Top Rio de Janeiro Historical Tours

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.

Explore two of Rio’s neighborhoods—the Historic Center and the artsy district of Santa Teresa—in one morning or afternoon on this compact tour. Start by admiring the early colorful buildings and 19th-century tramline of Santa Teresa, then head to the Historic Center to visit sites such as Cinelandia, the Arcos da Lapa, Teles Arches, and Praça XV.

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.

Visitors will travel back in time on this tour of downtown Rio. The tour will visit the cultural and historical highlights of Rio, including the Cinelandia Square which is home to many of the political buildings of Rio; and Praia Quinze de Novembro, a square in the historical centre of Rio and surrounded by many historically significant buildings.

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).

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.

Skip the gridlocked city traffic and the crowded tour buses. Just 40 minutes from Rio's famous beaches lies a protected UNESCO World Heritage wilderness where the dense jungle canopy blocks out the city chaos. This is a paced, small-group journey designed to show you Rio’s wild side without the crowds.

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.

You'll experience Rio's historic centre and revitalised old port district by electric pedicab, a fun, safe and sustainable way to breathe in centuries of the city's stories and appreciate its beauty. We'll meet in front of the Municipal Theatre, and from there embark on a tour of some of the most popular sites of Lapa, the city centre and port. Along the way you'll be able to stop at the attractions, hear about the significance of the site, and take photos. Our itinerary is highly Instagramable! Our modern pedicabs visit many places that are inaccessible to cars, and cover three times more ground than is possible on a walking tour. They are also a joyful means of transport, and unlike a car they allow you to soak in the atmosphere of the city. As much as possible we are flexible with the itinerary, and will try to substitute sites if guests have already visited any. At the end we will be glad to drop you at any of the museums, cultural sites or restaurants we pass on the tour.

A unique opportunity for tourists who want to experience the true essence of Rio de Janeiro. With a guide who is a resident of the community, you will have access to an authentic and enriching perspective, getting to know the art, culture and daily life of the locals up close. During the tour, you will visit iconic landmarks, such as the famous statue of Michael Jackson, which marked the history of the community. In addition, the tour includes visits to social projects that make a difference in the lives of residents, providing a deeper and more human insight into the reality of the favela. By choosing this tour, you will not only have an unforgettable experience, but you will also directly contribute to the local economy, supporting the sustainable development of the community. It is a way to travel with purpose, where each moment lived is an exchange of experiences and learning.

Sail on Guanabara Bay for half a day, viewing the Rio's picturesque city skyline and Sugarloaf Mountain from the water. On this cruise from Rio, glide through the bay's tranquil waters, passing islands and historic forts. Upgrade your experience to enjoy a local all-you-can-eat barbecue lunch at a restaurant in Rio. Round-trip transportation from most Rio hotels is included.

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.

When renting a car seems like such a difficult thing to do, opt for this Christ the Redeemer, Selaron Steps, and Santa Teresa Tour from Rio de Janeiro that provides pickup, drop-off, and transport in between sights. This half-day tour takes you to three of the area’s most popular attractions, including the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado Mountain.

We're a specialized incoming travel operator in Rio de Janeiro, offering the most immersive Afrotourism experiences that bring to light key sites of Black history, a legacy once erased and silenced. Our tours provide a decolonial narrative, visiting essential places like Valongo Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Menu publisher-the largest slave port in the Americas, and Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of Samba. From this point, the Black community reshaped their identity, profoundly influencing Brazil's national culture and values. What you'll experience? Afro-Brazilian Heritage | Afro-Brazilian Art | Afro Cuisine | Black Heritage Sites | Black Cultural Icons Little Africa is part of UNESCO's Global African Diaspora Project. Why choose us? - Black owned company - Trusted partner for Embratur and Black Travel Summit - Specialists in international Black events - Small groups for meaningful connections Ideal for travelers seeking authentic Afro-Brazilian culture. Don’t wait - book your tour today!

Enjoy a flexible, fully customized way to experience Rio de Janeiro—and opt to visit the sights that interest you most—on this private, full-day sightseeing tour. Traveling aboard a private vehicle makes getting around seamless. Choose to stop at major landmarks including Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the Selaron Steps (admission tickets own expense). You can also explore the historic city center, visit Tijuca Forest, or discover bohemian Santa Teresa.

Combine three of Rio’s top attractions on this flexible-length visit to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and the Selaron Steps, plus an optional trip to Sugarloaf Mountain. Enjoy the panoramic city views from the platform of Rio’s most iconic statue, then pass through historic Santa Teresa to visit the ceramic-clad Selaron Steps. Finish with an optional cable car ride up Sugarloaf.

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.

The Favela Tour Rocinha is a guided cultural tour inside Rocinha, the largest favela in Brazil, starting at Metrô São Conrado – Exit A. The experience includes a motorcycle ride to the top of the community, panoramic viewpoints overlooking São Conrado, Christ the Redeemer, and the surrounding hills, as well as a drone video session capturing the landscape. Led by a local guide, the tour provides insight into daily life, history, social dynamics, and community projects within Rocinha, with opportunities for respectful cultural interaction, and concludes with a return by walking or moto-taxi. by @rioexplore

Official tour guides, driving brand new cars and speaking your language, visiting Christ the Redeemer, Santa Teresa and Selaron steps. Our company works with private transfers and tours since 2012. Our team is very flexible. You can spend more time in one attraction or skip one that you dont want to visit. As the driver/vehicles stays with you for 5 hours, you can include attractions on the way that are interesting for you. The price is per vehicle and we can fit 4 passengers from your group. For example, if you dont want to stop in Santa Tereza, but preffer to stay longer visitng the Statue, we can do it. Please give us a chance to serve you!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Rio's highlights and important landmarks with a dedicated guide on this full-day private tour. Visit important sites like Rio's historic downtown area, the Sambadrome and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Stop at the Colombo tea house for lunch or a snack (own expense). Ascend both Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountains with a stop at the Christ the Redeemer statue. Enjoy the flexibility and personal attention that comes with booking a private tour.