Top Rio de Janeiro Nature Walks in 2026

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.

Explore the world's largest urban rainforest, Tijuca National Park, during this 3-hour tour in Rio de Janeiro. With a nature guide, discover the swaths of verdant foliage and abundance of local wildlife within the confines of this vibrant city. A bio-diverse hot spot, the fragile ecosystem is home to several waterfalls and many endangered species. Enjoy views of Pedra da Gávea and the Christ the Redeemer statue and stop at the Emperor's Table and the Chinese View. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Favela da Rocinha is the largest favela in Rio, located in the South Zone. With this tour, join a local family-run tour to experience the rich history, culture, and heritage of Rio as you learn about life in the favelas. Explore the alleys of the favela on a guided walking tour, peek inside the shops and restaurants, and learn about local cultural projects

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Rio de Janeiro's historic center on an exclusive walking tour designed to uncover the city's architectural splendor and rich cultural heritage. Guided by experts, explore the essence of Rio's diverse traditions and the distinctive "carioca" way of life that sets this city apart. Wander through historic squares, each telling a story of Rio's past, and admire grand churches that stand as testaments to the city's architectural prowess. Visit significant landmarks, each brimming with historical and cultural significance, providing a window into the city's evolution. As you navigate these storied sites, your guide will weave together narratives of Rio's past and present, offering a deep and comprehensive understanding of the city's heritage. This tour not only highlights the iconic structures and historic sites but also delves into the heart of Rio's vibrant cultural identity, making it a truly enriching experience for all who partake.

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.

Planning multiple activities in one day can be a challenge as a first-time visitor. Make sure you hit all of Rio’s top highlights, without worrying about logistics, on this action-packed full-day shore excursion. This tour hits all the highlights in just one day: a panoramic city tour, a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, the colorful Selaron Steps, and of course, a visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Get more out of your visit to the famous Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden when you go with a guide. Walk through the highlights of this UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve while learning about learning about its history and mission, plus see plants and animals from around the world like monkeys, toucans, and giant Amazonian water lilies. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Explore the parts of Rio de Janeiro that interest you—and skip the ones that don’t—on a private customized tour. This bespoke excursion is perfect for discerning travelers who want to maximize every moment of their vacation time without a humdrum highlights tour. Whether you decide to observe wildlife at Tijuca Forest or uncover the city’s hidden corners, your guide will organize the perfect itinerary.

Posing for photos at the unique hanging rock of Pedra do Telegrado is a popular pastime for visitors to Rio. With this tour, enjoy a guided 45-minute hike up to the viewpoint and experience the rock at its most atmospheric during a sunrise or sunset visit. As an added bonus, enjoy round-trip transfers from your Rio de Janeiro hotel.

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.

See two iconic Rio de Janeiro landmarks from the water—Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf—on a sailing tour. Sail in Guanabara Bay or the open sea while you relax with a welcome drink and snacks. Enjoy stunning views and discover the magic of sailing from the captain who illuminates Rio’s history. This 3-hour boat tour has a maximum capacity of 20, so there'll be plenty of room onboard.

Come learn more about the origin of samba, carnival, capoeira, and African-based religions. To know stories like those of Tia Ciata, Mercedes Batista, and Hilário Jovino. To understand everything that happened in our history of slavery that explains a lot about modern-day Rio de Janeiro. To truly know a country, or a city, it is necessary to know its history. And the best way to learn about history is by walking where it happened. During the tour, you will learn and reframe the history of Rio and Brazil while appreciating the beauties of the Center, in a relaxed way. At the end of the tour, you will create a unique connection and vision of the city that you could never achieve without a guide. An environmentally sustainable tour that passes through the most important places in the historic center.

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.

Grab spectacular views, nature time, and bragging rights on this guided hike up Rio de Janeiro's Sugarloaf Mountain. You’ll ascend up the mountain’s eastern face, tackle a quick rope climb—your guide will make this a cinch—and then scramble up to the summit for views of Christ the Redeemer Statue and Copacabana Beach. When you’re ready, ride the cable car to Morro da Urca and leisurely hike back to the sea.

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.

Discover the favela tour that brings together more than 18 years of experience, international recognition as the best walks in Latin America and Travellers’ Choice Badge on TripAdvisor. As a finalist for a Responsible Tour at an international tourism fair (WTM Latin America 2024), our commitment to authenticity and sustainability ensures a memorable and impactful experience. Book now and embark on a unique and meaningful journey within the favela!

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.

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.

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.

With Local Guide, we offer a unique and immersive experience. We took a Moto Taxi up to the high part of the community. We walked through alleys and narrow streets, diving into social projects and then getting to know the reality of the resident in the vibrant daily life of the community. This unique journey promises a deeper understanding of the favelas and their cultures. you will feel the vibration of everyday life and one of the most beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro. Book your tour and come.

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.

Soar above the city of Rio de Janeiro aboard a hang glider during this thrilling adventure. Accompanied by a fully certified instructor, launch from the Tijuca National Park and glide over the lush, verdant Atlantic Forest. Take in views of some of Rio's most famous landmarks, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Rocinha Favela, and the Christ the Redeemer Statue atop Corcovado Mountain. Touch down for a gentle landing on the white sands of Sao Conrado Beach.

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.