Top Rio de Janeiro Day Trips - page 2

Petrópolis, a European-like mountain retreat where Dom Pedro II once moved his imperial court during the summer months, sits just north of Rio de Janeiro. Follow in the footsteps of Brazilian royalty during this tour, and visit the Crystal Palace, St. Peter of Alcantara Cathedral, and the Imperial Museum with your own private guide and driver. This leaves you free time to visit Rua Teresa shopping street or other attractions of your choosing.

from $68

Private Petropolis Imperial City Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro

(26)

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $249

For those who love history and architecture. Petrópolis' favorite destination when winter comes, Petrópolis combines the charm of buildings from the imperial period with the cold of the mountains and the quality of the infrastructure. The city of Petrópolis, also known as the "Imperial City" because it was the refuge of the Portuguese imperial family during the summer, is a historic city that holds a beautiful architectural ensemble with buildings such as the Cathedral of Petrópolis, the Imperial Museum, where it was the residence of the imperial family and the Quitandinha Palace, which was the largest casino hotel in Latin America in the 1940s. You will also have the chance to visit the home of Santos Dumont, who was an aviation pioneer. After visiting the most important points in Petrópolis, we will pause at Rua Teresa for shopping.

Imperial Petrópolis - Historic Tour + Teresa Street and Lunch

4.5

(44)

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $61

Nature was generous with the bay of Angra dos Reis, presenting it with no less than 365 islands dotted in a sea of crystalline green waters. The best way to get to know them is by boat, on trips that lead to paradisiacal and varied scenarios. Our tour is included lunch with free buffet, air transportation, accredited guide and boat tour visiting the four islands: Lagoa Azul, Parish of Santana, Cataguazes Island and Japariz Island.

Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis with Lunch

3.9

(120)

This tour is for those who enjoy mountainous regions with an always cool climate surrounded by green hills with unique silhouettes. The city of Petrópolis is located at the top of Serra da Estrela in the state of Rio de Janeiro, at an altitude of 845 meters. Turistando RJ takes you to discover several landmarks of the Imperial City, starting with its own route, going up the Serra de Petrópolis with a privileged view from above. Upon arrival in the city, we will visit Casa do Alemão, Palácio Quitandinha, Palácio Imperial, Catedral de São Pedro de Alcântara, Palácio de Cristal, Casa de Chocolate Katz, Casa de Santos Dumont, Cervejaria Bohemia (with free tasting) and Restaurante Soberano.

from $40

Historical Tour in Petrópolis - Quitandinha Palace

Petrópolis Historical Tour - Museum Ticket and Lunch!

3.2

(9)

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $84

Get a taste of local life on a full-day trip to the blissful beaches and charming monuments of Buzios from Rio de Janeiro. Travel in air-conditioned comfort to Buzios, a coastal city famed for its traditional culture and pristine shores, while listening to enriching commentary from your expert guide. On arrival, absorb the quaint charm of Buzios’ cobbled streets on a relaxed wander and then take a boat tour to the tranquil islands surrounding the city, stopping intermittently to plunge into the crystal clear water of the Atlantic Ocean.

Buzios Tour from Rio with Boat Ride and Lunch

3.5

(25)

Discover the best that Rio de Janeiro has to offer without the hassle of following a group tour on this full-day sightseeing tour. With a private guide, visit the most important attractions of the city including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Selaron Steps. While you explore, your guide provides information about the history of each sight as well as bits of Brazilian culture.

from $71

Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour in Rio de Janeiro

(12)

6 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $308

Make your visit to Petropolis a simple one with this Petropolis full-day private tour that includes round-trip transport from Rio de Janeiro and the Imperial Museum admission tickets. A private guide takes you through the city to see main sights, such as Crystal Palace, Catedral de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, and Santos Dumont House Museum (Museu Casa de Santos Dumont). Plus, learn Petropolis’s history from your guide, too.

Private Petrópolis -Imperial Museum,dummont house,Cristal Palace,S.Pedro Church

(14)

7 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $154

Favela Tour in Rio de Janeiro

4.6

(499)

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $33

The famous photo NO cliff awaits you!
Live this telegraph stone adventure with amazing views!

4.5

(141)

Telegraph Stone Adventure

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $49

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar) and Christ the Redeemer are two of Rio de Janeiro's top sights, but traveling between the two can feel complicated. Save yourself the hassle with this convenient combination tour that seamlessly transports you from location to location. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf for panoramic views, then continue in a minivan along the scenic Paineiras route to Christ the Redeemer.

Two of Rio's Best: Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain Half-Day Tour

4.4

(305)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $121

Likely to Sell Out

Best Private Tour of Petropolis with Imperial Museum

(4)

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $175

It is a peninsula with eight kilometers of extension and 23 beaches, receiving on one side maritime currents of the Equator and the other maritime currents of the south pole, which causes beaches to have both warm waters and cold waters. Among the main beaches are Geribá, Tucuns, João Fernandes, Ferradura, Ferradurinha, Marina, Armação, Manguinhos, Turtle, Bones, Brava and Olho-de-Boi, the latter reserved for the practice of naturism.

One Day Tour to Buzios departing from Rio de Janeiro - Costa do Sol

3.4

(13)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $80

Pool blue. Green water. Turquoise. Baby blue. The Arraial do Cabo sea has crayon box colors. In this part of the coast of Rio de Janeiro, we find Caribbean stunt beaches, with white sands and very gentle waves. Cape Town Boat Trip ⛵ Meet one of the most beautiful cities in the lakes region! Includes: Executive Transportation (round trip) Boat ride Free buffet lunch Tour guide Script: Visit: Praia dos Anjos, Farol Beach, Pontal do Atalaia Prainhas, Forno Beach, Zul Cave and Our Lady's Slit Stop for a swim: Farol Beach and Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia Lunch Stop: Deck dos Anjos Restaurant

Day Tour to Arraial do Cabo from Rio

3.9

(50)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $80

Christ the Redeemer Statue, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

Tour Rio de Janeiro your way, with a private car and driver, during this fully customizable tour. Choose the landmarks and attractions that you want to visit, such as Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the city's famous beaches. Learn about the food, language, culture and history of the city and its inhabitants from your informative local guide while you explore. Round trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle is included.

Private Rio Tour: Christ the Redeemer & Sugar Loaf Essentials

(351)

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $235

Petropolis: The Imperial City with Lunch

4.5

(60)

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $60

Live an unforgettable day in the Brazilian Caribbean! Discover Arraial do Cabo, one of the most stunning and sought after destinations in Brazil, especially for those who visit Rio de Janeiro for the first time. With its white sands, crystal clear waters and rich marine life, this paradise is perfect for relaxing and adventuring in breathtaking scenarios. Our tour includes comfortable transportation, expert guide and all the support you need to get the most out of it. Explore the famous beaches of Arraial do Cabo, such as the paradisiacal Praia do Farol and the charming Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia, with its waters ranging from turquoise blue to baby blue and swimming pool blue. Whether you’re admiring the beauty of iconic rock formations such as the Blue Cave, or relaxing in the soft sands while looking at the sea, Arraial do Cabo offers unique moments that will stay forever recorded. Book now and discover why this destination is considered the “Brazilian Caribbean”!

Arraial do Cabo Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Lunch

4.4

(155)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $90

4.3

(6)

Buzios Day Tour

from $106

Likely to Sell Out

(7)

Ilha Grande Hiking Tour

from $150

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.

Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket

3.9

(535)

2 hours

from $46

Boat Trip in Arraial do Cabo Rio de Janeiro RJ

Turistando RJ takes you to meet Arraial do Cabo in the waters with celestial blue tones, during the tour you can see a diverse marine life making you encounter turtles, meros, lizards, lagoons, arraias and even dolphins that live in harmony in the islands of the region. After our tour guide board you at your hotel or meeting point, we will take a bus ride to Arraial do Cabo where we take the boat tour with bath stops of approximately 40 minutes each and then a delicious lunch with free buffet in the late afternoon. Boat tours are a must and feature charming landscapes. See also beautiful beaches with extensive sandy strip, where nature was more than generous.

Arraial do Cabo - Boat Trip Departure from Rio de Janeiro Lunch and Transport

3.6

(32)

10 to 14 hoursFree Cancellation

from $84

We have the best city tour in town! Professional and super competent guides! With one of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet, the city of Rio de Janeiro is fully deserving of the title of “Marvelous City”. With a unique geography, the city is surrounded by natural beauties that enchant everyone who knows it. Enjoy a full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro visiting all the must-see attractions in a single day. The statue of Christ the Redeemer on top of Corcovado Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, Escadaria Selarón, Maracanã Stadium, Sambadrome and Metropolitan Cathedral. The tour includes lunch at an all-you-can-eat steakhouse. The city manages to integrate in perfect harmony its Tijuca forest with its beautiful beaches and lagoons. Its welcoming and happy people provide an even more pleasant experience and make Rio one of the most sought after destinations in the world.

A Day in Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Selaron with Lunch

4.8

(126)

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $199

Full-Day Private Tour of Rio with Pick Up

(111)

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $180

3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide

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Top Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

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Attractions

What are people saying about Rio de Janeiro

Denise_K, Apr 2026

A city within a city

An incredibly fascinating and unique experience. Martin was an amazing guide, and what made it truly special is that he actually lives in the community, so you’re getting a real and authentic perspective, not just an outside view. It truly felt like a city within a city, with its own shops, culture, and daily life. Highlights included stopping at a local bar for drinks and watching a pickup soccer game with neighborhood kids. I felt completely safe the entire time and was able to fully enjoy the experience. Just be ready, it’s a workout with lots of stairs and winding paths, but that’s part of what makes it so immersive. Highly recommend.

The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill

Irfaan_M, Mar 2026

I highly recommend this...

I highly recommend this tour. It made visiting Christ the redeemer and sugar mountain so easy. We took the earlier time of 730 and got to Christ the redeemer before it got too busy/hot. When we went to sugarloaf we had a short wait on the way up and on the way down we skipped pass what looked like a hundred people waiting in a snaking queue in the sun. Peter was a great tour guide and gave us enough free time to see things ourselves after some initial information.

Telegraph Stone Adventure

A_T, Feb 2026

Brutal but worth it

VANESSA <3, my tour guide was so knowledgable about the mountain and the ecosystem from the plants to the animals. Hike is definitely not for the weak…pretty brutal and hot going up. Hotel pick up was very convenient and got to experience the best views of beaches on the jeep style vehicle. Protip- bring a towel, buy water, if you sweat a lot maybe an extra shirt in your bag for pics when you get to the top. I will definitely book another tour experience with the company. ALOHA…you will understand this phrase when you get to the top lol. They take professional photos for R$5 each photo and your tour guide can take the on the phone. D100% recommend.

Arraial do Cabo Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro: Boat Tour & Beach

Edison_C, Feb 2026

Give Zeni a salary upgrade!

Zeni was a great tour guide, she loves her work and is always ensuring everyone is on the same page. Communication from the very beginning was excellent, and you can see she goes the extra mile for everyone. Truly a wonderful time and soul. Only caveat was just some delay in lunch food and long trip to get to Cabo Frío. Great views, great time, good people.

A Day in Rio - City Tour

Andrew_A, Jan 2026

Fun, informative, great guide David

Great tour. The guide David was friendly, fun, and informative. He spoke three languages fluently (that I heard). Just advice for people booking, it is a long tour day so I advise packing a little bag you can leave on the bus of stuff for yourself (water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a snack, etc). Sugarloaf mountain was beautiful.

Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf: Rio City Tour with Lunch

Judi_K, Jan 2026

Wonderful day

Guilherme and his driver were absolutely wonderful. I travel with a portable oxygen concentrator and walker, and they went out of their way to make sure that everything was as easy as possible, and that I was able to participate in all of the activities. I can’t believe that he speaks so many languages and was able to keep up with everybody. He was able to answer all of our questions and shared lots of history and stories with us. Lunch was in a nice restaurant and food was great. It was a long day, but was definitely well worth it as we covered quite a bit!

Half-Day Tour: Christ the Redeemer, Selarón & Sunset at Sugarloaf

Alexandria_B, Jan 2026

This half-day tour was...

This half-day tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Rio. Each stop was well timed, and the sunset at Sugarloaf was truly stunning. A special shoutout to our tour guide Jonas, who was excellent—informative, professional, and genuinely passionate about sharing Rio’s history and culture. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting.

Exploring Angra Dos Reis and Ilha Grande in One Day

Iman_I, Dec 2025

Worth the entire day’s commitment

We loved seeing the islands. Truly so unique and magical. Nayt was our tour guide and goes above and beyond to make it a fun and efficient experience. We did not realize that the bus ride is initially three hours when we booked the experience but Nayt was so accommodating. He made sure to have the bus stop about half way through for a bathroom break that was very well timed. He was so efficient in educating us, taking orders for the photos, and moving along the group. The boat ride was a hoot! He’s all smiles, knowledge and fun! Made a long day well worth it. Ilha grande itself and the surrounding area look like something out of Jurassic park. It almost was too beautiful to believe it was real. We got to snorkel, swim, eat, drink. Overall a great day trip.

Jeep tour 18 beaches, Telegraph Stone hiking & amazing sunset + photographer

Jennifer_L, Nov 2025

This was an amazing tour...

This was an amazing tour with an even more amazing tour guide, Alvaro. Before the excursion, Alvaro messaged us with lunch/dinner suggestions, if the restaurants accepted credit card, what to bring to wear, a detailed itinerary and kept in touch several times before the tour. During the tour, he paid attention to all the little details- plenty of bathroom breaks, cover ups for our swim suits, hair tie for my hair, beach chairs, special treats and local snacks, go pro footage of the trip, walking poles, and lots of photo taking. Alvaro was one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had.

Rio de Janeiro Sunset Cruise or Sailing Tour

Josh_C, Oct 2025

10/10 Experience!

We loved the sailing! It was a smooth process with easy parking, great hosts and a nice selection of drinks. Our guide pointed out landmarks and explained the history behind the different locations and buildings. We left wanting to do it again and it was one of our favorite things we did on our trip!

Christ the Redeemer by Van and Selarón Steps

Tyler_C, Aug 2025

Our guide Priscilla was...

Our guide Priscilla was so nice and full of energy. She really kept our attention and made sure everyone was together and safe the entire trip. As for the tour…it was a 8/10. I didn’t give it a 10/10 because it was cloudy at the top and we could hardly see the statue. The clouds broke for a split second and we were able to get pics but couldn’t see the city at all. Obviously, you can’t control the weather and it wasn’t anyone’s fault. Just note that depending on the weather and season you may not be able to see anything. I would check to see when the best time to visit to ensure you have a good view. We were allowed 30 mins there because we had other things to get to, could have used a tad longer. Just to reiterate, our guide and driver was fabulous…weather not so much.

Full Day Excursion to Petrópolis from Rio de Janeiro

Michele_W, Jun 2025

Great Change of Scenery from Rio

Be prepared for a long pickup process...not a complaint, just a fact to accommodate everyone's hotel pickup. The ride is then 1 1/2 hours. There is a break on the highway. When you get to Petropolis, there is a quick stop for photos at Quitandina Palace, so no entry fee, next we went to the Santos Dumas Museum, which is worth the very small entry fee. And then cross the street for a quick break at Katz's Chocolate store. Next was a visit inside the cathedral, and free buffet lunch nearby. The highlight of the day was the Imperial Palace, where we spent an hour. The visit to Crystal Palace was for a quick photo as it has nothing inside. Finally, the group either went to the brewery or to shop on Rue Teresa. Too tired to shop, we had coffee and strudel across the street from the meeting point at a Hungarian café. Only a few went to the brewery. We left Petrpolis at 6:30 and arrived back at our hotel at 8pm. The guide amazingly switched between English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and was very humorous and animated. She kept us on time and watched over us as our "Brazilian Mother" for the day.