Top 8 Walking Tours in Rio de Janeiro

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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2.Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

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

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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3.Sunrise and Sunrise Walk Two Brothers with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 193 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $64Top rated

Meet your local guide at Vidigal, ride a community motor taxi or van to the trailhead, then hike 1.5 km through Atlantic Forest to the 533-meter summit of Morro Dois Irmãos. Expect an early start, lanterns, photo stops, and wide views of Ipanema, Leblon, Christ the Redeemer, and Rio’s southern coast.

“The experience was absolutely incredible! The views from the top of Morro Dois Irmãos at sunrise are truly breathtaking, totally worth the early wake-up. Everything was perfectly organized, and our guide Rodrigo was the best! Super friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel safe the whole way. One of the highlights of my trip to Rio. Highly recommended!”

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4.Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 177 reviews · 2h 30m · from $40

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Rio Art Museum for a 150-minute walk through Little Africa. Hear Rio’s colonial and Afro-Brazilian story, view Mauá Square from a rooftop, visit Pedra do Sal and Valongo, and learn from guides such as Luana, Nathalia, Larissa, and Eddie.

“You couldn’t ask for a better guide than Eddie for the little Africa tour, an enthusiast with so much information to share. Eddie was patient in answering our questions and had great recommendations for activities and food in Rio. A fantastic place with a rich embedded history.”

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5.Learn the History of Rio with an Unforgettable City Center Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $49

Explore Rio’s historic center on a private three-hour walk with a guide such as Rafael or Danielle. See Cinelândia, Selarón Steps, Lapa’s arches, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Colombo Café, and Paço Imperial, with room to adjust the route to your interests.

“Amazing, friendly and very informative walk around the historical center of Rio! 5 / 5 stars! Thank you!”

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6.Rio’s city walking tour: a glimpse of history and olympic legacy

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 78 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $60

Spend about four hours exploring downtown Rio with a local guide, visiting São Bento Monastery, Candelária Church, Paço Imperial, Mauá Square, Colombo Bakery, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Hotel pickup is included from most hotels in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and São Conrado.

“Another great tour. It was not a hard walk. Good pace and lots to see on this tour. Worth taking this one.”

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7.Walking tour of the bohemian neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72

Spend about 3½ hours riding Rio’s historic yellow tram and walking through Santa Teresa, Lapa, and Cinelândia. Guides such as Edmundo, Lorena, and Ivan bring local insight, art, history, and personal stories to the route. Expect a small group of up to 12 people, a 9 a.m. start, and plenty of uphill and downhill walking.

“Ivan was an excellent guide. Knowledgeable and considerate. His knowledge made the tour entertaining and intresting.”

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8.A Walk in the Rocinha Favela: Women Leading the Way

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 2 hours · from $42

Join a small group of up to 10 for a two-hour Rocinha walk led by a local bilingual guide such as Gabriela, Larissa, or Malux. Ride a moto-taxi uphill, visit art spaces and shops, hear local stories, try homemade coffee, and enjoy views across Rio.

“A huge thank you to Gabriela for the visit !! Even if she prefers Flamengo to Paris Saint Germain ahahah 😂 It was a very good moment of exchange with her.”

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