About this experience
See the best of Rio de Janeiro with a knowledgeable local guide on a private, customizable city tour! You’ll be chauffeured around Rio in a comfortable private vehicle and have the unique opportunity to fully customize your own itinerary. Head to whichever neighborhoods, beaches or city landmarks you’d like to see, from the shores of Guanabara Bay to the hilltop enclave of Santa Teresa – your choice. If you opt to upgrade your tour, travel through the Tijuca Forest by cog train to Corcovado and/or by cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
At a glance
- Duration: 4 hr–8 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 4 hr–8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Professional guide
- Transport by private vehicle
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees (if option not selected)
Itinerary and highlights
(If option selected) Your private guide will take you to the Urca neighborhood, where one of Rio's most iconic symbols is located – the monolith of Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar). Board the glass-walled cable car, making a brief stop at a vista point approximately 700 feet (215 meters) above sea level. Capture unrivaled panoramic views of Rio, including the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Mountain across Guanabara Bay. Finally, ascend to the summit of Sugarloaf for breathtaking vistas of Copacabana Beach and beyond (visibility dependent on weather conditions)!
(If option selected) Your private guide will accompany you on a cog train ride through the scenic Tijuca Forest, a national park. When you reach the 2,329-foot (710-meter) granite peak of Corcovado, climb the steps (or ride the escalator) to the foot of the iconic Christ Redeemer statue, which stands 125 feet (38 meters) tall with outstretched arms over Rio. Enjoy magnificent photo opportunities of the panoramic vista (visibility dependent on clear weather), which includes downtown Rio, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and several hillside favelas.
Choosing the best itinerary might be a hard task, so here are a few suggestions to make it easier for you:
* Guanabara Bay with Santa Teresa and Selarón Steps by foot and Arcos da Lapa:
Explore the views of Guanabara Bay, the largest bay in the world; Walk through Santa Teresa's streets to see the Selarón Steps, the Ruins Park, the bars and the cobbled hills; View the famous Arcos da Lapa, the traditional bohemian neighborhood
Another sugestion of itinerary:
* Botanical Garden and Lage Park with Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon:
Visit the Botanical Garden, a unique park due its the variety of species, then go to Lage Park, a gorgeous park at the foot of the Corcovado; and check out Rio's postcard, rent a bike or paddle boat to enjoy it.
One more suggestion of route:
* Maracanã Stadium with Quinta da Boa Vista and São Cristovão Fair:
Take a tour inside one of the world's largest football stadium; visit Quinta da Boa Vista, a public park of great historical importance in the city, which hosts the National Museum and the Zoological Garden, with the biggest birds zoo of Latin America; and take a walk through a traditional brazilian northeastern fair, where you will see handicrafts, musicians and variety of foods made by locals.
Meeting and pickup information
- Private Roundtrip Transfer to/from most hotels located in South Zone, Barra da Tijuca, Santa Teresa, Downtown Rio, Port or Airport.
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- Portuguese — Guide
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Gray Line Brazil
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The specific departure time for this tour will be determined upon reconfirmation
- Set your choice of time duration and inclusion of tickets at the time of purchase
- The places at the itinerary section are suggestions. You may choose your own itinerary.
- Train Ticket to Corcovado and/or Cable Car Ticket to Urca Hill are only included if respective options are selected
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
