Rio de Janeiro · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Rio de Janeiro Tours Most Worth Booking

506 tours  ·  from $1 a head

Two summits, a bay, a forest and a coastline in both directions, and usually only a week to fit them in. These 15 are the bookings that earn the days, each priced and timed, with the full list below when you want more.

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch - Christ the Redeemer above the Tijuca Forest
Lunch Experiences, Rio City Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tour Reviews

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

1.6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,157 reviews · 8 hours · from $130Our pick

Cover Rio’s headline sights in eight hours by minivan: Christ the Redeemer, Maracanã and the Sambadrome from outside, Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Sugarloaf by cable car. Hotel pickup, listed entry fees, lunch, and a multilingual guide are included. Guides such as Juan, Joao, Carlos, and Ursula have earned praise for clear explanations and adapting the day when weather shifts.

“Roger was an amazing tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about the history of each attraction, and ensured everyone in our group was enjoying the tour. He was a joy to spend the day with and the tour itself was an incredible value and use of our time in Rio!”

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Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train - Reaching the statue and taking in the view
Christ the Redeemer Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train

2.Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,476 reviews · 1 day · from $45

Ride the Corcovado electric train through Tijuca National Park to Christ the Redeemer, then explore the monument and visitor areas at your own pace. The roughly 20-minute ascent brings views of Rio, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and Guanabara Bay. Your ticket covers the official train and access to the statue; no guide is specified.

“Train ride was nice, well organized and quick. Lots of people visit the Christ so I recommend going as early as possible.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide - Two hours on foot in a residential community
Guided, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Rio Favela Tours, Rio Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide

3.Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,052 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $36

This two-hour walk through Rocinha is led by a local guide, with guides such as Ray, Bruno, and Carlos named on recent departures. You’ll hear about daily life, ask questions, and travel by air-conditioned minivan from selected Copacabana or Ipanema meeting points. The tour aims to be educational and respectful, with part of its cost going to the community.

“It was an amazing experience. And our guide Ray, was the best. Very good in English and she made you feel comfortable, which was nice, when it’s your first time in a favela.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Cable Car Official Ticket - Morro da Urca is more than a transfer
Rio de Janeiro Tours, Sugarloaf Mountain Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Cable Car Official Ticket

4.Sugarloaf Cable Car Official Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,873 reviews · 1 day · from $46

Make your own way to Sugarloaf Mountain, exchange your voucher as instructed, then ride two enclosed cable-car legs to the summit. Take in views of Rio, Copacabana Beach and Guanabara Bay, explore the viewpoints and park at your own pace, and stop for food or a drink if you wish. Round-trip rides are included; transport and meals are not.

“Can’t go to Rio without going to Sugar Loaf mountain and the cable car journey was great.”

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Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch - Maracanã and Sambadrome from the outside
BBQ, Christ the Redeemer Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Selarón Steps Tours, Sugarloaf Mountain Tours, Tour Reviews

Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch

5.Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,428 reviews · 8 - 9 hours · from $69

Spend 8 to 9 hours visiting Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Maracanã and Sambadrome. Choose a train or van for Corcovado, and check your package carefully: Sugarloaf admission and the barbecue lunch are included only with selected options. Guides work in five languages.

“Our guide Emma was not only informative but enthusiastic and energetic. She was warm and professional and made us all feel welcome. It’s too bad she had to guide a large group as we would have like to have her as our private guide. I highly recommend Emma!”

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Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour - Hearing the human story behind the headlines
Half-Day, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Rio Favela Tours, Rio Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

6.Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,272 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

Walk Rocinha with local English-, Spanish-, or Portuguese-speaking guides, hear about daily life and local challenges, and take in views over Rio. Routes have included a rooftop stop and a capoeira visit. The three-hour tour meets outside the Copacabana Palace and involves steep stairs and narrow alleys.

“The tour was great and Daniel was the best guide we could have wished for. I recommend everyone doing this and ask for Daniel! He showed us al the good spots of the favela and showed us how the favelas really are and not the stereotype everyone believes”

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Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour - Blue Lagoon: the first swim stop
Full-Day, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour

7.Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,673 reviews · 14 hours · from $77

Leave Rio early for a full day on the Costa Verde: about two and a half hours by road, then a boat trip among Ilha Grande’s lagoons and beaches. Swim, snorkel, and stop for a buffet lunch in Japariz. Guides speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish; Marcelo, Nayt, Thiago, and Fabio have led recent trips.

“Such a fun day out, everyone was was dancing and singing along to music. The tour guide was very inclusive, tried to get everyone up and dance along. The stops were amazing, water wasn’t as clear on our day out but I’ve heard that it can be very clear. Towards the end of it everyone was laughing, dancing, drinking and getting along with other groups”

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Rio: Maracanã Stadium Official Entrance Ticket - The museum: objects that make the history tangible
Maracanã Stadium Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Rio: Maracanã Stadium Official Entrance Ticket

8.Maracanã Stadium Official Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,632 reviews · 1 day · from $24Best value

Explore Maracanã Stadium at your own pace, from football memorabilia to the changing rooms, players’ tunnel, press conference room and pitch area. The visit is largely self-guided, with signs in Portuguese and English and staff available if you have questions. Allow about 40 minutes for the main route, and check match-day hours before you go.

“There's nothing better than visiting one of the cradles of soccer and having them recognize that Saprissa is the best in Central America.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema - What happens during the one-hour lesson
Rio Beach Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Rio Samba Experiences, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Rio de Janeiro: Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema

9.Beginner Samba Lesson in Ipanema

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,071 reviews · 1 hour · from $25Top rated

In Ipanema, instructors Carla, Ranaa, and Gaby teach a one-hour beginner samba lesson in Portuguese or English. Learn basic steps, rhythm, and body movement in a small group, then pose in Carnival costumes. Photos are included, and class videos are also shared.

“Gaby is a great teacher. It was so much fun. I am ready for Rio and the Carnival.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour - Sunset, Sugarloaf and the view back to Rio
Evening Experiences, Rio Boat Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Rio Sunset Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

10.Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 994 reviews · 3 hours · from $75

Sail Guanabara Bay for three hours from Marina da Glória, passing historic forts, Boa Viagem Island and Oscar Niemeyer’s Niterói museum before watching sunset over Rio. Groups are limited to 12, with a private option available. Caipirinhas, beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks are included. Hosts have included Clarisse, Karina and Samuel; the crew and route can vary.

“This is the best activity I did during my stay in Rio and I'm so glad I booked it. Probably the most beautiful way to see the city. You can even get in the water and swim. They serve delicious drinks on board as well as light snacks. Our guide Clarisse was so kind and friendly and excited to have us all on board. I can't recommend this activity enough! 5 stars.”

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Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba - Walk From The Arcos To Selarón Steps
Drinking Tours, Food & Drink, Pub Crawls, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Rio Food Tours, Rio Nightlife Tours, Rio Samba Experiences, Tour Reviews

Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba

11.Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 881 reviews · 4 hours · from $33

In Lapa, a local guide leads you from a cachaça bar to the Arcos da Lapa, Selarón Steps, live samba and a nightclub. The $33 price includes at least four cachaça shots, one caipirinha and skip-the-line entry. Guides such as Andressa, Raffa and Marcos have led past tours, though your guide may differ.

“Andressa and Nay were amazing guides, the samba spots were amazing and a great introduction into Rios Nightlife. I really enjoyed myself and the people there were really friendly. I would definitely recommend this bar crawl if your in Rio de Janeiro!”

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Rio de Janeiro: Christ, Selaron Steps, and Tijuca Park Tour - Park Lage and Tijuca’s green edge
Christ the Redeemer Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Selarón Steps Tours, Tijuca Forest Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Christ, Selaron Steps, and Tijuca Park Tour

12.Christ, Selaron Steps, and Tijuca Park Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 857 reviews · 7 hours · from $68

This seven-hour Rio tour pairs an early visit to Christ the Redeemer with Park Lage, central Rio, the Cathedral, Selaron Steps and Santa Teresa. Transport, a guide and Christ’s ticket are included. English, Spanish and Portuguese are offered, and you can choose a Sugarloaf drop-off at the end.

“Vanessa was an awesome tour guide! Very knowledgable about the history of Rio de Janeiro and the sites we toured. I got sick on our originally scheduled tour date and we were able to reschedule without worry. Highly recommend.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar - Swimming, sunset, and the return to Urca
Drinking Tours, Evening Experiences, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Rio Nightlife Tours, Rio Sunset Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

13.Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 785 reviews · 3 hours · from $57

Set out from Urca for a three-hour sail around Guanabara Bay, with views of Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado, and Flamengo Park. The crew serves caipirinhas, beer, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks, and there may be time for a swim. Hosts such as Paola, Lohanny, and Mariana have led trips in English and Portuguese.

“This was a fantastic experience! Everyone was so nice, welcoming, informative, and friendly! Plenty of drinks and snacks, great music, and lots of fun people to enjoy the evening with. Even got to dive off the boat and swim in the harbor for a little bit. Would 100% recommend when in Rio and would definitely go back again!”

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Rio de Janeiro: Hang gliding adventure - From Pedra da Gávea into the Rio sky
Rio de Janeiro Tours, Rio Hang Gliding Flights, Tour Reviews

Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Adventure

14.Hang Gliding Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 760 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $229

From Pedra Bonita, 525 meters above sea level, you run a few steps with a tandem pilot and glide over Rio before landing on São Conrado beach. The 2 to 3 hour outing includes instruction and safety gear. Ask what video footage costs, and allow extra time for weather or launch queues.

“It was the biggest adrenaline rush! Such a wonderful experience, very professional and safe”

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Rio de Janeiro: Guided Jeep Tour through Tijuca Rainforest - The open jeep sets the pace
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Rio de Janeiro: Guided Jeep Tour through Tijuca Rainforest

15.Guided Jeep Tour through Tijuca Rainforest

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 740 reviews · 4 hours · from $90

Spend four hours exploring Tijuca National Park by open-top jeep, stopping at waterfalls, viewpoints, and Mayrink Chapel before a guided forest walk. Your guide explains the Atlantic Forest and its plants and wildlife. Past guides have included Roberta, Everton, Jorge, Jane, and Raphael, though your guide may differ. The hike is easy, but its length can vary.

“Amelia was very accommodating. She made sure that everything we wanted to see was included in the tour. Our driver was terrific. He even showed us some different trails to see the best views. I would highly recommend and definitely worth the money.”

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New in Tour Reviews

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Rio, by what you came for

Peaks, trails, the bay or the samba floor.

The peaks

Christ the RedeemerSugarloafHelicopter FlightsSunrise ToursMaracanã

Trails & forest

Guided HikesTijuca ForestWaterfallsPedra do TelégrafoJeep Tours

Sea & sand

Boat TripsSunset SailsBeach DaysSurf LessonsHang Gliding

Nights & neighbourhoods

SambaLapa NightsFavela WalksSanta TeresaFood Walks