Top Rio de Janeiro 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.

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.

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!

Catch your first wave at Praia do Arpoador, the birthplace of surf in Rio de Janeiro! Join our premium, small-group surf lessons (maximum 3 students per instructor) designed for absolute beginners and intermediate surfers. Learn safely with professional local bilingual instructors, high-quality equipment, and unforgettable views of Ipanema and Copacabana. At EverBest Rio Surf School, we don’t just give lessons; we introduce you to the authentic surf culture of Rio de Janeiro. Whether you have never touched a surfboard before or want to improve your technique, our expert local team ensures a fun, safe, and memorable experience in the water.

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.

Discover the tropical paradise of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande—where stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes await—on a full-day group tour from Rio de Janeiro. Relax on white-sand shores, dive into vibrant coral reefs, and observe rich marine life, including colorful tropical fish on a peaceful schooner ride. Lunch is included, and snorkeling equipment is available to rent for a closer look beneath the sea’s surface.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Soar above the city of Rio de Janeiro aboard a hang glider during this thrilling adventure. Accompanied by a fully certified instructor, launch from the Tijuca National Park and glide over the lush, verdant Atlantic Forest. Take in views of some of Rio's most famous landmarks, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Rocinha Favela, and the Christ the Redeemer Statue atop Corcovado Mountain. Touch down for a gentle landing on the white sands of Sao Conrado Beach.

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.

Experience Rio's lush Tijuca Rainforest on a thrilling open-air jeep tour. Encounter diverse wildlife, stunning waterfalls, and scenic trails in the world's largest urban rainforest. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup in south Rio and embark on a journey to the forest. Cruise through the lush landscape and keep a lookout for playful monkeys, coatis, butterflies, toucans, iguanas, and an array of fascinating insects. After 30 minutes of moderate hiking, reach a breathtaking viewpoint 690 meters above sea level for awe-inspiring panoramic views. Continue your journey to the National Park's tallest waterfall, a majestic 35-meter cascade. Take a refreshing dip and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural splendor. During the return, we will take you to the iconic Vista Chinesa, a renowned viewpoint that offers breathtaking city views. Conclude with a drive through São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana, enjoying vibrant beaches and a rejuvenating, tranquil ending.

Explore Brazil's diverse plant life on this tour of the Tijuca Rainforest and the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Visit the city's botanical garden to view a variety of exotic and native plants. Ride in a jeep through the Tijuca Rainforest, stopping for a leisurely hike with picturesque views and chances to see local wildlife. Round-trip transportation from Rio de Janeiro hotels is included.

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.