Rio by Day - Main Sights Tour

Catch up nice views from the Leblon beach, where you can get a great perscpective of the Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill)

Located between Arpoador and Jardim de Alah, it is one of the most famous beaches in the country (Have you ever heard "Girl from Ipanema"?) and one of the busiest in the city. About 2 km long, some areas of the beach have strong waves and currents, and can be used for sports.

Copacabana Beach is the most famous beach in the city (maybe even in the country, or in the world) and is about 4 km long. Among the trademarks is its boardwalk with waves drawn in Portuguese stone, designed by famous brazilian landscaper Burle Max. In Copacabana you will testify why cariocas have such a beautiful tan. While you travel through these neighborhoods, you will hear a few tips on what to do around them and the interesting stories that took place in these streets.

Head Downtown through the charming Botafogo shore where you will have the first glimpse of Sugar Loaf. You can also get nice perspectives of the Guanabara Bay. This beach is great for those who wants to practice some sand sport: volleyball, soccer, footvolley, etc. Cycling, jogging and hiking are usual there, after all, there is a bike path and boardwalk that goes to Flamengo Beach.

You will pass through the historic Laranjeiras neighborhood, which hosts the Guanabara Palace, the ancient home of Princess Isabel who signed the Golden Law to free all slaves. Nowadays, the Palace is the official headquarters of the government of Rio de Janeiro.

Before reaching downtown you will pass next to the Sambodrome, where the Samba School Parade happens every year.

See from outside and get inside the iconic Metropolitan Cathedral which was built in a pyramidal form with an internal diameter of 96 meters and a height of 80 meters.

A comprehensive city tour of downtown area. Take a panoramic tour through historical streets and buildings and get to know stories and curiosities of this prominent area. Get nice perspectives of the traditional Cinelândia Square with its historical buildings, and take a look at the Municipal Theater with its Art Nouveau Architecture.

You will make your way to Urca through Aterro do Flamengo and its parks, designed by Burle Marx and hear all about Brazil’s participation in World War II as well as the founding of the city back in the late 1500s, just before arriving to Sugar Loaf.

The first cable car takes you to Urca Hill, a vantage point 215 meters high for which already grants beautiful views of Guanabara Bay and its islands, Flamengo and Botafogo beaches, Santos Dummont Airport, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, Urca’s neighborhood and Corcovado Mountain.

A second cable car takes you up to the top. When you get there, you will understand why Rio is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. At 395 meters you’ll enjoy breathtaking views from Copacabana beach, Niterói and the Santa Cruz fortress. From up there, you will have no trouble understanding why Rio is nicknamed “Wonderful City”.

After visiting Sugar Loaf Mountain, you will head down to an all-you-can-eat-style barbecue house. Brazilian Churrascarias (Barbecue places) offer a wide variety of sides and alternative options, in case you decide to stick with a vegetarian option, you will still leave delighted. Lunch is included only if option selected. If selecting an option without lunch, our guide will offer a variety of nearby suggestions that can fit any budget or taste!

Take a lap around the stadium and have a short stop so you can appreciate the splendor of the two-time World Cup Finals host. There you will be able to imagine the amount of history that took place since its opening in 1950 when Brazil hosted its first World Cup. You will see the stadium from outside only.

Upon reaching Cosme Velho Station, sitting at the bottom of Corcovado Mountain, we will catch the train with pre-reserved tickets to save time and it will take you up to the top, through the dense Tijuca Rainforest to the 38m tall (125ft) Christ Redeemer Statue. The 20 minute ride up will give you a chance to thoroughly appreciate the Tijuca Forest, which is considered to be the largest urban forest in the whole world. It represents 7% of the whole city`s territory! It’s breath taking and that alone already makes the trip well worth it.

Upon arriving at the Statue, you will have two options of reaching the top, by a lift and then an escalator, or the traditional way, by stairs, 222 Steps, but the prize makes it all worthwhile. Once up, the views and the imposing statue will take your mind off the walk up! Looking up you will feel blessed and protected by this beautiful monument of Christ with open arms, now one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! From up there you can see most of the city, all of the south zone and all the way to Niteroi. A unique view that will astound you. You will have about 40 minutes to get to know all the sides and views of Corcovado and take pictures.