Top Activities on the Ground in Rio de Janeiro

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.

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.

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.

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 ....

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.

Experience a different side to Rio de Janeiro—one that few travelers experience—and gain a deeper appreciation for life in the Brazilian city, with a small-group tour of the Vidigal favela. In the company of a guide who has decades of experience working in Vidigal, see work by local graffiti artists, visit community projects, and take in panoramic views of the city.

Spend time in Rio’s Vidigal favela and get to know more about the community on this excursion. With a small group, navigate the alleyways and secret passages of the concrete jungle, meeting locals along the way. Get to know what life is like in the favela and how these hillside communities came to be.

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.

It’s hard to beat the crowds in Rio de Janeiro entirely, but trekking the challenging Pedra da Gavea gives you access to viewpoints with far fewer people, so that you can soak up views of Rio’s iconic coastline in more peace. This hiking tour helps you navigate the moderate-difficult route, ensuring you stay safe and don’t get lost along the way.

Discover a side of Rio de Janeiro that goes far beyond the beaches and postcard sights. Explore waterfalls, a natural cave, and the lush Tijuca Forest in small groups, with the chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat. An authentic experience for those wishing to discover the city's wilder, more surprising side.

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.

Climbing Sugar Loaf by walking and climbing the mountain is unforgettable. Know this is the best trail in Rio!

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.

If you’re looking for an experience that helps give back to nearby communities, this Two Brothers Mountain Lookout Hike from Rio de Janeiro gives a percentage to the communities that are struggling within Rio. Plus, this hike provides you with a great adventure along the trail up to Two Brothers. See lesser-known spots as you make your way up to take in views of the city and the coastline.

Discover the captivating natural beauty amid the urban sprawl of Rio de Janeiro on a bike tour with an expert guide. Visit iconic landmarks like Sugar Loaf Mountain and Copacabana Beach, stopping regularly to listen to informative commentary and capture excellent photographs. Gaze at the resplendent Christ the Redeemer statue on his cliff-top perch; cycle alongside the gorgeous Ipanema Beach; and enjoy the shaded serenity of the area surrounding the Rodrigo de Freitas Lake.

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.

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.

Experience the thrill of climbing Rio’s iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain with routes tailored to your skill level. Whether it’s your first time rock climbing or you’re advanced, choose from beginner-friendly top-rope to challenging multi-pitch climbs, with full instruction and equipment provided. Enjoy a fun and safe urban rock climbing challenge with a certified instructor and fantastic views of the famous landmark.

You will be guided by a local resident with years of experience, who knows every corner of Vidigal. We will walk as the sky changes color and the sun rises over Guanabara Bay. A magical and unforgettable moment, with safety, information and connection with nature and Carioca culture.

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.

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 behind-the-scenes look at Maracanã Stadium during this guided tour. Explore the stadium, renovated for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, check out the locker rooms. Sit on the team bench where greats like Pele rested after he scored his thousandth goal. Listen as your guide tells tales of legendary matches like Brazil's devastating loss in the 1950 World Cup. Round-trip climate-controlled transportation from most Rio hotels is included. (if option is selected)

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.