Welcome to Rio de Janeiro

Golden beaches and lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife and spectacular football matches: welcome to the Cidade Maravilhosa.

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Tropical Landscapes

Looking out from the 710m peak of Corcovado, you will see why Rio is called the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). Lushly forested mountains fringe the city, shimmering beaches trace the shoreline and a string of tiny islands lie scattered along the seafront. Far from being mere cinematic backdrop, this seaside beauty hosts outstanding outdoor adventures: hiking in the Tijuca rainforest, cycling alongside the lake and beaches, sailing across Baía de Guanabara, and surfing, rock climbing and hang gliding amid one of the world's most stunning urban landscapes.

Captivating Beaches

Rio's beaches have long seduced visitors. Copacabana Beach became a symbol of Rio during the 1940s, when international starlets would jet in for the weekend. Hogging the spotlight these days is Ipanema Beach, its fame and beauty unabated since bossa nova stars Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes introduced the world to its allure in the 1960s. For cariocas (residents of Rio), the beach is Rio's backyard – a playground that's free and open to all, offering endless enjoyment in the form of football, volleyball, surfing, snacking, drinking or simply relaxing amid the passing parade of people.

The Rhythms of Rio

Music is the lifeblood of Rio, with a soundtrack comprising rock, old-school bossa nova, hip-hop, funk and Brazil's many regional styles. Above all there's samba, a rapid-fire style of music with African influences and an infectious beat that is synonymous with Rio. You can hear it all over town, but the soul of samba resides in Lapa, an edgy red-light district that is home to dozens of live-music halls and an enormous weekend street party that draws revelers from all walks of life. Samba is also the integral sound during Carnaval, and the danceable backing music to street parties and all-night parades.

Joie de Vivre

Speaking of Carnaval, Rio knows how to party. Whether you call it joie de vivre, Lebensfreude or lust for life, cariocas have it in spades. Carnaval, and the buildup to it, is the most obvious manifestation of this celebratory spirit. But Rio has many other occasions for revelry: celebrations after a big Flamengo (or Vasco, Fluminense or Botafogo) soccer match; weekend samba parties around town; baile funk parties in the favelas (slums, informal communities); and boat parties on the bay – not to mention major fests such as Réveillon (New Year's Eve) and the Festas Juninas.

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Top experiences in Rio de Janeiro

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Rio de Janeiro activities

$109.99 Tours & Sightseeing

Rio de Janeiro Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

After an early morning hotel pickup, we will begin the tour with a viewing of the Christ the Redeemer statue without interference from any crowds. On the way, you will enjoy views of Copacabana beach, Botafogo beach and Palácio Guanabara. Before heading up, you'll enter Tijuca Forest, stopping at Paineiras to board vehicles up to Corcovado. The visit to the monument lasts approximately 45 minutes. In case of poor visibility on the summit of the Corcovado, you will make an alternative stop at Mirante Dona Marta (362m or 1188 ft) instead, a place less affected by cloudiness.Then, you'll head to Sugar Loaf continuing to Botafogo beach towards Praia Vermelha, in the district of Urca, passing by the imposing neo-classical buildings like the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the Institute Benjamim Constant for the blind and the National Institute for Mineral Resources. You'll then head to the Sugar Loaf touristic complex to board the cable-car to rich Urca Hill (220m) and Sugar Loaf (396m), staying there for around 30 minutes at the top. Enjoy lunch at Ipanema's restaurant. There will be many different meal options at your disposal. Choose anything from Brazilian steakhouse fare or a light sandwich. You can also use the time to explore Ipanema district.After a visit to the Maracanã Stadium from the outside (you may stop at Bellini's statue for pictures) you will then head to the Sambadrome (the stadium for the city's main Carnival parade).As you continue through the city, you'll see the Lapa Arches, Lavradio street and Avenida Chile. Visit the cone-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral, a major landmark in this Brazilian city and a masterpiece of modern art. Next, visit the Escadaria Selarón – one of the most fascinating staircases in the world. See the São Bento Monastery after, a place of monastic simplicity that is one of the most beautiful architectural complexes in Brazil. There is a surprising contrast between the austere, purposefully simple appearance of the exterior and the richness of the interior highlighting gilded Baroque engravings with plants motifs. See for yourself the exuberant Rococo style in the engraving on the high altar, followed by a view of the cross vaulting and the Chapel of the Santíssimo Sacramento. On your way back to your hotel, looking outward along the Aterro do Flamengo, you'll see the Museum of Modern Art, the Monument to the Fallen in World War II, and the Church of the Outeiro da Glória. You will also be able to see the beaches of Flamengo and Botafogo as you return via Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon.
$74 Tours & Sightseeing

Christ Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountain from Rio

The morning tour starts with a panoramic tour of downtown Rio where you'll pass by the infamous Sambadrome, the exhibition area for the renowned Samba schools in Rio. A brief stop is made at the Metropolitan Cathedral, made famous for its unusual pyramid shape. Admire its beauty and rareness from both the outside and the inside! Drive through downtown Rio and stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Then head towards the Urca neighborhood, where one of Rio's most iconic symbols is located, Sugar Loaf Mountain. Traveling up Sugar Loaf mountain on a cable car, you'll make a brief stop at a vantage point at approximately 700 feet (215 meters) above sea level. Capture unparalleled panoramic views of the city, Guanabara Bay, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. You'll then ascend to the peak of Sugar Loaf for breathtaking views of Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress and the beaches of Niteroi. You'll then enjoy lunch (included in the price) at a local restaurant before starting the afternoon portion of the tour. After lunch, you can either go to the Cosme Velho train station passing through the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas district (except on Sundays) or go by van cruising through the Tijuca rainforest up to the 125 foot (38 meter) iconic Christ Redeemer Statue. You'll spend approximately 45 minutes at the statue where you can capture once in a lifetime photo opportunities. After the train ride back down, you'll be dropped back off at your hotel.Alternatively, if you are taking the 6 hour option, start by going straight to Christ Redeemer by Van to catch the views from the top and then drive through Santa Teresa to make your way to Sugar Loaf and get back to the hotel just in time for  lunch.Please be mindful when selecting as we offer options with and without tickets.
$62.10 Day Trips & Excursions

Early Access to Christ the Redeemer with Sugar Loaf Upgrade

After early morning pickup from your chosen Rio de Janeiro meeting-point, travel directly to Corcovado Mountain by minivan. Upon arrival at the mountain, enjoy the relative quiet as you stand as one of the first visitors of the day, and then climb 220 steep steps or ride the elevator offering panoramic views. Reach the summit, 2,300 feet (700 meters) high, and behold the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer (or Cristo Redentor). Learn from your knowledgeable guide the history behind the art deco statue, which was unveiled in 1931 and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Built with concrete and sandstone, the hovering and protective Christ stands 130 feet (39 meters) tall, his arms spanning 98 feet (30 meters). With this Viator Exclusive, your early visit to Corcovado allows you to explore the site before the rest of the public, most of whom travel to the statue by cog train. Spend a leisurely 30 minutes here, with no need to elbow your way around to get that perfect shot until the first train of the day arrives. Whether the day is sunny or cloudy, you'll capture mesmerizing views of the city and beaches. Your tour ends with return to the meeting-point, unless you choose to upgrade to the optional tour below. Optional Sugar Loaf Mountain Tour: Locals and tourists alike differ in opinion on which mountain offers better city views, Corcovado or Rio's other famous peak, Sugar Loaf. It is undisputed, however, that each provides a unique experience. After visiting Christ the Redeemer, travel by minivan for about 30 minutes to a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive at the base of Sugar Loaf and jump into a glass cable car. On your way up, make a brief stop to marvel at sweeping views of the city, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge, Guanabara Bay and Corcovado Mountain. Then ascend to the top of Sugar Loaf, 1,299 feet (396 meters) high, for views of Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress and the beaches of Niteroi. Then we will have a typical brazilian lunch. After a day full of memorable sights, enjoy transport back to the meeting-point. Viator Exclusives combine unique experiences and great deals — from traditional tours to once-in-a-lifetime experiences — and are not available from other 3rd-party online sellers.
$44 Tours & Sightseeing

Sugar Loaf Mountain Half-Day Tour

The morning tour starts with a panoramic tour of downtown Rio where you'll pass by the infamous Sambadrome, the exhibition area for the renowned Samba schools in Rio. A brief stop is made at the Metropolitan Cathedral, made famous for its unusual pyramid shape. Admire its beauty and rareness from both the outside and the inside! Your panoramic city tour continues with a visit to the traditional Cinelandia Square where you'll tour the various historic buildings such as the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Head towards the Urca neighborhood, where one of Rio's most iconic symbols is located, Sugar Loaf Mountain. Traveling up Sugar Loaf mountain on a cable car, you'll make a brief stop at a vantage point at approximately 700 feet (215 meters) above sea level. Capture unparalleled panoramic views of the city, Guanabara Bay, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. You'll then ascend to the peak of Sugar Loaf for breathtaking views of Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress and the beaches of Niteroi.Please be mindful when selecting as we offer options with and without tickets.
$44 Tours & Sightseeing

Corcovado Mountain and Christ Redeemer Statue Half-Day Tour

Your half-day tour to Corcovado takes you to the Cosme Velho station to catch the cog train. The steep train journey takes you through the dense Atlantic rain forest of Tijuca to the Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain. You'll spend up to an hour here with your tour guide, who will show you the sights of Rio from this incredible mountain-top vantage point. Take your time to check splendid views from the top of Corcovado Mountain and take the best pictures ever. o don't forget your camera! After a wonderful experience, you will be taken back to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.Please be mindful when selecting as we offer options with and without tickets.
$59 Cultural & Theme Tours

Small-Group Santa Teresa Discovery Tour from Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy discovering the neighborhood of Santa Teresa on this discovery tour from Rio de Janeiro! Get a feel for how locals get around the huge city of Rio as you take the subway downtown with your local guide. Wander through the financial district and visit Carioca Square, once the main source of drinking water in Rio. Then, hop on a tram (the only one in Rio) and head to the neighborhood of Santa Teresa on a 20-minute ride to the top of the hill (Note: The tram is under construction so you will take a bus up to Santa Teresa until the tram is complete).Discover the charm and beauty of Santa Teresa as you wander by foot through the winding, narrow cobblestone streets. Once home to upper-class residents, Santa Teresa is now an artistic hotspot. Admire beautiful architecture learn about the history of the area as you make your way around the neighborhood with your guide. Located on a high hill overlooking Rio, you'll have a perfect view of the city and bay below.As you make your way back down the hill, drop by Carmelitas’ Convent and walk down the famous Selarón Staircase, created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón.
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