Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Adventure

12.Hang Gliding Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 760 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $229

Run from Pedra Bonita with a tandem pilot such as Klaus, Konrad, Claudio, or Maurice, then glide above Rio’s beaches, forest, and famous peaks. Allow extra time for weather delays. The flight may switch to paragliding, and optional GoPro and 360 footage costs extra.

“This was an incredible experience! There are hidden costs for the video footage at the end (£27ish for each go pro (one on front and one on side) and £41ish for the 360 camera) - these are optional. I had to wait around for over an hour while someone else went first (as the guide has to pack up on the beach, drive back up to the take off platform, and reset up the glide), but the actual experience was amazing. The guide was friendly, encouraging, and it wasn’t scary at all - I highly recommend!!”

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Rio de Janeiro: Guided Jeep Tour through Tijuca Rainforest - The open jeep ride makes the journey part of the tour
Guided, Rio Jeep Tours, Tijuca Forest Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Guided Jeep Tour through Tijuca Rainforest

13.Guided Jeep Tour through Tijuca Rainforest

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 740 reviews · 4 hours · from $90

Ride an open-top jeep from select Rio hotels into Tijuca National Park. Guides such as Jorge, Roberta, Everton, and Andre explain the forest, wildlife, and reforestation before an easy one-hour walk past waterfalls, chapels, and city viewpoints.

“I liked the history provided by the our tour guide Roberta and the scenic views were amazing!”

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From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch - Boarding the schooner in Angra dos Reis
Angra dos Reis Day Trips, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rio Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

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

14.Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 737 reviews · 14 hours · from $63

Leave Rio early for a schooner cruise around Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande. Swim at the Blue Lagoon, visit Cataguases and Japariz or Araçá, enjoy a buffet lunch, and return by coach. Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, though the 14-hour day includes a long road journey.

“Everything was fine, the beaches are beautiful, We had fun.”

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Skip the Line to Christ Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and Barbecue Lunch - The Metropolitan Cathedral’s unusual pyramid shape
BBQ, Lunch Experiences, Rio Christ the Redeemer Tours, Skip the Line, Sugarloaf Mountain Tours, Tour Reviews

Skip the Line to Christ Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and Barbecue Lunch

15.Skip the Line to Christ Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and Barbecue Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 593 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $113

Spend about nine hours touring Rio with hotel pickup, a multilingual guide, Sugar Loaf’s two cable cars, a cog train through Tijuca Forest, and Christ the Redeemer. Add the churrascaria lunch and attraction tickets when booking, and expect a busy day with some traffic and schedule changes.

“We had bad weather all day. Our tour guide for sugar loaf was nice and gave a lot of free time to enjoy the view. Our afternoon tour guide die the Chris redeemer was a little strange. He doesn’t interact with us. We can’t really understand him well.”

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New in Tour Reviews

★ 5.0A Walk in the Rocinha Favela: Women Leading the WayFrom $4218 reviews
★ 5.0Small-Group Urban Bike Tour in Rio de JaneiroFrom $3941 reviews
★ 4.5Museum of Tomorrow Guided Tour, Admission & TransferFrom $5838 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Private E-Bike Tour in RioFrom $12050 reviews
★ 4.7Surf lessons: in Arpoador in Ipanema.From $3335 reviews
★ 3.6Surf lessons with local instructors in Copacabana/ipanema!From $1031 reviews
★ 4.9Sunrise at Morro Dois Irmãos + Vidigal Favela ExperienceFrom $6535 reviews
★ 4.9Rio Surf ExperienceFrom $10037 reviews
★ 4.1Rio Bike Tour – Discover the Beaches and LagoonFrom $10010 reviews
★ 5.0Walking tour of the bohemian neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and LapaFrom $7259 reviews
★ 5.0City Tour Full VIP – Corcovado Train + Churrascaria RodízioFrom $14743 reviews
★ 5.0Pedra Do Telegrafo and Grumari Beach with PhotosFrom $7331 reviews
★ 4.5Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden TourFrom $8140 reviews
★ 4.5Pedra do Telégrafo Hiking Tour ( Telegraph Rock – Avoid Crowds) – Rio de JaneiroFrom $5941 reviews
★ 4.5Guided Tour to Búzios with Boat Tour and LunchFrom $10553 reviews

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Rio Christ the Redeemer Tours24Sugarloaf Mountain Tours16Tijuca Forest Tours16Rio Favela Tours13Rio Samba Nights14Rio Boat Tours17
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Where to go in Rio

Pick a summit, a hillside, a beach or a bar.

The summits

Christ the RedeemerSugarloafCorcovado TrainHelicopter FlightsSunrise Trips

On foot

Favela WalksHikesWalking ToursSanta TeresaSelarón Steps

On the water

Boat TripsGuanabara BayBeach DaysSurf LessonsSunset Trips

After dark

Samba NightsBar CrawlsFood and DrinkMaracanãEvening Tours