Rio de Janeiro · TOURS

The 15 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

94 tours  ·  from $27

Everything with a guide, a boat, a cable car or a minibus attached, in one list. The 15 below are worth a whole slot in the day, priced and paced, with the rest of the catalogue underneath.

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

1.Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide

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

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 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

2.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

3.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: 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

4.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 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

5.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

6.Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

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

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: 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

7.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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Jeep Adventure: Guided Tour through Tijuca Rain Forest - The visitor center and forest introduction
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Jeep Adventure: Guided Tour through Tijuca Rain Forest

8.Jeep Adventure: Guided Tour through Tijuca Rain Forest

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 554 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend about four hours touring Tijuca National Park in an open-top Jeep, with an easy 15 to 30-minute forest walk to waterfalls. Your multilingual guide may be someone like Everton, George, Lucy, or Eddie. Expect city viewpoints, Mata Atlântica ecology, and hotel pickup, but not a wildlife safari.

“The trip through the national park was informative and educational. Our guide was informative and also amusing.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Helicopter Tour - The 20-minute route: beaches, lagoon, and Christ
Helicopter Tours, Rio Helicopter Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Helicopter Tour

9.Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 530 reviews · 20 - 30 minutes · from $220

Meet at Jacarepaguá Airport for a shared 20 or 25-minute helicopter flight over Rio. You’ll see Christ the Redeemer, beaches, Lagoa, and, on the longer route, Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana. Flights use helicopters for three or four passengers.

“The helicopter ride over Rio with 4Fly was absolutely worth it! Our pilot was super friendly, professional, and helpful—he pointed out all the major landmarks and made the experience even more special. The views were breathtaking and the whole ride felt smooth and safe. Highly recommend if you’re visiting Rio and want a once-in-a-lifetime view of the city!”

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Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail - Finding the City of Samba in Rio’s port district
Rio Samba Nights, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

10.Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 520 reviews · 90 - 150 minutes · from $27Best value

At Rio’s City of Samba, a bilingual guide leads you through Grande Rio’s Carnival workshop, costume displays, parade stories, dress-up photos, a samba lesson, and a caipirinha. Guides vary, with Sol, Ton, Lea, and Lias praised for lively presentations. Transport is optional.

“Had a great guide with energy and enthusiasm. Really interesting, giving insight into what, why and how. A lot of fun too!”

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Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Tour with… - Sugarloaf Mountain and Rio’s harbor views
Rio Christ the Redeemer Tours, Sugarloaf Mountain Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Tour with…

11.Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Tour with…

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 499 reviews · 9 hours · from $141

Spend nine hours touring Rio by air-conditioned van, with Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Selarón Steps, the Cathedral, Sambadrome, and Maracanã. Guides such as Marco, Anna Maria, and Lorraine add local context, while buffet lunch and major attraction tickets are included.

“David is the best. Despite the rain, we had a lot of fun. Very convenient too, specially if it’s your first time in Rio.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Top Tour with Local Guide - Mirante Dona Marta and the first big view
Guided, Rio Favela Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

12.Favela Santa Marta Top Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 488 reviews · 150 minutes - 3 hours · from $28

Walk Santa Marta with a local guide such as Mario, Marco, Luis, or Raycca. See Michael Jackson Square, Mirante Dona Marta, filming locations, social projects, and a guide’s home, with samba, football, and time to meet residents.

“Great cultural experience. The tour didn’t feel exploitative and the history shared with us was appreciated. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a true cultural experience and want to get to know the locals and what the Favelas are about from guides. This tour is hosted by a family that gives back to their community.”

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Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island - Cais de Santa Luzia and boarding the schooner
Angra dos Reis Day Trips, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

13.Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 469 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $90

Travel from Rio to Angra dos Reis for a schooner ride around Ilha Grande, with stops at Freguesia de Santana, Lagoa Azul, Aracatibinha, the Green Lagoon, and Japariz for lunch. Guides such as Nayt, Elainne, Felipe, and Flavia may lead the day. Expect a long, social outing rather than a quiet cruise.

“We ended up not going on this tour after the operator (less than 24 hours before the tour and after the cancellation period had passed) unilaterally changed the pickup place and then repeatedly insulted us for not agreeing to the new pick up location. We also were informed at the last minute that the included lunch would not be provided until late in the afternoon. We also realized that the advertising failed to explicitly advise us of an almost 3 hour bus ride each way to the boat. After repeatedly insulting us and questioning our motives, they finally agreed to pick us up at the agreed time and place. By…”

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Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour - Starting from Guaratiba Beach
Full-Day, Hiking & Trekking, Pedra do Telegrafo Hikes, Rio Beach Tours, Rio Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour

14.Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 417 reviews · 4 hours - 390 minutes · from $56

Start early for a guided hike from Guaratiba Beach to Pedra do Telégrafo, where Rio’s wild western coast opens below you. Guides such as Erick, Nicolas, and Dayvison are praised for patient pacing and great photos. Finish with swimming or lunch at Grumari or Prainha Beach.

“It was good. Nice views. Dayvison was a great guide”

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Rio: 5-hour Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Express Tour - Through Tijuca Forest to Christ the Redeemer
Rio Christ the Redeemer Tours, Sugarloaf Mountain Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio: 5-hour Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Express Tour

15.5-hour Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Express Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 407 reviews · 5 hours · from $109

Start with a minivan ride through Tijuca Forest to Christ the Redeemer, then take Sugarloaf’s cable cars for wide views over Rio, Guanabara Bay, Niterói, and the Atlantic. Small groups, hotel pickup, entry fees, and guides such as Karine, Clara, and Guilherme are included.

“Due to it being New Year's Eve everywhere was extremely busy. This, however, didn't spoil the wow factor at each location. We did have to queue for longer than an average day but it was all worth it.”

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New in Tours

★ 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
★ 4.1Rio 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
★ 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
★ 4.5Aqua Rio + Olympic Boulevard Tour – Rio de Janeiro by Pepe Rio ToursFrom $4554 reviews
★ 4.5Olympic Boulevard, AquaRio and Museum of Tomorrow TourFrom $4954 reviews
★ 4.1Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & History TourFrom $6747 reviews
★ 4.5Botanical Garden, Tijuca Forest, and Parque Lage TourFrom $10419 reviews
★ 3.3Búzios Full-Day Boat TourFrom $6955 reviews
★ 5.0Rio de Janeiro Tour – Discover Christ the Redeemer and the Marvelous CityFrom $9061 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