Top Activities on the Ground in Southeast Brazil

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get an in-depth local experience with this walking tour of one of Rio's "favelas," Rocinha. Follow your resident guide through the slum to get an insider's perspective on daily life and learn about the challenges these communities face. Upgrade your experience to a 2-day tour that includes a visit to Tijuca Forest.

Known for their twin peaks, the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) Mountains are highlights of the Rio de Janeiro skyline. They're also a great place to admire sunrise views overlooking the city—and this small-group hiking tour makes that experience seamless. Early in the morning, meet near the Vidigal favela, take a motorbike taxi to the start point, and then set off on a hike to the peaks, perfectly timed for sunrise.

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.

Most visitors to Rio De Janeiro ride the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. This small-group tour allows you to experience it in a more rewarding way: by climbing. You'll get the chance to challenge yourself as you make your way up a steep yet technically simple ascent that offers both great views and a sense of excitement.

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.

Escape the crowds and discover a different side of Rio de Janeiro on an unforgettable adventure through Tijuca National Park, home to the world's largest urban reforested rainforest. Your experience begins with convenient hotel pickup before heading into the heart of the Tijuca Rainforest. Accompanied by an experienced bilingual guide, you'll explore scenic jungle trails, hidden caves, crystal-clear waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints while learning about the unique ecosystem that makes this park one of Rio's greatest natural treasures. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including toucans, monkeys, coatis, butterflies, and many other species that call the rainforest home. They might appear to welcome you! Unlike traditional city tours, this experience takes you beyond Rio's famous landmarks and into the wild heart of the city, offering an authentic connection with nature and one of the most diverse environments in Brazil.

This small-group adventure combines a scenic hike through lush forests with a challenging rock climb to Sugarloaf Mountain. Learn local history as you ascend to the top for panoramic views of Rio, then take a cable car ride down. All necessary climbing equipment and a professional accredited climbing guide are included, but lunch and other food or drinks are not provided.

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.

The Serra dos Órgãos National Park was founded in 1939. Located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro state. The Serra dos Órgãos National Park has an rich varieties of flora and fauna and abundant biodiversity. On clear days from the Park it is possible to see Rio de Janeiro and Tijuca National Park. Discover the most beautiful waterfall of the lower stretches of the Serra dos Órgãos National Park and hike the most enchanting peak of the higher region of the Park. All this in a day tour!

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.

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.

Experience the thrill of climbing Rio’s iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain with routes tailored to your skill level. Whether it’s your first time rock climbing or you’re advanced, choose from beginner-friendly top-rope to challenging multi-pitch climbs, with full instruction and equipment provided. Enjoy a fun and safe urban rock climbing challenge with a certified instructor and fantastic views of the famous landmark.

Take a challenging hike to one of Rio de Janeiro’s most scenic viewpoints during this small-group excursion. Trek through Tijuca Rainforest to reach the famous Pedra da Gavea for stunning views of the city. Discover local wildlife, refresh yourself in a waterfall, learn about the history of Rio, and rock climb up a small section to reach the famous rock. This tour is recommended for those with strong physical fitness.

You'll experience Rio's historic centre and revitalised old port district by electric pedicab, a fun, safe and sustainable way to breathe in centuries of the city's stories and appreciate its beauty. We'll meet in front of the Municipal Theatre, and from there embark on a tour of some of the most popular sites of Lapa, the city centre and port. Along the way you'll be able to stop at the attractions, hear about the significance of the site, and take photos. Our itinerary is highly Instagramable! Our modern pedicabs visit many places that are inaccessible to cars, and cover three times more ground than is possible on a walking tour. They are also a joyful means of transport, and unlike a car they allow you to soak in the atmosphere of the city. As much as possible we are flexible with the itinerary, and will try to substitute sites if guests have already visited any. At the end we will be glad to drop you at any of the museums, cultural sites or restaurants we pass on the tour.

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.

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!