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3 days · Rio de Janeiro itinerary

Rio de Janeiro in 3 Days: The Complete Itinerary

Three days in Rio lets you go deeper. Here is how to spend three perfect days in the Marvellous City — with the best-rated tours and day trips to book for each.

At a glance

  1. 1Day 1: Christ & Sugarloaf
  2. 2Day 2: Tijuca & beaches
  3. 3Day 3: Favela or day trip
  4. 4Icons, nature & culture

Day 1: the icons

See Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf.

Day 2: Tijuca & beaches

Jeep through the jungle and relax on the sand.

Day 3: favela or day trip

Take a favela tour or escape to Arraial do Cabo.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Rio de Janeiro — prices per person.

Rio de Janeiro Hubschraubertour - Christus der Erlöser
Rio De Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Hubschraubertour - Christus der Erlöser
4.9(652)·0 Stunden
ab$250/ Person
über Viator
Halbtägige Jeep-Tour im Tijuca-Regenwald und in der malerischen Landschaft von Rio
Rio De Janeiro
Halbtägige Jeep-Tour im Tijuca-Regenwald und in der malerischen Landschaft von Rio
4.9(44)·5 Stunden
ab$109/ Person
über Viator
Rio-Favela-Tour
Rio De Janeiro
Rio-Favela-Tour
5.0(65)·3 Stunden
ab$35/ Person
über Viator
Angra dos Reis und Ilha Grande - Tagesausflug mit Schoner-Bootstour und Mittagessen
Rio De Janeiro
Angra dos Reis und Ilha Grande - Tagesausflug mit Schoner-Bootstour und Mittagessen
3.7(83)·12 Stunden
ab$97/ Person
über Viator
Abenteuer im Tijuca-Wald
Rio De Janeiro
Abenteuer im Tijuca-Wald
4.6(24)·4 Stunden
ab$47/ Person
über Viator
Gruppe Rocinha Favela Tour
Rio De Janeiro
Gruppe Rocinha Favela Tour
5.0(32)·3 Stunden
ab$60/ Person
über Viator
Tagesausflug Angra Dos Reis und Ilha Grande von Rio de Janeiro
Rio De Janeiro
Tagesausflug Angra Dos Reis und Ilha Grande von Rio de Janeiro
3.7(72)·12 Stunden
ab$99/ Person
über Viator
Rio de Janeiro - Jeep-Tour Favela da Rocinha
Rio De Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro - Jeep-Tour Favela da Rocinha
4.4(20)·3 Stunden
ab$59/ Person
über Viator

Rio de Janeiro in 3 days — FAQ

Is 3 days enough to see Rio?
Three days is ideal — the icons on day one, the Tijuca rainforest and beaches on day two, and a favela tour or a day trip on day three, covering Rio’s landmarks, nature and culture.
What is the best day trip from Rio for 3 days?
Arraial do Cabo is the most beautiful for beaches, Paraty the most charming colonial town, and a favela tour the most eye-opening cultural experience.
How do I plan a 3-day Rio itinerary?
Spend day one on Christ and Sugarloaf, day two on Tijuca and the beaches, and day three on a favela tour or beach day trip, booking the icon tickets ahead.

Explore more in Rio de Janeiro

Christ the RedeemerSugarloaf MountainCity Highlights