Top Activities on the Ground in Rio de Janeiro - page 3

Tijuca National Park is a great opportunity to get to know Rio de Janeiro's rich avifauna, with endemic species of the Atlantic Forest. This is an ideal tour for those who want to start bird watching or for those more experienced birders.

Take a panoramic city tour through Downtown Rio, a stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral and travel to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain and visit the Christ the Redeemer statue on this full-day comprehensive tour of Rio's most famous landmarks. Reach the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountain by cable car and by cog train through the Tijuca Rainforest, respectively. This full-day tour includes round-trip transportation from most Rio hotels, allows you to see all of Rio's sights in just one day.

The Tijuca National Forest is one of the largest urban rainforests in the world, set on mountain slopes just west of Rio de Janeiro. With this tour, discover two of the city’s nature sites, starting with a guided walk through the Rio Botanical Gardens, including the Turtle Lake and Sensory Garden. Then, hike through Tijuca, learn more about the native plants and wildlife, and admire Taunay Waterfall.

Pedra do Telégrafo is one of Rio de Janeiro's most-photographed natural attractions and offers great views of the city. But, located on the city's west side, it can be tricky to get there. This small-group tour takes care of your transportation then leads you on an easy hike up to the rock where you can take photos and enjoy the views.

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.

Hike the Horto waterfalls circuit in Tijuca National Park on this half-day morning tour, led by a specialist guide. Starting from Jequitibá Waterfall, you’ll walk at a leisurely pace along a forest trail ending at Shower Waterfall, aka Box Waterfall. Stand or wade under the rock-walled cascades for a refreshing shower before reversing your steps. Upgrade to venture with your own personal guide on a private tour that includes round-trip hotel transport.

See the best of Rio de Janeiro without having to worry about advance planning on a shore excursion that reveals the best of the Marvelous City. Ideal for time-pressed travelers, this hassle-free package transports you between sights in air-conditioned comfort and includes admission tickets for two top attractions.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s biggest parties during this tour in Rio de Janeiro. See all the work that goes into this week-long party as you tour the City of Samba, a warehouse where floats and costumes are kept, and the Grande Rio’s Samba Factory, to learn about the history of samba and how to samba while wearing a traditional costume.

In this tour you will get to know some of the places of the city of Rio de Janeiro called "Little Africa" by artist and sambista Heitor dos Prazeres in the early twentieth century. These sites are part of the historical and archaeological circuit of celebration and awareness of the African heritage of blacks in Brazil.  "Little Africa" has come to identify a significant part of the city's waterfront, where African presence and black cultural heritage have forever marked the history, not just of Rio de Janeiro but throughout Brazil.  Often blacks from all over the country were welcomed there, usually by "Aunt Ciata" who was a very important figure for this whole historical process. It is through this walk through "Little Africa" you will also get to know the Cultural Center "Tia Ciata", Museum of New Blacks, Cais do Valongo, hanging garden and we will finish in Pedra do Sal where besides the historical collection also has great bars and restaurants of typical Afro-Brazilian foods.

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.

Attend the Ginga Tropical Show, a dance and music that allows you to learn about Brazil's vibrant history and culture through its traditional music and dance. During this show, see talented performers dance the lambada, samba and bossa nova dressed in outrageous Carnival costumes. Hear folklore from around the diverse country, live drumming and the Brazilian martial art: capoeira.

Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this full-day tour. Travel through the Tijuca Forest to see the Christ the Redeemer statue. Take the cable car from Urca up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, before visiting downtown highlgihts such as Maracanã (outside only), the Sambadrome area, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Sao Bento Monastery and Selarón Stairs. Round-trip transport from selected hotels in Rio is included, and you can opt to include admission tickets and lunch.

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.

Hike to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain during this 5-hour adventure in Rio de Janeiro. With your local hiking guide, head out along the trail toward the top of one of the city's most famous lookout points. Listen as your guide orients the group to the history, culture and ecosystem surrounding Sugar Loaf Mountain along the way. At the top, enjoy 360 degree views of the Zona Sul, Niterói city and other Rio landmarks. Board the cable car and descend to Morro da Urca to finish your excursion.

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.

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.

Hike to one of Rio’s most scenic spots and capture fun photos on this excursion to Telegraph Rock. Follow your guide and small group along a modern hike, enjoying views of nearby beaches and Gavea Rock as well as the cityscape in the background. The highlight of the hike is a stop at Bigorna Rock where you can take photos hanging off the edge to impress your friends and family.

Explore the Tijuca Forest National Park in Rio de Janeiro without the pressure of plotting a hiking route with this small-group tour. Let your guide lead the way as you learn about the park's history, flora and fauna along the way. Enjoy taking in Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, the Mayrink Chapel, the Cova da Onça suspension bridge, and more, with the opportunity to cool-off in the Baronesa Cascade waterfall.

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.

The idea of taking an electric bike tour in Rio was born from my passion for cycling and my love for the city where I chose to live. After several days of pedaling through the forest with a normal bicycle, I began to wonder how it would be possible to make this experience viable for many more people. This is how I came up with the idea of buying electric bicycles capable of assisting those who need them along the way. (the bicycles are pedal assisted, have no accelerator and are not a motorcycle) During this experience you will have the opportunity to get to know many wonderful places, not very accessible and less known. At the end of the day you will have a different image of Rio de Janiero, and you will know much more about how the city is composed and structured. In addition to this you will be in constant contact with nature, with possible and probable encounters with toucans, monkeys and many other exotic animals.

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.

Rio de Janeiro has no shortage of spectacular vistas. Dois Irmãos Hill is one of the best and perhaps most interesting, overlooking both glamourous beaches and gritty favelas. Begin early with a hotel pick-up in a traditional kombi (VW bus) to the trailhead at the base of Two Brothers Hill. Hike through Tijuca Forest to summit Dois Irmãos for a panoramic view of Rio’s South Zone. Hike back down continuing the tour with a closer look at favela life before being dropped off back at your hotel.

Relax on the pristine, uncrowded beaches of Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis during this 12-hour excursion from Rio de Janeiro. Take a break from the urban pace with a sightseeing cruise through the islands, passing Ponta da Piedade, Lagoa Azul and Ilha de Cataguases. Stop to swim and snorkel in the azure waters or dig your toes into the soft sand. Enjoy lunch aboard the boat; drinks are available for purchase. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Discover the best of Rio de Janeiro on this small-group biking tour. Meet your guide in the morning in Copacabana, grab your bike and helmet, and set off. You’ll cycle through beachy Copacabana to Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon for scenic views. Continue to the Leblon viewpoint for coconut water and fabulous views, then return to Copacabana, stopping at Arpoador Rock for panoramic photos.