Itineraries for Your Trip to Rio de Janeiro
1 Day in Rio de Janeiro for First Timers
When I first visited Rio de Janeiro almost 15 years ago, little did I know it would be the start of a love affair with Latin America that would last for the rest of my life. I’d never even left Europe before, never mind embarked on a solo South America adventure of indeterminate length, so my excitement had reached extreme levels by the time I landed in Rio.
And what a place to begin! I can still hear the thrum of samba music, taste a sweet-sour caipirinha on Copacabana Beach, and feel the thrill of glimpsing the outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer Statue for the first time. If you’re looking forward to one day in Rio de Janeiro, here’s how to maximize every minute there.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the iconic Christ the Redeemer.
Thanks to its tropical monsoon climate, Rio has never dropped below 50°F (10°C)—and even that was an anomaly—so be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially in December through February.
If you’re only in Rio for the day, it’s likely that visiting Christ the Redeemer is at the top of your list, and not just for the great views of the city—this art deco statue is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We highly recommend heading to the monument first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
This half-day tour not only takes care of securing the often sold-out train tickets through Tijuca National Park, but also includes round-trip rides on the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain’s summit for more unbeatable views of Rio.
Then, take a break from the bustle at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak up the tropical scenery while feasting on fresh fruits—guava and passion fruit are must-eats here.
Now you’ve seen the Marvellous City from a few perspectives on land, it’s time to admire its iconic coastline from the water during a sunset cruise that showcases Ipanema Beach and other seaside sights at golden hour, when Rio’s cityscape looks even more spectacular than usual.
No visit to Rio would be complete without snapping a picture on the colorful Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa—a staircase immortalized by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams in the music video for Beautiful—so head to this not-so-hidden gem before discovering Rio’s street food scene on an evening tour that lets you taste more than 30 different snacks.
You’ll sample savory delicacies, such as pão de quejo (cheese bread) and coxinhas (potato and chicken croquettes), plus sweet treats like açai bowls and paçoca (peanut candy).
