Top Activities on the Ground in Rio de Janeiro

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.

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.

Enjoy stunning views at Morro Dos Hermanos, one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic spots, during sunrise or sunset. The trail begins at Vidigal Square, where a certified and local Guide, fluent in English will accompany you to the top. Along the way, you will be presented with spectacular views of the southern area, including the Christ the Redeemer, the Sugar Bread and the Guanabara Bay. This experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while learning about local attractions with an Expert. - Guided walk to the Two Brothers Hill - Panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including famous landmarks - Certified and experienced Tourist Guide

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.

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.

Spend time in Rio’s Vidigal favela and get to know more about the community on this small-group tour. Follow your guide as you navigate the alleyways and secret passages, meeting locals along the way. Get to know what life is like in the favela and how these hillside communities came to be. Well-suited for travelers looking to get off the beaten path and have a more intimate experience.

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.

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.

This experience combines one of Rio de Janeiro’s most spectacular sunrise and sunset views with the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide who speaks multiple languages and has extensive experience in hiking, outdoor activities, and adventure sports. Throughout the hike, your guide ensures a safe and enjoyable experience while sharing insights about the region, local culture, and the best photo opportunities. Reaching the trail through Vidigal and watching the sunrise from the summit of Two Brothers Hill offers an authentic and unforgettable way to experience Rio. With small group sizes, this tour provides a more personal experience, allowing everyone to hike at a comfortable pace, enjoy the scenery, and capture unforgettable moments.

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.

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

Escape the crowded tourist lines and scale Rio’s most iconic landmark alongside your own private, expert climbing instructor.

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.

Start your day with one of the most unforgettable experiences in Rio de Janeiro, a sunrise hike to the top of Morro Dois Irmãos. Beginning in the vibrant community of Vidigal, this experience combines adventure, local culture, and breathtaking views. Ride a moto taxi through the neighborhood before hiking the scenic trail with an experienced guide who knows the mountain and the area. At the summit, watch the sun rise over Rio’s coastline as the city slowly wakes up below you. From the top, you’ll enjoy one of the most iconic panoramic views in the city, overlooking Ipanema, Leblon, and the Atlantic Ocean. This small-group experience is perfect for travelers looking for an authentic adventure, incredible photos, and a unique way to see Rio from above. After the hike, we celebrate the climb with a simple local breakfast before heading back down. by @rioexplore

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.

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.

Known for their twin peaks, the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) Mountains are highlights of the Rio de Janeiro skyline. They're also a great place to admire sunrise views overlooking the city—and this small-group hiking tour makes that experience seamless. Early in the morning, meet near the Vidigal favela, take a motorbike taxi to the start point, and then set off on a hike to the peaks, perfectly timed for sunrise.

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.

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.

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.

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

Explore the incredible urban forest of Tijuca, with this guided hiking adventure in the heart of Rio De Janeiro. The region is filled with amazing wildlife and flora in their natural environment with the opportunity to admire tucan birds, monkeys, armadillos and anteaters along the way. Enjoy panoramic landscapes while visiting the Taunay Waterfall and the Vista Chinesa viewpoint before returning to the city.

Admire Rio de Janeiro from angles that few people know about on a hiking tour of Garganta do Céu. A small group ensures you’ll walk at a more relaxed pace, while an off-the-beaten-path trail through Tijuca National Park means you’ll encounter far fewer crowds than if you were to hike to better-known viewpoints.