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Rio de Janeiro Private City Tour: Christ, Sugarloaf & More

Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • 8 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· John_D ·
Dec 2025
Three of us enjoyed a day with guide Frederico. We visited Sugarloaf, the beaches, historical sites and more. Gus helped us book a mountainside restaurant that was amazing. We felt as though we spent the day with a friend. Easy to book, great communication and a good value.
· Michelle_H ·
Jan 2026
Great tour - Guillaume was a really experienced and engaging guide. He navigated the Rio traffic calmly and competently and got the right balance of enough information without overload. He pointed out ideal photo opportunities and was also a great photographer! Can’t recommend him highly enough!

Overview

Explore Rio's highlights and important landmarks with a dedicated guide on this full-day private tour. Visit important sites like Rio's historic downtown area, the Sambadrome and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Stop at the Colombo tea house for lunch or a snack (own expense). Ascend both Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountains with a stop at the Christ the Redeemer statue. Enjoy the flexibility and personal attention that comes with booking a private tour.
  • Explore Rio's highlights and important landmarks with a dedicated guide on this private tour
  • Visit important sites like Rio's historic downtown area, the Sambadrome and the Metropolitan Cathedral
  • Stop at the Colombo tea house for lunch or a snack (own expense)
  • Ascend both Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountains with a stop at the Christ the Redeemer statue
  • Enjoy the flexibility and personal attention that comes with booking a private tour

What's Included

  • Private guide
  • Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tickets
  • Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

I ll have a sign with the passenger 's name and my picture can be sent to the client prior to the service . I can pick them up in any hotel in Rio

Operating hours

Select your preferred tour option to see hours.

Itinerary

1

Sugarloaf Mountain

1 hour 10 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

2

Copacabana Beach

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Ipanema Beach

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

4

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

5

Sambodromo da Marques de Sapucai

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

6

Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer

1 hour 30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

7

Escadaria Selaron

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 12 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
  • Infant seats available
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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

5.0
based on 375 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Fantastic Day in Rio

Cindy_S, Apr 2026
Augusto was fantastic. He contacted me in advance and helped me prepare for the tour. He took us to all the top locations as well as a cute and tasty lunch location next to the bay. I highly recommend him.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thanks a lot for the review

Ultimate Rio Experience

Evelyn_T, Mar 2026
Not only do you have a private car & driver, you have a knowledgeable guide. Both work well together to get you to sites smoothly & expedite the process.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thanks a lot for the review

Avoid this tour

Victor_Q, Feb 2026
If you want a nice experience in Rio, please avoid this tour. The organizer did not inform us that we needed to buy tickets days in advance to go up to see Christ the Redeemer. Because of this, we were not properly prepared. The car used for pickup was in very poor condition. The A/C was not working well, the vehicle was dirty, and the upholstery was damaged. The driver also told us we had to pay for parking, which was never mentioned beforehand. On top of that, we had to wait in the heat for more than 20 minutes while he went to retrieve the car from a distant parking area. Overall, it was a very disappointing and poorly organized experience.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hi Victor. Well, I have sent you an email many weeks before asking you to buy the tickets in advance and you never replied. And om tje day the tour guide managed to get it all sorted and it did not affect the tour. And about the parking , you should be more understanding of the local rules here . Cars not parked properly can be towed away. At the end of the tour you even tipped the tour guide which I don't understand why the bad review your just wrote. Anyway , you'd have been much more honest talking about it on the day and we would be able to compensate you on your unsatisfaction. You're the only poor review I have here , among over 700 hundreds , in over 15 years

Exceptional Day in Rio with Karla

Catherine_W, Jan 2026
We were picked up right at the cruise port by a private driver and our guide, Karla. Communication beforehand was excellent, with very clear instructions about the meeting point. Karla spoke excellent English and was energetic, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about her country. At each stop, the driver dropped us off and Karla guided us personally, sharing a wealth of information, taking photos for us, and making the experience feel very customized. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Carretão, a Brazilian steakhouse, which was a highlight of the day. Karla seemed to know everyone everywhere we went. At both Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, she greeted the staff warmly and was able to take us straight to the front of the lines, which made a huge difference. It was a fantastic day and a tour I would absolutely recommend—especially with Karla as your guide.

Rio done right

Michelle_H, Jan 2026
Great tour - Guillaume was a really experienced and engaging guide. He navigated the Rio traffic calmly and competently and got the right balance of enough information without overload. He pointed out ideal photo opportunities and was also a great photographer! Can’t recommend him highly enough!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thanks for the review. Cheers 🥂

Rio Tour

Monica_W, Jan 2026
Absolutely love Rio! I booked this tour 6 months before I got here as I read so many great reviews on Gus so I wanted to make sure I got him as our guide. Unfortunately he had the flu when we arrived but he secured another great person Bruno who was terrific! Comfortable car and knowledgeable guide makes for a fun day even in the rain. Loved our lunch at Assador. Sugar loaf was great but of course seeing Christ the Redeemer was truly epic!!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

I love to hear that. Thanks a lot for the review. Cheers 🥂

Three of us enjoyed a day...

John_D, Dec 2025
Three of us enjoyed a day with guide Frederico. We visited Sugarloaf, the beaches, historical sites and more. Gus helped us book a mountainside restaurant that was amazing. We felt as though we spent the day with a friend. Easy to book, great communication and a good value.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thanks for the review. That makes me glad

Amazing Tour!..😁👌

Barry_H, Dec 2025
An amazing day around Rio de Janeiro with Gus. His knowledge is extensive and such a lovely person. We were able to see all the main attractions plus some added bonuses!..👌. Gus goes above and beyond for his guests. His other guides were also highly informative from the feedback on a lunch break at a Brazilian Restaurant ( superb food!) You certainly won’t be disappointed and our group would highly recommend this company for a tour in Rio. 5 stars+

Response from Host, Dec 2025

You're a star. Thanks a lot for your kind words. Cheers 🥂

Amazing Tour - Thank you Fred

ATHINA_S, Oct 2025
Fred was a fantastic guide. Super knowledgeable, showed us great spots, and easily adapted the tour to what we wanted. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thanks for the review

Exceptional

Mytrei_C, Sep 2025
The tour guide is so experienced in the culture and history of the place. He knew everything and showed us the places quickly and efficiently.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thanks a lot for the review

Cancelled Tour due to Weather.

Sherry_L, Sep 2025
Sad that it was cancelled due to bad weather, however they did refund the money. That was a pleasant surprise.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hi. This review does not apply to me. Could you please remove it ? Pls cancel as I never had any booking from you and neither had anything canceled . Thanks

Great day with Gus

PatrickKeehan, Jul 2025
Gus was amazing. Spent eight hours with us showing the us the highlights of Rio. He was very knowledgeable and professional and also kept our teenagers engaged the entire time. Would highly recommend.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thanks a lot Patrick, for the review. Appreciate it

Great day in Rio with Gus

Jeff_S, Mar 2025
Gus is the man! He is a native and knows everyone everywhere we went. Long line... no problem, Gus gets us to the front. Saved tons of waiting on a hot day. Went to Christ the Redemeer, Sugar Loaf, and a great restaurant at Copacobana Beach. One of the best tours by a local ever.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

You're the best. Thank you for the review

Excellent private tour of Rio

Greg_A, Sep 2024
1. Augusto, our tour guide was outstanding. He was/is extremely knowledgeable, personable, and a joy to be around. 2. Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer are must see places. Although these areas were very busy and clouds did roll in, we were there long enough to view everything. 3. As our hotel was so far from the main attractions (Barra - Olympic Park area) and traffic was very busy, we only got to drive through Ipanema & Copacabana beaches. He also pointed out and described other historical sites. Additionally, Augusto suggested and showed us areas where to come back to on our own or provide another tour. Excellent experience.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Great. Loved the review. Thanks a a lot . It was a pleasure

Great day with a very knowledgeable guide

Tammy_R, Sep 2024
Gus is the guy! He knows his city well and was very knowledgeable and helpful in getting us to all the top sites. He was also able to get us hooked up for a Fluminense game! We had a really nice day - thank you Gus

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thanks a lot for the review. Loved being with you for the day

Perfect day in Rio

MILLIE_C, Apr 2024
We booked this private tour in Rio and so glad we did. Our guide Paulo was fantastic. He got us to places prior to crowds. Hotel pickup was on time and communication prior was great We never waited in long lines and he was so informative and so professional. This was by far the highlight of our trip.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thanks a lot for the review

Lido is the BEST

James_K, Apr 2024
Lido, was the best tour guy we’ve ever had in 10 years of using Viator. He truly made the experience a positive one, anticipating all issues and heading them off to maintain our pace and maximize the number of things we could see on our excursion.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks a lot for the excellent review. Appreciate your words

Gus was the best guide on this private tour of Rio.

Lynn_A, Apr 2024
Gus was the best ! He communicated with what’s app about out pick up at the hotel. He was right on time. We felt safe with him and his driving. On this private tour, he catered to our needs and traffic. We spoke very good English and gave us much information about the sites & Rio. He escorted us through the fast track lanes and how to avoid many stairways. He showed us the best places to be for the views and where to get the best photos. He even took photos of us. You can tell that he loves his job and is a pleasure to be around. It was money well spent for this private tour. After the tour , we were very pleased with our decision to have book this private tour. We had a full day exploring all of the major sites in Rio. Book this private tour and you will not be disappointed .

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your words. It does make me happy.

Great guide

Kevin_M, Apr 2024
Gus was an excellent guide. Very good English and over 20 years experience. He took us to places we never read about as well as the main sights.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks a lot for your words .

Perfect private guided tour

Jurgen_R, Mar 2024
Loved to see Rio through the eyes of a local. We enjoyed the knowledge of our guide. Everything well organized by Gus. Communication worked perfect. Highly recommend.perfect

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thanks a lot for the review. All the best

Great day in Rio!

Lynette_B, Mar 2024
Best day in Rio! Gus was a great guide! He accompanied our group of five to all the sights. We visited Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema & Copacabana beaches, Sugar Loaf cable car & the Escalaria Selarón. We had a delicious lunch of Brazilian BBQ. I highly recommend this full day tour with guide & driver.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

You're a star. Thanks a lot for the review

Awesome guide!

Lisa_A, Jan 2024
Wonderful, knowledgeable, and engaging guide. His knowledge saved us lots of time and money and he was so calm in a pressure situation. Five stars isn’t enough! Ask for Guillerme

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thanks Lisa. Gui is one of the top five guides in Rio and he's one of my first options when I'm busy.

Our tour guide Gus was...

Perla_F, Dec 2023
Our tour guide Gus was excellent. There were 12 of us on the tour, he made sure we were all together and always accounted for at each place. He went with us everywhere even when we have to get tickets,. His recommendations of restaurants and places to shop were excellent. We'll recommend him 100%..

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thanks a lot Perla. It was a pleasure being with your lovely group.

Excellent time in Rio

Bryan_T, Dec 2023
We had a wonderful time with Marcio, our tour guide. You won’t be disappointed. Very knowledgeable about city.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thanks a lot. Márcio is one of my partners in Rio.

Amazing tour guide Carla!

Sara_F, Nov 2023
This tour was an amazing experience, and all of that was due to Carla. She was extremely knowledgeable about Rio, easy to communicate with, and very accommodating to my physical limitations. Walking through the sites I felt like VIP, I truly enjoyed the whole tour.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Very glad to hear that. Thanks for your review

Wonderful day

Kit_C, Oct 2023
Daniel is a great guide. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and helpful . My wife and I had a great day. Thanks to Daniel. Kit

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Thanks a lot for the review

Would book again

Navinder_S, Oct 2023
Gus is a great tour guide. Very communicative and accommodating. We felt safe traveling around with him and would definitely book this tour again or recommend it to a friend who was coming to visit Rio.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Good to hear that. Thanks a lot

Great tour!

Ashley_K, Sep 2023
This was scheduled for our first full day in Rio and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Luis was our guide and picked us up from our hotel. Before embarking on our journey through Rio, he asked what our interests were and designed our itinerary based on that. We visited Christ the Redeemer, Botanical Gardens, and the famous stairs. He have us an impromptu food tour and took us to the best place for cheesy bread (name is escaping me at the moment). He dropped us off at sugarloaf but the lines were too long so we returned another day. Overall this is a private great tour that gives you the freedom to customize your itinerary. I would definitely book again if I returned with newbies. It was also nice to hear about the history and culture. Oh, and he doubled as our photographer. :) The only thing I would change is time management. My friends would sometimes get caught up in taking photos that we didn’t have enough time catch the sunset at sugarloaf. Granted the day was ours, it would have been helpful to keep everyone on track.

Great tour with Gus

Artinder_P, Jun 2023
I booked this experience based on the amazing reviews about Gus and I can definitely say he lives up to his name and beyond. He allows you to see what you want and gives you your own space to explore each site without rushing you. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Dear Artlinder. Thank you so much for your comment. I love it. All the best

Excellent experience

Suchitra_V, May 2023
Daniel was excellent. Very professional, friendly, pleasant to talk to, and very knowledgeable. He was very helpful too. Learned a lot. The experience with Viator was great. Loved Rio!! Thank you

Response from Host, May 2023

Thanks a lot for the review

From $195.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 65 days in advance.

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