Top Rio de Janeiro Art & Culture

Escape the crowds and discover a different side of Rio de Janeiro on an unforgettable adventure through Tijuca National Park, home to the world's largest urban reforested rainforest. Your experience begins with convenient hotel pickup before heading into the heart of the Tijuca Rainforest. Accompanied by an experienced bilingual guide, you'll explore scenic jungle trails, hidden caves, crystal-clear waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints while learning about the unique ecosystem that makes this park one of Rio's greatest natural treasures. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including toucans, monkeys, coatis, butterflies, and many other species that call the rainforest home. They might appear to welcome you! Unlike traditional city tours, this experience takes you beyond Rio's famous landmarks and into the wild heart of the city, offering an authentic connection with nature and one of the most diverse environments in Brazil.

Delve deeper into the history of Little Africa in Rio de Janeiro with this insightful and informative walking tour around the city’s Saúde neighborhood. Once the largest African slave market in the world, Rio was the first port of call for millions of slaves arriving in Brazil. From carnival to samba, and food to music and religion to architecture, this guided walking tour shows how their heritage and legacy are still alive in Rio today.

Explore the Carnival Factory, for a peek behind the scenes of Rio's Carnival, on this cultural tour. Learn how the parade's famous floats and costumes are produced. Listen to commentary on the history of samba and carnival, then hit the dressing rooms to try on some costumes and take some photos. Wind up with a cocktail and a samba class for the whole carnival experience.

Get a glimpse into local life in Rio de Janeiro during a favela tour that reveals a different side of the Marvelous City. In an intimate group limited to 12 travelers, you’ll explore two of the largest favelas in Rio, and benefit from the local insight of a guide as you learn more about living conditions in the city.

Explore the best of Rio de Janeiro's Historical Center, the city's oldest neighborhood—and discover sights and stories you'd otherwise miss—on this guided walking tour. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, and meet your guide and group in the neighborhood. Then, set off to discover a wide range of highlights, from the Selaron Steps and the Metropolitan Cathedral to the Municipal Theater and much more.

Discover Rio de Janeiro from its history, architecture and cultural influences that have shaped the way you are Carioca. We will walk through squares, churches and historic sites, with the possibility of a break for a snack or coffee at the traditional Colombo Confectionery (not included in the tour price).

Discover the best of Rio de Janeiro on this full-day guided tour with lunch. Take the Corcovado train up to the Christ the Redeemer statue, take a cable car ride up to the Sugarloaf Mountain, see the famed Maracana soccer stadium, capture beautiful photos in front of the colorful Selaron Steps, and much more. This tour is also inclusive of a delicious barbecue buffet lunch at a local steakhouse.

Visit the Museum of Tomorrow, one of Rio’s most unique and modern science museums, and AquaRio, the largest aquarium in South America, with this half-day tour. Enjoy admission (if option selected) and guided tours of each attraction, then follow your guide to Olympic Boulevard, Maravilha Port, and the Painel Etnias graffiti wall to see the areas of Rio transformed for the 2016 Olympics.

Board at Marina da Glória and cruise Guanabara Bay on a 3-hour boat tour timed to put you on the water at exactly the right moment for sunset. The group is capped at 11 passengers — no crowds, plenty of space on board, and full attention from the crew for everyone. Along the way, you'll pass the Museum of Tomorrow, stop for photos in front of Oscar Niemeyer's MAC in Niterói, and have 1 hour for swimming at Praia de Adão e Eva or Enseada da Urca. On the crossing back, with the sun going down over the bay, you'll see Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain lit up by the last light of the day — straight from the water. Beer, water, soft drinks and snacks are all included

Immerse yourself in Brazilian culture with an outdoor Capoeira for beginners' class in Rio de Janeiro. Blending martial arts with acrobatics, dance, and music, this Brazilian martial art is not like anything else you’ll have ever seen. This introductory class gives you the chance to learn some of the basics of the movement in its cultural homeland. You can also have a go at playing some traditional musical instruments.

Explore the Rocinha with whom you live and know the territory. This tour offers a safe and authentic immersion in Brazil’s largest favela, guided by a local resident. The journey begins with a motorcycle-taxi ride and includes stops at strategic points that reveal the daily life of the community, away from stereotypes. The experience is educational, respectful and built on the basis of real experience, promoting conscious tourism and the dialogue about social transformation through education.

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.

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.

Get an in-depth local experience with this walking tour of one of Rio's "favelas," Rocinha. Follow your resident guide through the slum to get an insider's perspective on daily life and learn about the challenges these communities face. Upgrade your experience to a 2-day tour that includes a visit to Tijuca Forest.

The musical that is pure emotion: “Aquele Abraço”, a true glorification of the colors, sounds and rhythms of Brazil. Applauded by critics and the public, the show was created and directed POR Abel Gomes, a creative genius responsible for DE opening and closing ceremonies of the Rio 2016 Olympics. More than a show, it’s a journey through the contagious energy, joy and diversity that make Brazil a unique place.

With a full day to spend in Rio de Janeiro, you can visit major locations during a comprehensive sightseeing tour. Let a guide take you to the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Escadaria Selaron (Selaron Steps), the Sambódromo where Rio’s Carnival takes place, Maracanã stadium, the Metropolitan Cathedral and more. With minivan capacity capped at 20, you’ll find it easy to follow your guide. Buffet lunch and entrance fees are included.

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 ....

Visit some of the most avoided areas of Rio de Janeiro with a guide who knows the areas well and knows how to keep you safe during this Rio de Janeiro Rocinha Favela Walking Tour. You’ll visit a few favelas within just a few hours as your guide tells you about the communities and their culture. Follow paths locals walk every day to see the slums and take in hilltop views of the city.

Check off most of Rio de Janeiro's top landmarks and highlights on a single full-day tour that saves you hours of planning logistics. Beat the Marvelous City's heat as you travel between the Sambadromo, the Christ the Redeemer Statue, and the Tijuca Rainforest in an air-conditioned vehicle to help you stay cool and collected. A buffet lunch, round-trip transfers, and admission tickets to Christ the Redeemer are all included for ease.

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.

The bohemian Santa Teresa and the nightlife hub of Lapa are two of Rio de Janeiro’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. With this walking tour, explore some of the city’s most photo-worthy spots, including the Ruins Park (closed Tuesdays), the vibrant Selarón Steps, and Cinelândia. Take in the views as you ride the local tram, stroll through the Passeio Público, and visit the legendary Confeitaria Colombo café.

Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this comprehensive day tour. With your guide, tick off Christ the Redeemer statue, the Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. If you upgrade to the premium option, you can even take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, plus stop for lunch in one of the city's best steakhouses. Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation from Rio hotels is included.