Top Southeast Brazil Half-day Tours

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.

Get off-the-beaten-path with this bike tour of Sao Paulo’s street art. This half-day tour, either morning or afternoon, takes you round-trip from Avenida Paulista along bike routes that explore this city’s vibrant underbelly as seen through the eyes of its talented graffiti artists. Building-sized murals, kaleidoscopic columns, and otherwise mundane overpasses turned into masterful canvases; this tour culminates in Ibirapuera Park, now a hub of artistic creativity.

Stray from the tourist trail and see a side of São Paulo that’s usually reserved for locals on a walking tour. Rather than missing out on interesting details as you travel by car, you’ll delve deeper into local culture as you explore the historic center, home to the highest concentration of São Paulo sights.

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.

Discover the vibrant flavors of Rio de Janeiro with Secret Food Tours! Your local expert guides will take you through the heart of Copacabana, where golden sands meet a lively bohemian spirit, and every corner tells a story of music, culture, and flavor. Stroll along the famous beachfront and side streets, where bossa nova was born and Rio’s laid-back lifestyle comes alive. Beyond the postcard views, you’ll uncover hidden spots loved by locals, sampling authentic dishes that define the city’s unique culinary identity. From savory street food classics to refreshing tropical bites, every stop celebrates the rhythm and taste of Rio. Join us for a journey that blends food, music, stunning sites and culture in one of the world’s most iconic neighborhoods. Come hungry, and leave with a deeper connection to the soul of Rio de Janeiro.

Enjoy some of Rio de Janeiro's most spectacular sights from the water, in the soft light of the morning. Sailing in the morning also means stronger, steadier winds on Guanabara Bay, giving this tour some of the longest true-sailing stretches of any DDRio experience. Onboard, guests enjoy a complete brunch service already included in the price - sparkling wine, caipirinha, caipivodka, beer, soft drinks, coffee, juice and water, paired with charcuterie skewers, cheese, olives, toasts, peanuts and a seasonal fruit plate. Our crew doesn't just sail safely and comfortably - they also share the stories behind the forts, beaches and hills that shape the scenery, all in sheltered waters that keep the ride comfortable from start to finish.

See what daily life is like in one of Rio's favelas, or shanty towns, on this educational half-day tour. Rocinha, the tour's destination, is one of many densely-populated favelas in Rio, most of which are underdeveloped and overpopulated. With a local guide, explore the cultural and commercial centers of this favela and interact with the residents. A portion of the proceeds go to back to the community. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Discover an incredible urban forest without leaving Rio de Janeiro. This small group tour of Tijuaca National Park takes you to the most scenic viewpoints, including a beautiful beach and the famous Pedra Bonita peak. Your guide will also take you on a short hike to access a cave or one of the many waterfalls in the park that you can swim in.

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.

See the best of Brazil's largest city, all in just half a day—and enjoy a hassle-free way to travel and explore—all on this comprehensive São Paulo tour. Following morning pickup from your centrally located hotel, you'll travel by vehicle to some of the city's top sights. Discover Ibirapuera Park, see architectural highlights like Luz Station, and venture to hidden gems like Batman Alley (known for its vibrant street art).

COME AND EXPLORE Angra dos Reis and Ilha grande Losing oneself between paradisiacal beaches and the transparent waters that circulate the Island is easy. It is no exaggeration. They are 193 km² of pure beauty preserved

Avoid leaving Rio with only phone snapshots—this private photography tour of the Botanical Garden and Parque Lage checks off two ecological attractions in one day, and covers the best photo spots and angles. With a photographer-guide leading the way, explore historic gardens, research grounds, and forested trails of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden before heading to Parque Lage to wander among its paths and artificial caves.

Experience the beauty of Buzios as it’s meant to be seen, by boat, on this catamaran cruise. Board your vessel and spend your time swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. Your skipper makes several stops along the way to get the full experience of the charming coastal area.

Ideal for first-time visitors and people with limited time, this half-day private Sao Paulo city tour is a great way to learn the lay of the land and tick off the not-to-be-missed sights. You’ll also have the chance to take a guided tour of the local market and learn about life in Brazil’s most populous city without having to worry about navigating public transport or taking taxis.

This tour you take you to 4 off the beaten path viewpoints in Rio and give you a real perspective of the city. You’ll be able to see the best view in town staying away from the crowds that flock to the main attractions. Perfect for those who love landscapes but don’t want to stand in lines at the main attractions. I’ve carefully selected the top 4 admission free vantage points in Rio. Parque do Penhasco Chinese Pagoda Mirante Dona Marta Parque das Ruinas Tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Rio, cruise port or airport.

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.

The megalopolis of São Paulo can be an overwhelming place to explore for the first time. This private excursion is designed to give first-time visitors a great overview of the sprawling city. See top highlights including Paulista Avenue, the cathedral, Batman Alley, the Liberdade neighborhood, and Ibirapuera Park in just a few hours.

This 3-hour small group cycling tour is for travelers who want to see more of São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, in less time. The approximately 10-mile route includes museums, parks, architecture, neighborhoods, and plenty of time to stop for refreshments and photos. Explore the city's Japanese neighborhood, see the city's cathedral, and more.

Relax and swim on a speedboat tour on the shores of Rio! We start with the hotel pickup to go to the harbour and embark on the speedboat. We sail through the Guanabara Bay and through the most important beaches of Rio, such as Copacabana and Arpoador. We stop at different places to swim and have fun! From the speedboat, we admire the landmarks of our town, such as the São João Fort, Sugarloaf Mountain, Praia Vermelha, Ilhas Cagarras and Ilha Fiscal. Cold beers, soft drinks and mineral water are offered by our crew. At the end of the tour, we return to the hotel. Tour guide, speedboat ride, selected beverages and roundtrip transfer included.

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.

With more than 12 million people, São Paulo ranks as Brazil’s largest city, which means there’s a ton to see and do. During this fully customized private city tour, work with your guide to design the ultimate itinerary based on your interests—food, art, shopping, architecture, or a little of everything. See what you want, when you want, all while enjoying personalized insights from a local guide.

Go where cars can’t and discover a different side of Paraty beyond its beaches on a Jeep tour of Tobogã and Serra da Bocaina National Park. Tackle rugged terrain with ease in your 4x4 vehicle, cool off in natural pools, and appreciate areas of rich biodiversity, where your guide can help you spot native flora and fauna.

First time in São Paulo? It can be a little overwhelming to say the least. Take this half-day private driving tour and get an overview of all this vibrant Brazilian city has to offer. Considered Brazil’s ‘late bloomer’, what São Paulo lacks in colonial history, it more than makes up for with its modern architecture and emerging art scene. Personalize your tour by choosing stops along the way to explore, snap some pics or grab a bite.