Top Rio de Janeiro Half-day Tours

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.

Visit two of Rio de Janeiro's most famous landmarks, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountain, during this half-day tour. Ascend to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain for sprawling views of the city below and Corcovado to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue. See the mountains, lakes, beaches, and oceans that surround the bustling city with natural beauty from its highest points. Learn about the culture and history of Rio through informative commentary from your local guide. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included. 

Explore Rio and visit Sugar Loaf Mountain during this 4-hour morning tour. Visit some of the city's most important landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and Copacabana Beach. Then, board a glassed-in cable car bound for Sugar Loaf's peak, stopping once at a scenic viewpoint. Upon reaching the top of Sugar Loaf at 1,299 feet (396 meters) above sea level, admire the views of Niteroi, Copacabana, and Santa Cruz Fortress. Round-trip transportation from selected Rio hotels is included.

Tick off several of Rio de Janeiro’s top sights—including the Selaron Steps, Christ the Redeemer Statue, and Tijuca National Park—in just a few hours on a tour that offers a stress-free introduction for travelers short on time. In order to avoid the hassle of public transport, you’ll travel around Brazil’s cultural capital in an air-conditioned vehicle and benefit from the insider knowledge of your guide.

Get an in-depth local experience with this walking tour of one of Rio's favelas, Rocinha. Follow your resident guide to get an insider's perspective on daily life and learn about the challenges these communities face.

Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this comprehensive 8-hour tour. With a local guide, travel through the Tijuca Forest, stopping at Paineiras to board transportation to the top of Corcovado, home of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Take the cable car from Urca up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, then eat lunch at one of the city's best steakhouses before visits to Maracanã Stadium and the Sambadrome. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included. 

Get away from Rio’s raucous side and head deep into nature on this half-day tour. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll head to the city’s “Green Lungs,” aka Tijuca National Park, the largest urban rainforest on the planet. With your guide leading the way, you’ll wander amongst caves and waterfalls, watch for wildlife, and marvel at Brazilian biodiversity—bring your camera, your hiking shoes, and your exploring legs!

Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this full-day tour. Travel through the Tijuca Forest to see the Christ the Redeemer statue. Take the cable car from Urca up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, before visiting downtown highlgihts such as Maracanã (outside only), the Sambadrome area, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Sao Bento Monastery and Selarón Stairs. Round-trip transport from selected hotels in Rio is included, and you can opt to include admission tickets and lunch.

As one of the New7Wonders of the World and Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic attraction, the Christ the Redeemer statue attracts lengthy lines. Don’t waste time waiting, save time with this skip-the-line ticket that allows you to board the next available train to Christ the Redeemer, which reigns supreme over the city from Corcovado’s summit. 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 beneath the outstretched arms of Christ.   

Explore the bucolic neighborhood of Santa Teresa and downtown Ancient Rio during this 4-hour tour. In Ancient Rio, visit sites like the France Brazil House, Arcos da Lapa, Teles Arches and Praça XV. In Santa Teresa, admire the stately mansions from the early 1900s and view the neighborhood's original tram, built in 1897. Learn about the importance of both of these neighborhoods in Rio's past through commentary from your guide. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Take a panoramic city tour through Downtown Rio, a stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral and travel to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain and visit the Christ the Redeemer statue on this full-day comprehensive tour of Rio's most famous landmarks. Reach the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountain by cable car and by cog train through the Tijuca Rainforest, respectively. This full-day tour includes round-trip transportation from most Rio hotels, allows you to see all of Rio's sights in just one day.

Combine many of Rio's top sights, including the Christ the Redeemer statue, in a half-day tour in Rio. You'll also visit Copacabana, Ipanema, the Sambadromo, and other landmarks. Entrance fees and round-trip transportation included.

A flexible itinerary ensures a customizable experience during this private sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro. Your private group can choose to focus on nature or history, with either a driver-guide or a separate guide and driver. Choose from highlights such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the Selaron Steps. History buffs can explore the historic city center while nature lovers may opt to visit Tijuca Forest.

Soar above the city of Rio de Janeiro aboard a hang glider during this 4-hour adventure. Accompanied by a fully certified instructor, launch from the Tijuca Forest National Park, and glide over the lush, verdant Mata Atlantica (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. Round-trip transportation is available for additional cost, but a video DVD of your hang-gliding experience is included.

Head to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car for sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro. Your skip-the-line ticket gives you priority access to both cable cars, and is valid for any departure time on the day you select.

Immerse yourself in the culture of Rio through its flavors during this half-day cooking class. Learn about the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques specific to Brazilian cuisine from your instructor. Then, get your hands dirty as you learn to prepare several authentic Brazilian recipes while sipping on a caipirinha. This experience goes beyond the restaurant scene for a true taste of Rio.

Attend the Ginga Tropical Show, a dance and music that allows you to learn about Brazil's vibrant history and culture through its traditional music and dance. During this show, see talented performers dance the lambada, samba and bossa nova dressed in outrageous Carnival costumes. Hear folklore from around the diverse country, live drumming and the Brazilian martial art: capoeira.

The bohemian Santa Teresa and the nightlife hub of Lapa are two of Rio de Janeiro’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. With this walking tour, explore some of the city’s most photo-worthy spots, including the Ruins Park, the vibrant Selarón Steps, and Cinelândia. Take in the views as you ride the local tram, stroll through the Passeio Público, and visit the legendary Confeitaria Colombo café.

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.

Tour Rio de Janeiro your way, with a private car and driver, during this fully customizable tour. Choose the landmarks and attractions that you want to visit, such as Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the city's famous beaches. Learn about the food, language, culture and history of the city and its inhabitants from your informative local guide while you explore. Round trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle is included.

The Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain is one of Rio’s most iconic landmarks. With this half-day city tour, travel up to the mountaintop mountain in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan, then combine it with two of Rio’s most vibrant historic neighborhoods. Visit the picturesque Santa Teresa, known for its bohemian vibe and narrow streets, then explore the nightlife hub of Lapa, home to the colorful Selaron Steps.

Explore the mountain retreat of Petrópolis on this full-day guided tour. Once a summer holiday destination for the royalty of Brazil, Petrópolis features landmarks like the Crystal Palace, the Imperial Museum and the burial place of Dom Pedro II. Purchase a tour upgrade for a stop at Cervejaria Bohemia, where you'll taste one of Brazil's favorite lagers and learn about the history and science behind this brewery through a tour and interactive exhibits. Round-trip transportation from most Rio hotels is included.

Guided tour of the historic city center. On this tour you will be introduced to Rio de Janeiro within its historical context. Focusing on architecture and multicultural traditions, which define a unique way of being and living the "carioca". We will walk towards the knowledge and traditions of the City. We will visit squares, churches, and historic sites. There will be the possibility of stopping for lunch, which is not included in the price of the tour. You will spend a maximum of 10 USD per person. We will pass by souvenir shops where the purchase will be optional. We will wait for you for this adventure through the streets of Rio de Janeiro.