Top Southeast Brazil Walking Tours

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.

Don’t just visit Sao Paulo—experience it. Take a guided tour around the streets and neighborhoods of Sao Paulo and learn about the many communities of immigrants who have, over the years, made Sao Paulo the colorful, vibrant place it is today. Visit Japanese, Italian and Syrian-Lebanese areas, and discover a panoramic viewpoint from right on top of the city.

Visit some of the most avoided areas of Rio de Janeiro with a guide who knows the areas well and knows how to keep you safe during this Rio de Janeiro Rocinha Favela Walking Tour. You’ll visit a few favelas within just a few hours as your guide tells you about the communities and their culture. Follow paths locals walk every day to see the slums and take in hilltop views of the city.

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).

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.

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.

Explore some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches when you take this boat tour around Arraial do Cabo. You'll travel to several stops with your captain at the helm, and your guide will explain them all to you. This is about a half day tour, and it will go to places like Forno Beach, Crevice of Our Lady of Assumption for photos, Gruta do Amor, the beautiful Farol Beach, and Prainhas do Pontal which is the staircase beach.

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.

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.

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.

When renting a car seems like such a difficult thing to do, opt for this Christ the Redeemer, Selaron Steps, and Santa Teresa Tour from Rio de Janeiro that provides pickup, drop-off, and transport in between sights. This half-day tour takes you to three of the area’s most popular attractions, including the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado Mountain.

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.

Swap the big bus tours for a more intimate experience of Rio de Janeiro. This private walking tour allows you to discover the 'Cidade Maravilhosa' at the ground level. As your guide leads you around the city center, you will soak up the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro and see some of its most important landmarks including the Praca Quinze de Novembro and Largo da Carioca.

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

Explore the Carnival Factory, for a peek behind the scenes of Rio's Carnival, on this cultural tour. Learn how the parade's famous floats and costumes are produced. Listen to commentary on the history of samba and carnival, then hit the dressing rooms to try on some costumes and take some photos. Wind up with a cocktail and a samba class for the whole carnival experience.

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

Make the most of a stopover in Rio de Janeiro with a sightseeing shore excursion from Cruise Terminal Pier Mauá. A great way to squeeze in visits to some of Rio’s best sights, you’ll first head out to see the towering Christ the Redeemer Statue—one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. You’ll then explore the historic hub of Santa Teresa before ending with a cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain.

The Lapa district of Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its buzzing nightlife and live music scene. With this evening pub crawl, discover the neighborhood at its most atmospheric as you visit popular local pubs and bars, sip a free shot of cachaça, and listen to live samba or forró music. Accompanied by your guide and group of party-seeking travelers, enjoy a fun night out with VIP admission and special offers on drinks.

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.

Avoid the tourist traps and explore Brazil through its cuisine on this food tour through Rio de Janeiro. Follow a local guide through the streets and learn how Brazilian gastronomy is a multicultural melting pot of flavors—with influences from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Sample multiple dishes, plus a sweet treat at the end, for a well-rounded meal.

We will take you on a ride in one of the oldest tramways of the world: The Santa Teresa tram. The tour connects the city center to Santa Teresa, passing on top of the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa), where we can have a view of Lapa from above. In Santa Teresa we will alight at Largo do Guimarães, the gastronomic area of the neighborhood. There, you can try the local cuisine in the neighborhood's trendy restaurants and bars. After, we'll explore the neighborhood on foot, walking around its cobblestone streets, observing its colonial houses and hidden views. We will visit its cultural centers, museums, and local artists' ateliers, including one of the 6 best viewpoints of the city and then walk to Lapa, passing by the colorful Selarón steps, that connect the two neighborhoods. In Lapa, we will finish admiring the Arcos da Lapa (the Carioca aqueduct) at a hidden rooftop that only locals know.

This walk will allow you to discover the bohemian district of Santa Teresa by accessing it by the famous yellow tram, then wandering at your own pace before reaching Lapa by the famous colorful staircase of Selaron then ending your visit with Cinelandia square.

Delve deeper into the history of Little Africa in Rio de Janeiro, and learn more than you would if exploring solo, with this group walking tour around the city’s Saúde neighborhood. Follow your guide as you learn about Brazil's slave trade history and the roots of carnival, samba, the city's food scene, and more. Enjoy a route that passes the Mercedes Baptista Statue, Pedra do Sal, and Cais do Valongo.