Top Brazil Cultural Tours

This comprehensive tour of Rio's must-see sights is perfect for those short on time in the city. Visit highlights such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Selaron Steps, Maracana Stadium, and a train trip up to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Learn about the city's culture and history through insightful guide commentary as you travel.

As one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic attractions, Christ the Redeemer attracts lengthy lines. Save time and prevent hassle by prebooking skip-the-line tickets, which allow you to board the next available train to the summit of Corcovado, where the statue is located. Your return ticket is valid on any train, so spend as much time as you like at the top, enjoying panoramic vistas of Rio and capturing photographs of the landmark.

Struggling to fit an authentic cultural experience into your Rio de Janeiro itinerary? Head to the Roxy Dinner Show for unforgettable night in the heart of Copacabana, perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Brazil’s vibrant culture without logistical stress. Set in the beautifully restored art deco Roxy Theater, watch “Aquele Abraço”—a dynamic performance blending live music, dance, and folklore from across the country. Choose from three flexible options: Ticket-only for independent explorers, a delicious Brazilian steakhouse dinner upgrade for food lovers, or add hotel pickup and drop-off for ultimate convenience.

Get a personalized introduction to sprawling Rio de Janeiro on a private, full-day tour that covers the famous beaches, landmarks and cuisine of Brazil's most vibrant city. Skip the stress of getting around on your own and let a private guide whisk you around to highlights like the Christ the Redeemer statue, Tijuca Forest, and the Maracana football stadium. See the famous beaches of Copacabana, ride the Sugar Loaf cable car, dig into lunch at a Brazilian steakhouse, and more.

Experience the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain without waiting in long ticket lines when you prebook your cable car ticket. Take in the views of Rio, the TIjuca Rainforest, Corcovado Mountain, and more as you ride from Vermelha Beach to Morro de Urca, and then on to Sugarloaf. Each mountain has attractions, shops, restaurants, and activities to enjoy—make a day out of it!

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Maracanã Stadium during this guided tour. Explore the stadium, renovated for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, check out the locker rooms. Sit on the team bench where greats like Pele rested after he scored his thousandth goal. Listen as your guide tells tales of legendary matches like Brazil's devastating loss in the 1950 World Cup. Round-trip climate-controlled transportation from most Rio hotels is included. (if option is selected)

Explore the mysteries of Candomblé through this cultural tour of Salvador. Over the course of 4 hours with a local guide, visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum which narrates the history of enslaved Africans in Brazil. Go to the Pierre Verger Foundation, the French anthropologist responsible for developing literary and photographic and audio records of the history of slavery. Continue to a Candomblé terreiro (community) and get the opportunity to consult the sacred oracle (optional, extra cost). Walk through the favela to see the urban and cultural development that originated from maroon community, a historical haven for African slaves practicing the Candomblé religion. Round-trip transportation from Salvador hotels is included.

Explore Rocinha Favela, the largest favela in Latin America, during this 3-hour guided educational tour. Walk through the local community with your guide to learn about what life is like there. Interact with members of the community, learn about the history of Rocinha and gain a deeper understanding of the economic and political factors that shape Rio society. Round-trip transportation from Rio de Janeiro hotels is included.

Swap the beaches and bustle of Rio for a deep dive into the fascinating imperial history of Brazil on a small-group tour to Petrópolis from Rio de Janeiro. The summer residence of Brazil’s last emperor, Petrópolis is filled with historical treasures and this full-day tour allows you to check off the most-important landmarks,as well as a chocolate store and a 19th-century brewery.

Summit both Corcovado and Sugar Loaf mountains on this half-day tour in Rio de Janeiro. After bright and early pickup from your Rio hotel, travel through the Tijuca National Forest to get up close with the Christ the Redeemer statue without throngs of people around. After learning about its history from your local guide, move on to Sugar Loaf Mountain for spectacular views of the sprawling city.

And an opportunity to learn to samba with a carnival queen of Rio de Janeiro. Besides having a lot of fun, you will learn to sambar ....

Head to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro. Your skip-the-line ticket gives you priority access to both cable cars, saving you time waiting at this popular attraction, and is valid for any departure time on the day you select. Admire the beautiful views of the city, the mountains, and the coastline from the lookout.

See Rio de Janeiro's landscapes from a new perspective as you soar above landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema Beach, and more. Whether you’re visiting the city or are a local, experience the city in a new way without lage crowds and lines. Learn about the city in your native tongue-live guides are available in several languages.

This walking tour takes visitors through an immersive experience of Ilha Grande’s historical and natural landscapes. Visitors have the opportunity to explore19th century buildings, walk through the State Park, and swim at the famous Black Beach and under the Pocao do Abraao Waterfall. Visitors will leave with a new appreciation for Ilha Grande’s role in the incredible history of Brazil.

Immerse yourself in the culinary culture of Rio de Janeiro during a small-group cooking class. Learn about the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques specific to Brazilian cuisine from your instructor. Upgrade to include a market tour to discover Brazilian ingredients, spices, and souvenirs. Then, get your hands dirty as you learn to prepare several authentic recipes while sipping on an unlimited caipirinhas. Enjoy a true taste of Rio and explore local culture beyond the restaurant scene.

Whether you've just touched down at Rio Galeão International Airport (GIG) or you're departing, this private transfer service has you covered. Meet your driver at the airport, the cruise terminal, or your accommodation for your swift journey to your chosen destination. Transfers are available to and from Rio de Janeiro's south zone and Barra/Recreio areas.

Learn about the fascinating history of Manaus on this small-group tour of the city. Starting with hotel pickup, head to the historical center of Manaus, where you can marvel at the many neoclassical buildings that popped up during the city’s rubber boom. From here, visit a local museum, the imposing Amazonas Opera House, the market complex, and more. Finally, end your tour with a stop at the Rio Negro Palace.

Go off the beaten path and discover the city of Niterói during this tour from Rio de Janeiro. Get deeper insight into the city's history, culture, and architecture, including the largest number of signed works by the famous architect Oscar Niemeyer. Visit the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of contemporary art in Brazil. Stop by some of the city's municipal buildings, such as the Popular Theater of Niterói and the Memory Hall Roberto Silveira. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

See Rio's most important sights, including Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, during this comprehensive 5-hour guided tour. Visit Sao Conrado beach, a popular landing spot for hang gliders taking off from Pedra Bonita, to watch the gravity-defying adventurers soar high above the beach. Travel through Tijuca National Park's rainforest to the Christ the Redeemer statue, enjoying spectacular views over the city. Descend into the Santa Teresa neighborhood to visit the Escadaria Selaron and have lunch (own expense). Choose to return to your hotel or be dropped off at Sugar Loaf Mountain to view the sunset.

Visit Rio de Janeiro’s postcard landmark, the Christ the Redeemer statue, on this private, 4-hour photography tour. Along with a professional photographer guide, see one of the seven wonders of the world and an important symbol of the city. Cross Tijuca National Park by electric train to reach the top of Corcovado, where the beauty of this imposing monument can be best appreciated. The tour also provides one of the most beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro. Afterward, receive a high-resolution digital photo album. Hotel pickup/drop-off included.

Explore the history and rich culture of Brazil on this guided tour of Rio de Janeiro. Follow your enthusiastic guides around the city, and see iconic local landmarks and buildings as you work your way through some of Rio’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Learn about the communities who live here, and the way people live here too—from local food to street parties.

This short but sight-filled tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro is for travelers who want to see major cultural attractions in the city in one tour. In just a few hours see the baroque Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, visit the Modern Art Museum, climb the tiled Selaron staircase, see the Sambadrome where Rio's Carnival celebrations take place, visit the Maracanã soccer stadium, and experience much, much more.

Get a glimpse behind the scenes of Carnival during this tour of Cidade do Samba. On this outing, follow your guide on a tour of the Acadêmicos do Grande Rio's warehouse, one of Rio's top samba schools, where they store their outrageous costumes and grandiose parade floats. Toast to your insider's experience with a traditional caipirinha while you learn about the history and culture of the Carnival in Brazil. Brave visitors can even try on a few feathered costumes. Round-trip transportation from central Rio hotels is included.

Explore Rio and visit Sugar Loaf Mountain during this 4-hour morning tour. Visit some of the city's most important landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and Copacabana Beach. Then, board a glassed-in cable car bound for Sugar Loaf's peak, stopping once at a scenic viewpoint. Upon reaching the top of Sugar Loaf at 1,299 feet (396 meters) above sea level, admire the views of Niteroi, Copacabana, and Santa Cruz Fortress. Round-trip transportation from selected Rio hotels is included.