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.

Fly over Rio de Janeiro on this hang gliding or paragliding tour. You do not need experience. Receive a short training session before heading off the Pedra Bonita ramp, located within the Tijuca National Park. Enjoy a unique perspective of the city before landing on São Conrado beach. Flight duration depends on weather conditions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 starts with 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

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 an overview of Rio's most important sights during this comprehensive day tour. With your guide, tick off Christ the Redeemer statue, the Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. If you upgrade to the premium option, you can even take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, plus stop for lunch in one of the city's best steakhouses. Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation from Rio hotels is included.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the favela tour that brings together more than 18 years of experience, international recognition as the best walks in Latin America and Travellers’ Choice Badge on TripAdvisor. As a finalist for a Responsible Tour at an international tourism fair (WTM Latin America 2024), our commitment to authenticity and sustainability ensures a memorable and impactful experience. Book now and embark on a unique and meaningful journey within the favela!

Uncover hidden details you’d miss if you took a driving tour around Tiradentes on this half-day guided walking tour. Take in some of the city’s most popular landmarks and attractions, including the Chapel of the Rosary, Quarry Alley, and Padre Toledo Museum, while you learn about Tiradentes colonial history and rich contemporary culture.

Our tour allows you a unique view of several tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro, such as Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountain, in addition to passing through several historical points of our city. You experience the most beautiful sunset in Rio, enjoying our caipirinhas, making a toast to the Marvelous City!

The paragliding flight at Pedra Bonita is among the best experiences in Rio de Janeiro. The passenger is received by our team at Clube São Conrado de Voo Livre, where registration and payment of the fee in the amount of R$ 120.00 / $ 24.00 are made. The next step is the climb up to the Bonita rock ramp, which is located inside the Tijuca National Park. Before takeoff, the safety briefing takes place, in which all instructions for the activity are given. After the described steps, we took the flight with landing at São Conrado beach. Feel the freedom of the birds and the intense contact with nature, flying over the stunning Tijuca Forest, Pedra Bonita, Pedra da Gávea, and the sea of Rio de Janeiro. Unique experience in the marvelous city! Our team has all the necessary experience to make your dream of flying come true! Internationally certified instructor, new equipment with all safety checks updated.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

Explore the parts of Rio de Janeiro that interest you—and skip the ones that don’t—on a private customized tour. This bespoke excursion is perfect for discerning travelers who want to maximize every moment of their vacation time without a humdrum highlights tour. Whether you decide to observe wildlife at Tijuca Forest or uncover the city’s hidden corners, your guide will organize the perfect itinerary.

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.