Top Rio de Janeiro How to Get Around in 2026

Visit the islands of Angra do Reis aboard a boat on this excursion from Rio de Janeiro. Relax as the boat sails through the deep blue waters and you watch the vibrant green of the Atlantic forest pass by on the shoreline. Get a chance to interact with some local dolphins and participate in water sports (own expense). Disembark on some of the small islands to explore the beaches, shop the open-air markets for local handicrafts and sidle up to one of the beach bars for a drink. Lunch on board the boat and round-trip transportation from Rio hotels are included.

Fly over Rio de Janeiro on this hang gliding or paragliding tour. You do not need experience. Receive a short training session before heading off the Pedra Bonita ramp, located within the Tijuca National Park. Enjoy a unique perspective of the city before landing on São Conrado beach. Flight duration depends on weather conditions.

Swap the bustle of Rio de Janeiro for the tropical beauty of Arraial do Cabo, known by locals as the Brazilian Caribbean, on a full-day tour that takes care of transfers, activities, meals, and guides so you don’t have to. Letting someone else drive allows you to sit back and soak up the scenery, while stops to swim in crystal-clear waters increase your chances of spotting wildlife.

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.

If you’re looking for an experience that gives back to nearby communities, this Two Brothers Mountain Lookout Hike from Rio de Janeiro donates a percentage to communities in Rio that are struggling. The guided hike itself follows the trail up to Two Brothers, where you pass lesser-known spots for unprecedented views of the city and its coastline.

Make the most of a stopover in Rio de Janeiro with a sightseeing shore excursion from Cruise Terminal Pier Mauá. A great way to squeeze in visits to some of Rio’s best sights, you’ll first head out to see the towering Christ the Redeemer Statue—one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. You’ll then explore the historic hub of Santa Teresa before ending with a cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain.

The Lapa district of Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its buzzing nightlife and live music scene. With this evening pub crawl, discover the neighborhood at its most atmospheric as you visit popular local pubs and bars, sip a free shot of cachaça, and listen to live samba or forró music. Accompanied by your guide and group of party-seeking travelers, enjoy a fun night out with VIP admission and special offers on drinks.

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.

Ride through Tijuca National Park's rainforest in an open-top Jeep during this half-day trip from Rio. During guided eco-tour, hike through the forest to spot sloths, butterflies, monkeys, and birds. Enjoy panoramic views from Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) and marvel at the fact that this section of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) is just 10 minutes outside the city limits. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

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.

Swap the crowds and hassle of most big group tours for a more personalized experience of Rio de Janeiro. This private tour is exclusively for you and your chosen travel companions and takes you to the city's most important landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue (ticket included), Selaron staircase, and Sugarloaf Mountain (ticket not included).

Explore Rocinha Favela, the largest favela in Latin America, during this 4-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.

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.

Delve deeper into the history of Little Africa in Rio de Janeiro, and learn more than you would if exploring solo, with this group walking tour around the city’s Saúde neighborhood. Follow your guide as you learn about Brazil's slave trade history and the roots of carnival, samba, the city's food scene, and more. Enjoy a route that passes the Mercedes Baptista Statue, Pedra do Sal, and Cais do Valongo.

Visit two of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular and iconic landmarks—and explore other city highlights as you go—on this full-day, all-inclusive sightseeing tour. In the morning, head to Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain; included train fare makes getting there easy. Next, soak up the views from Sugarloaf Mountain, with cable-car transit included. You’ll also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and Selarón Steps, glimpse the Sambadrome, and admire Maracanã Stadium.

Give your feet a rest from sightseeing and take to the water for a stunning sunset boat tour across Guanabara Bay in Rio. Board your vessel with just a small group and enjoy hours of mingling with other guests and swimming in the warm waters. Your relaxing cruise culminates with views of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain just as the sun dips below the horizon.

Learn about life inside Rocinha, one of Rio de Janeiro's largest favelas. You're driven to the top of the slum community, located on a hillside that overlooks the city, before you descend on foot. Your guide offers insight on Rocinha's socioeconomic issues and the lives of its inhabitants during your walk.

This Tijuca National Park hiking tour is perfect for travelers who are strapped for time. Fit in the top highlights of the area in just a few hours, including views of São Conrado, Ipanema, and Leblon Beach, as well as a hike in Tijuca National Park. A guide knows the best ways around the park and even takes you to a natural lagoon for a swimming break.

Tick off several of Rio de Janeiro’s top sights—including the Selaron Steps, Christ the Redeemer Statue, and Tijuca National Park—in just a few hours on a tour that offers a stress-free introduction for travelers short on time. In order to avoid the hassle of public transport, you’ll travel around Brazil’s cultural capital in an air-conditioned vehicle and benefit from the insider knowledge of your guide.

Take a break from the crowded beaches of Rio and set sail on Guanabara Bay for a brunch or sunset cruise. See the city from a new perspective as you pass by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue. Plus, a small group means a more intimate atmosphere for the journey.

While in Rio de Janeiro, go out for a night in the city with this admission ticket to see the live show Ginga Tropical at Leblon theater. This 1.5-hour show is in its fifth year running, and it gives you an interactive tour of Brazilian culture through dance, music, and live performance. Watch as artists combine frevo, Capoeira, and other methods of entertainment. At the end of the show, you can even join in as the cast invites the audience to samba with them in a Carnival-inspired finale.

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.

You haven’t experienced Rio until you’ve taken in a Brazilian sunset. Save time as an experienced guide and driver navigates you through the busy streets during this afternoon tour to popular attractions like Christ the Redeemer, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Selarón Stairs. Wrap up a wonderful day of exploration atop Sugar Loaf Mountain as you watch the sun set over iconic Copacabana Beach.

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.