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Home/Destinations/Rio de Janeiro/Rio de Janeiro in 3 days
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 Private Tour: Christ, Sugar Loaf & Selarón Steps!
Rio De Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Private Tour: Christ, Sugar Loaf & Selarón Steps!
5.0(69)·7–8 hours
from$167/ person
via Viator
Tijuca National Park and all its wonders
Rio De Janeiro
Tijuca National Park and all its wonders
5.0(94)·4–5 hours
from$71/ person
via Viator
Half Day Hiking Tour Morro Dois Irmaos and Favela Vidigal
Rio De Janeiro
Half Day Hiking Tour Morro Dois Irmaos and Favela Vidigal
5.0(123)·4–5 hours
from$60/ person
via Viator
Private VIP Paradise Ilha Grande Speed Boat and Transfer from Rio
Rio De Janeiro
Private VIP Paradise Ilha Grande Speed Boat and Transfer from Rio
4.8(57)·9–10 hours
from$1,188/ person
via Viator
Private Rio Tour: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf & Selarón Steps
Rio De Janeiro
Private Rio Tour: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf & Selarón Steps
5.0(43)·6–7 hours
from$201/ person
via Viator
Private 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic
Rio De Janeiro
Private 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic
5.0(21)·6 hours
from$222/ person
via Viator
Rio Favela Tour
Rio De Janeiro
Rio Favela Tour
5.0(65)·2–3 hours
from$35/ person
via Viator
Dona Marta's sunrise, undisturbed Christ the Redeemer and more
Rio De Janeiro
Dona Marta's sunrise, undisturbed Christ the Redeemer and more
5.0(270)·6 hours
from$138/ person
via 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