The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill

Recommended by 96% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

High interest

Booked 5+ times today.

5 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8

· Tana_H ·

Apr 2026

A well organised and extremely good value tour with a lovely friendly and informative guide. We were lucky with the weather and had amazing views from both Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, and although everywhere was extremely busy (it was Carnival) we didn't have to wait long to get in to either attraction.

· Julie_M ·

Jun 2026

Meininger was a really informative and enthusiastic guide and the trip was very well organised. We were picked up at various hotels and chauffeured seamlessly. A great 5 hours. And the two sites we visited are just so iconically Rio

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Overview

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.

Enjoy a personalized experience in a capped-tour group
Pass several other landmarks such as Palácio Guanabara and Largo do Boticário
Choose between a package that includes entry fees and one that doesn't
Plenty of opportunities to take panoramic photographs and videos

What's Included

Hotel pick up and drop off - selected hotels in Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana
Bilingual certificated tour guide
Entrance fee - Optional: Entrance fees to Corcovado (Chritst the Redeemer) and to Sugar Loaf Complex can be included when selecting the option
Transportation in a Deluxe Van with driver
From December to March (high season), allow extra time for the tour. They can take much longer

Drinks and Food
Tickets can be excluded depending on the option chosen
Entrance fee - Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer (approximate value) - only if the option without tickets included has been chosen

$17.00 per booking
Entrance fee - Sugar Loaf Complex (approximate value) - only if the option without tickets included has been chosen

$35.00 per person

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Pickup starts 30min before the tour. For the morning tour it will be between 7:00am and 7:30am, 8:30am and 9:00am for the afternoon tour it will be between 1:30pm and 2:00pm, depending on traffic. Each hotel have a specific timing according to the it's location. Please contact us for the exact time. Important: for operational reasons our pickup happens only in selected hotels in the neighborhood of Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema and Leblon. If your hotel is not in the list, also please contact us so we will help you finding the nearest pick-up point.

Meeting point

Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Av. Atlântica, 1020 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22010-000, Brazil
Pickup at Hilton will be 7:30am or 1:30pm. Please advise if you are planning to meet us there so we can organize our pickup schedule.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Copacabana Beach (Pass By)

Botafogo Beach (Pass By)

Guanabara Palace (Pass By)

Parque Nacional da Tijuca (Pass By)

Santuario Cristo Redentor

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Mirante Dona Marta

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Boticario Square (Pass By)

Sugarloaf Mountain

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Ipanema Beach (Pass By)

Praia do Leblon (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible

Most travelers can participate
Importante note: during the months of December through March, considered the high season, please allow more time for a complete tour. Even doing our best to avoid lines sometimes the tour get extended and can take longer to finish. Please, plan ahead for any possible delays.
The 9:00am tour needs a minimum amount of people to operate. Our regular hours (7:30am or 1:30pm) operate regularly
During the Carnival period, because of the crowd, all tickets need to be paid in advance to the venues. So Any date change for the tour with less than 24 hours' notice will incur a charge of USD 40.00 per person.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8

based on 1,524 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

12 out of 10 Experience!

Julie_S, Jun 2026

Best time visiting Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf with Kiko (and Markos driving). Highly recommend!!

Spectacular experience

Steven_B, Jun 2026

It was perfectly orchestrated to avoid waiting in line. Taking the morning tour appears better than the later one on the weekend. Sabina, our guide did the tour in English and Spanish. She gave us lots on information just before arriving at each site. What I really liked was that we had enough time take all the photos we wanted and purchase snacks at the sites. Also, we had time in the gift shops. The tour was spectacular, plus we had a beautiful day. My group of 9 loved it.

Great way to see these two iconic sites

Julie_M, Jun 2026

Very knowledgeable tour...

Liam_G, Jun 2026

Very knowledgeable tour guide. Would recommend 10/10 He knew a lot about the history and very knowledgeable

Overall, the tour was...

Tiffany_N, Jun 2026

Overall, the tour was great and we would recommend it. We specifically chose the afternoon (1:00 PM) pick up because many reviews suggested it was the best option for catching sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain, which was one of the highlights we were looking forward to. We visited Christ the Redeemer first and spent quite a bit longer there than expected, which resulted in us completely missing sunset at Sugarloaf. Sunset was mentioned as part of the experience, and it was clear that many people in our group, not just us, were hoping to see it. By the time we arrived at Sugarloaf, it was already close to dark. While the nighttime views were still beautiful, we also encountered the large crowds that had come for sunset and ended up waiting over an hour in lines just to get back down the mountain. That said, the tour itself was enjoyable, the sights were incredible, and it was a great way to see Rio. I would just recommend future travelers confirm the timing if catching the sunset at Sugarloaf is an important part of the experience for them.

Wonderful tour experience for our first time!

TayShaun_L, Jun 2026

Had a wonderful experience with Monica and Bruno! Monica did a masterful job giving context for all the history behind the city, Christ the redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Not only was she knowledgeable, she made sure our group stuck together and got great photos and opportunity to enjoy our experience! Highly recommend!

1/2 Day at the Redeemer and Sugarloaf w/ Karla and Bruno

JeanMarie_R, Jun 2026

The half-day trip to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain with Karla and Bruno was seamless from start to finish. Karla kept excellent time throughout the tour, making sure everyone knew exactly where and when to meet after free time at each stop. The day ran smoothly without ever feeling rushed. She also generously took fantastic photos for guests, which meant we could enjoy the experience without feeling pressured to purchase professional photos at the attractions. One of the highlights was hearing Karla effortlessly switch between Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Her multilingual skills ensured everyone felt included and informed throughout the tour. Tips: • Check the weather before booking. On cloudy or foggy days, visibility can be very limited, and you may miss the spectacular views from both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. If possible, choose a clear day. • Be prepared for changing weather conditions. At these elevations it can be windy, misty, or rainy, even when conditions below seem pleasant. A lightweight rain jacket or poncho is a good idea. • Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. While the main attractions are accessible, some paths and alternative routes include cobblestones, uneven surfaces, or slippery stone walkways. • Arrive at the pickup location on time. Karla and Bruno are punctual, and arriving late delays both the tour and your fellow travelers. • Listen carefully to meeting instructions and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear. • Souvenirs at the attractions are more expensive than those found elsewhere in Rio. However, if you see something unique that you truly love, it may be worth purchasing rather than spending additional vacation time searching for the same item elsewhere. • Expect crowds, especially around Christ the Redeemer. Patience is part of the experience, but the views are worth it. • Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Even on cooler days, the sun can be surprisingly strong. The tour covers two of Rio’s most iconic attractions in a relatively short amount of time, making it an excellent option for visitors with limited time in the city.

not sure...

Richard_B, Jun 2026

It's an ok ride... but to pricey 260 bucks for two people for less than 5 hs, and a guy who does speak a broken english?

Our guide Meilin was...

Adele_L, Jun 2026

Our guide Meilin was excellent! A local from Rio, Meilin was warm and friendly and gave us all the relevant interesting information and history of the places we visited ie Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. It was like travelling with a sister or good friend! Meilin gladly helped us take photos wherever and whenever we wanted. She would also point out interesting features of eg. souvenirs on sale and give us info that only a local would know. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour with Meilin as our guide!

half day rio

Andres_R, Jun 2026

perfect to enjoy your half day . amazing guide with historic facts and ride . ......................

The best time with the best guide!

Regina_C, Jun 2026

We had the best half day in Rio with Karla and Marcus. They went above and beyond so we could see all sights, securing priority lanes and ease through the crowds. If you have limited time in Rio, this tour is a must!

Victoria was a great...

Janet_V, Jun 2026

Victoria was a great guide and very knowledgeable. Unfortunately it was a rainy day. Christ Redeemer was beautiful and there was a baptism in the small chapel under the Christ. Sugarloaf was a washout but Victoria made the best of it.

Beautiful Trip Through Rio’s Most Iconic Sites

Michael_C, Jun 2026

Today, I had the opportunity to be guided through Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Sabina was an expert tour guide and made the experience very enjoyable. Thank you!

Best experience in Rio

Charles_G, May 2026

Great excursion if you want to see 2 of the best destinations while in Rio. I suggest going first thing in the morning.

Once in a Lifetime Experience. Thanks Gabi!

James_S, May 2026

I am always apprehensive about group tours. I feel like you are herded around, barked at, provided no freedom to tour the sites, and overcharged. This was not the case with this tour. From the moment we started, our guide, Gabi, was knowledgeable, witty, and affable in the way she balanced all the different personalities in the group. I never felt rushed. She provided a ton of great information, but it didn’t feel like Social Studies class. She was funny, but she wasn’t trying too hard to be funny. I am more inclined to take part in a tour like this moving forward, but I know I won’t get a guide like Gabi again.

Excellent tour!

Lachlan_S, May 2026

This was a perfect tour to not only see two of Rio’s most famous sights but also to get a Birds Eye view of the city, mountains and coastline. Our tour guide Kiko was excellent. Really informative, knowledgeable, interesting and guided us perfectly through the tour. He was also well supported by our driver in a new and modern coaster. Highly recommend!

Fantastic tour, thank you Heraclitus!

Christos_P, May 2026

Fantastic tour with Heraclitus, a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide! Very timely schedule and a day full of memories!

Easy Way to See Rio’s Iconic Sights

Lana_T, May 2026

Pick up was prompt. Transport was comfortable. Guide Meilin spoke excellent English and was easy to understand. Enjoyed both Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer without waiting in long lines. Recommend for anyone looking to easily visit Rio’s iconic sights.

Picture perfect Rio

Ryan_K, May 2026

Get ready for amazing sights and opportunities for the perfect pictures of Rio. Bring your camera and a bit of patience as there will be lots of people posing for their pictures.

A definite must do

Sharon_M, May 2026

Our tour guide was full of information, happy to answer our questions, and guide us to the best views. She was patient and did a great job communicating and keeping track of everyone. Highly recommend Meilin as a guide.

A well organised and...

Tana_H, Apr 2026

Half day Rio tour

Gina_J, Apr 2026

What a fantastic day ! There are many operators that offer this type of experience in Rio to see these sites. I got very lucky choosing this tour. So perfectly managed from pickup at our hotel to drop off. And our guide - Emilia !!! - she was the absolute Best!!!

Bad experience

Joachim_W, Apr 2026

Not well organized. Make sure to have extra time. Was running very late and we had to skip the last cablecar to Sugar Loaf

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Due to the major holiday in the city, attractions were extremely crowded with long queues, which impacted timing. The decision not to continue to Sugar Loaf was made by the passenger, while the rest of the group proceeded and had a positive experience. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Meilin

Mike_W, Apr 2026

Meilin did a fantastic job! She was engaging and very informative. It was a great tour and I would highly recommend the tour and Meilin!!

Best Guided Tour

Jonathan_B, Apr 2026

This is the best way to experience Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. We were picked up at our hotel in a nice tour bus. Our guide gave us a lot of information about the history of the city and different spots on our way to Christ the Redeemer. Our guide was able to navigate us through the lines of each destination with ease and efficiency. We had a very minimal wait time. We were dropped off right in front of our hotel after the tour was over. This is the best way to experience Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain especially if this is your first visit.

Best tour guide for Sugarloaf

Tia_W, Apr 2026

This was an informative tour with an excellent tour guide ( Victoria). She made the day perfect for group. The bus was comfortable.

Great Value and not to be missed

IAN_J, Apr 2026

This was a perfect tour. Two great attractions on one tour and all done in a single morning, leaving plenty of time to perhaps visit Copacabana beach in the afternoon for those short on time. Carla our guide was excellent and knowledgable, she also got us through the crowds to the front of the line and took photographs with our phones. This ease of use without any stress would not be possible if trying to do these tours on your own.

Fantastic trip with Sabina

Will_W, Apr 2026

Great experience, friendly guide, highly recommended. Great views at Christ the redeemer and sugar loaf mountain

Must do.

Mark_D, Apr 2026

Lucy was an amazing tour guide and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this trip to do. It’s good you are prioritised to not wait as long in the queues. Thanks Lucy, great job.