Rio de Janeiro · TOURS

The 15 Best Guided Days Out in Rio de Janeiro

280 tours  ·  from $1 a head

Everything with a guide, a boat or a minibus attached, in one list. These 15 are the Rio days worth a whole day, priced and timed.

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

1.Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide

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

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

2.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
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Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Full-Day Tour

3.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 de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour - Sunset, Sugarloaf and the view back to Rio
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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

4.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 de Janeiro: Christ, Selaron Steps, and Tijuca Park Tour - Park Lage and Tijuca’s green edge
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Rio de Janeiro: Christ, Selaron Steps, and Tijuca Park Tour

5.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
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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

6.Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

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

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: 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

7.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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Jeep Adventure: Guided Tour through Tijuca Rain Forest - From the visitor center to Cascatinha Taunay
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Jeep Adventure: Guided Tour through Tijuca Rain Forest

8.Jeep Adventure: Guided Tour through Tijuca Rain Forest

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 554 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend about four hours exploring Tijuca National Park in an open Jeep, with a short, easy forest walk, waterfall stops, and views from Vista Chinesa. A multilingual guide covers the Mata Atlântica’s plants and reforestation. Pickup is available from many hotels in Downtown, the South Zone, and Barra da Tijuca. Vista Chinesa is closed to tour visits on weekends and holidays.

“Great experience. Myriam was super nice and friendly, showed us the beauty of Rio and the Tajuca forest area. Unfortunately the Emperor's table can be reached only on foot on weekends.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Helicopter Tour - Choosing between the 20- and 25-minute routes
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Rio de Janeiro: Helicopter Tour

9.Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 530 reviews · 20 - 30 minutes · from $220

Meet at Jacarepaguá Airport in Barra da Tijuca for a shared helicopter flight over Rio. Choose a 20-minute route over the western beaches, lagoon, Botanical Garden, and Christ the Redeemer, or a 25-minute route that adds Copacabana, Urca, and Sugarloaf Mountain. Flights are route-based, so the advertised time is an estimate.

“It was absolutely incredible! Best excursion I have ever done! It was so worth it! Super professional and nice! The views were insane!!! Take your phones to take photos they give you a secure stick!”

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Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail - Floats, costumes, and the human work behind them
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Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

10.Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 520 reviews · 90 - 150 minutes · from $27Best value

At Samba City, a bilingual guide leads you through Grande Rio’s Carnival workshop, where floats, costumes, and parade planning come into focus. You’ll hear about samba’s roots, try on parade dress, learn a few samba steps, and finish with a caipirinha. Tours last 90 to 150 minutes, with guides speaking several languages.

“Tour was great. Would definitely do it again. It’s nice to understand more about samba culture and see the floats in person and up close.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Tour with… - Christ the Redeemer, up close
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Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Tour with…

11.Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Tour with…

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 499 reviews · 9 hours · from $141

In nine hours, visit Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Sambadrome, and Maracanã’s exterior. Your guide leads the day in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, with guides such as Marco and Ana Maria among those who have hosted it. Van transport, attraction tickets, and buffet lunch are included.

“The transportation was convient and we got to see so many different places! Such a remarkable and memorable tour”

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Paraty: Jungle Waterfalls and Cachaça Distillery Jeep Tour - Pedra Branca: a waterfall reached on foot
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Paraty: Jungle Waterfalls and Cachaça Distillery Jeep Tour

12.Jungle Waterfalls and Cachaça Distillery Jeep Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 491 reviews · 6 hours · from $37

Ride a 4x4 jeep from central Paraty into Serra da Bocaina National Park for waterfalls, short forest walks, swimming, lunch, and a cachaça tasting. Guides such as Everton and Luis have brought local plants and wildlife to life for visitors. Expect a lively six-hour outing, not a strenuous hike, with cold water and busy stops possible.

“Excellent value for money. Great trip 2 waterfall locations, opportunity to swim and use natural slide. Distillery tour was interesting and able to try lots of flavours. Tour guides were amazing, knowledgeable and helpful (spoke English which was helpful for us). Where they took us for lunch was great, really nice food. Would definitely recommend the tour to anyone coming to Paraty.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Top Tour with Local Guide - Mirante Dona Marta brings the wide view
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Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Top Tour with Local Guide

13.Favela Santa Marta Top Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 488 reviews · 150 minutes - 3 hours · from $28

Walk Santa Marta with a guide who lives in the community. The two-and-a-half to three-hour visit may include Michael Jackson Square, Mirante Dona Marta, a local home, samba, football, and community projects. Guides such as Mario, Marco, Luis, and Raycca have led tours. Tram tickets are included; transport to the meeting point is not.

“Absolutely fantastic, so glad I decided to do this. Luis was an amazing guide”

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Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island - Freguesia de Santana Beach: a calm first pause
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Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

14.Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 469 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $90

Travel from Rio to Angra dos Reis by bus, then cruise by schooner among Ilha Grande’s beaches and swimming stops, including Lagoa Azul and Japariz. The roughly 14-hour outing costs $90 and includes a bilingual guide, transport, boat ride, and lunch. Expect an early start, extra marina and onboard costs, and a long drive each way.

“Lots of fun, amazing experience, tour guide was adequate, food was ok, good music, overall a good experience”

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Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour - The trail climbs steadily from Guaratiba
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Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour

15.Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 417 reviews · 4 hours - 390 minutes · from $56

Ride from selected Rio neighborhoods to Pedra Branca State Park, then hike about an hour uphill to Pedra do Telégrafo and its famous viewpoints. Guides such as Dayvison, Erick and Nicolas have helped set a steady pace and take group photos. Afterward, spend time at Grumari or Prainha Beach. Bring water, hiking shoes, swimwear and your own snacks.

“This was great! I’m not a hiker, I wouldn’t consider myself one as I maybe do a basic simple hike like once a year, if that. I was initially worried if I would be able to keep up but Erick made sure we all were good. I actually did well…I think haha. The hike it self is very tiring, very steep incline but that’s it. There’s no climbing or any other physical activity needed. I truly appreciate our guide Erick as from the start, he was very prompt. He arrived exactly on time and kept great communication with me. My friend with me struggled with the hike and Erick kept…”

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New in Tours

★ 4.1Paraty Historical City Walking TourFrom $728 reviews
★ 3.3Zip Lining and Canopy Tree TourFrom $806 reviews
★ 4.4Vidigal Favela TourFrom $4926 reviews
★ 4.5City Tour by Trolley with 12 Beaches and PickupFrom $534 reviews
★ 5.0Rio Highlights: Christ, Sugarloaf, and More in a Private TourFrom $19636 reviews
★ 5.0Rocinha Walking Tour: Get a Feel for the Brazil’s Largest Favela (Shared Group)From $10037 reviews
★ 4.54-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de JaneiroFrom $6030 reviews
★ 5.0Rio by Day – Main Sights TourFrom $16431 reviews
★ 5.0Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and moreFrom $7432 reviews
★ 5.0Rio de Janeiro City Tour for One DayFrom $17634 reviews
★ 5.0Rio Jewish Heritage Half-Day TourFrom $9935 reviews
★ 5.0Rio Street Art TourFrom $6839 reviews
★ 5.0Rio Express: Guided tour of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ Redeemer.From $10134 reviews
★ 5.0Jewish Tour in Rio de JaneiroFrom $9537 reviews
★ 5.08 Hour Private Tour by Car in Rio de Janeiro38 reviews

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Christ the Redeemer ToursSugarloaf Mountain ToursRio Boat ToursRio Hiking ToursRio Favela ToursParaty Tours
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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