Top Southeast Brazil Outdoor Activities

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.

Sail along Guanabara Bay just as the sun is setting below the horizon and experience Rio when it starts to come to life. This small-group sailing adventure is a perfect way to relax and see the sites such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio-Niteroi Bridge. Relax with complimentary drinks and light snacks while you sail.

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.

Soar over Rio de Janeiro in an exhilarating doorless helicopter ride with just a few passengers. Feel the thrill as you fly with your feet out, capturing stunning views of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer, and Sugarloaf Mountain. This adventure offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city and skilled pilots ensure safety while you soar above Rio’s iconic landmarks.

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.

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.

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.

Swap the crowds of Buziós' Ferradura and Ferradurinha beaches with a private hike through Búzios’ hidden coastal landscapes. With unmarked trails, rocky obstacles, and moderate terrain, navigating alone can be difficult and unsafe but this tour removes the stress with a guide leading the way. Discover secluded natural pools, the striking Pedra do Guardião, and Praia dos Amores while gaining access to places most visitors miss.

Begin your day with a unique paddleboarding experience at the iconic Copacabana Beach. As the sun rises, enjoy stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer bathed in golden light. This small-group session, suitable for all skill levels, is guided by certified, trilingual instructors who will ensure you feel comfortable on the water. Capture the magic of your adventure with professional photos and video, making memories that last a lifetime.

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.

Rio de Janeiro’s magnificent mountains and sea cliffs are popular with hang gliders and paragliders. On this group tour, enjoy a tandem flight from Pedra Bonita mountain lasting 7 to 20 minutes, accompanied by certified pilots. Experience the thrill of flying and admire the city from above with expert guidance.

This walking tour of São Paulo's historic center offers an in-depth look at the city's architectural gems and cultural highlights. Begin at the Pateo do Collegio, the birthplace of São Paulo, and journey through centuries of history with stops at the Manor of the Marquesa of Santos and the majestic Catedral da Sé. Marvel at the neoclassical beauty of the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and experience the grandeur of the Martinelli Building, Latin America's first skyscraper. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Theatro Municipal, a symbol of São Paulo's cultural evolution. Throughout the tour, your private guide will share fascinating stories and exclusive insights, making this an unforgettable experience.

Brazil is one of the world’s premier surfing destinations, making it a great place to learn. Learn the basics with personalized instruction during this small-group surf lesson on Arpoador Beach, known for its consistent waves. Start with a theoretical lesson—positioning, paddling, and dropping—on the sand and then take to the waves to put your newfound knowledge to the test.

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.

While most tourists visit the Christ the Redeemer statue on land, few get to fly above and around it. Book this helicopter tour for unparalleled aerial views of one of the New7Wonders of the World. Meet at the heliport, climb aboard, and soak up the stunning views of Rio de Janeiro from the air—an unforgettable experience.

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.

This Tijuca National Park hiking tour is perfect for travelers who are strapped for time. Fit in the top highlights of the area in just a few hours, including views of São Conrado, Ipanema, and Leblon Beach, as well as a hike in Tijuca National Park. A guide knows the best ways around the park and even takes you to a natural lagoon for a swimming break.

See Rio de Janeiro's landscapes from a new perspective as you soar above landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema Beach, and more. Whether you’re visiting the city or are a local, experience the city in a new way without lage crowds and lines. Learn about the city in your native tongue-live guides are available in several languages.

Add some outdoor adventure to your time in the ‘urban jungle’ of Rio during this 4-hour Jeep excursion in Tijuca Forest. Drive through one of the world’s largest urban forests, admiring bird’s eye views of iconic Rio sights like the Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach. You’ll also have time to explore by foot along the forest’s hiking trails, keeping your eyes peeled to spot local wildlife and lush tropical plants. A guide and round-trip hotel transport are also included.

Experience the lush vegetation and diverse wildlife of the jungle in Sao Paulo at Jaraguá Park. Explore the Atlantic forest on foot and traverse trails and paths through the trees to the top of the park’s highest point, and see panoramic views of the forest and countryside below. Head to the lookout points for a better look, and spot marmosets, capuchin monkeys and toucans.

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 ....

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

Explore one of the largest aquariums in South America—and enjoy a fully flexible experience—when you prebook admission tickets to AquaRio in Rio de Janeiro. A popular family-friendly destination in the city, the aquarium is home to hundreds of different marine species, making it a great place for discovery. After securing your tickets, arrive whenever suits you best, and see the sights at your own pace.