Rio in Style: A Journey Thru Corcovado, Sugarloaf, Selaron
Description
Is this your first time in Rio? So this is the best choice for you to explore all the main "Carioca" wonders. Begin your journey at the majestic Sugarloaf Mountain, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the sky and the city reveals its most dazzling views. Ascend through the lush Tijuca Forest to reach the world-famous Christ the Redeemer. Ten go to Ipanema where you can have lunch or walk around. Pass by Maracana Stadium, Sambadrom , the Carnival Stadium and visit the Golden Church. Continue to the vibrant Selarón Steps and the striking Metropolitan Cathedral before admiring the historic Arcos da Lapa. This curated experience blends Rio’s natural splendor, cultural richness, and timeless sophistication in one unforgettable day.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Ipanema beach is bordered by Arpoador Beach on one end and Leblon Beach on the other end. This beach is considered one of the main centers of activity for the city of Rio. One of the most expensive places to live, the neighborhood is full of wealthy residents.
Is one of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in the world. The atmosphere is very vibrant and the people are colorful and fun loving. After the pick-up we will start the tour from Copacabana Beach.
This hill, 220 meters or 722 feet high, has at its peak the first stop of the cable car towards the Sugar Loaf. From the top of Morro da Urca you have spectacular views of various points of the city, such as the beaches of Botafogo, Flamengo, Corcovado with a statue of Cristo Redentor, Guanabara Bay, Rio's downtown, Santos Dumont Airport, Governador Island, Niterói, Rio-Niterói Bridge and, in the background, the Serra do Mar and the Dedo de Deus peak.
Sugar Loaf Mountain, 396 meters or 1300 feet above sea level. From up there, you will have a chance to see the most breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro and will definitely understand why everyone says that Rio is “The wonderful city”
The palace was built around 1853 for a merchant named Machado Coelho in neoclassical style. It was acquired by the imperial government in 1865 in favor of the recently married Princess Isabella and the Count of Eu; On this occasion, the architect José Maria Jacinto Rebelo underwent some transformations to the building. He also planted a hundred palm trees to give more solemnity to the access road. In 1889, the building was confiscated by the Republican government and subjected to a new restoration in 1908 under the direction of Francisco Marcellino de Souza Aguiar and landscape architect Paul Villon, in an eclectic style. After various uses, the palace belongs since 1960 to the government of the state of Rio.
The Carioca Aqueduct is located in the center of the city, in Lapa neighborhood, and is frequently called Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches) by Brazilian people. Since the end of the 19th century the aqueduct serves as a bridge for a popular tram that connects the city center with the Santa Teresa neighborhood uphill, the Santa Teresa streetcar.
Next we will visit the Escadaria Selarón or Selaron staircase, a colorful tiled stairway, work of a self-taught Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. Having traveled the world, Selarón moved to Rio in 1983, in a tiny house just in front of the desolate stairway connecting the areas of Lapa and Santa Teresa. 215 steps that he entirely covered with tiles collected in urban areas of Rio or donated by visitors from all around the world. Since 1990, Selarón has laid over 2000 tiles, He choose green, yellow and blue as main colors like the Brazilian flag: unique pieces representing a “tribute to the Brazilian people”. It has starred in many music videos such as "Beautiful" by Snoop Dog and Pharrel Williams in 2002.
As we continue through the city, we will see the Lapa Arches, Lavradio street and Avenida Chile. There we will visit the cone-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral, a major landmark in this Brazilian city and a masterpiece of modern art. With architecture inspired by the Mayan pyramids of Mexico, the conical shape is believed to give proximity to God. Four stained glass windows run from floor to ceiling forming a cross at the top. You will notice that acoustics are great in there!
The Tijuca Forest or Floresta da Tijuca is a tropical rainforest in the city of Rio de Janeiro which is 3.5% of the city of Rio de Janeiro, around 11 times Central Park in NY. The tour will reach Tijuca Forest with a stop at Paineiras to board the official vehicles of the National Park Authority to be able to reach the top of the Corcovado Hill where The Christ The Redeemer Statue is located.
From the top of Corcovado Hill you will be able to admire The Christ of the Redeemer statue, which has 38m or 125 feet in height and was made of reinforced concrete clad in a mosaic of thousands of triangular soapstone tiles, and also will have a chance to see some of the most beautiful views of the city.
Only in case of poor visibility on the summit of the Corcovado, we will make an alternative stop at Mirante Dona Marta which offers one of the most incredible views of the city, guaranteeing the title of one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro.
The oldest Monastery in the city with a Golden Church
The most famous stadium on the world
Carnaval parede stadium
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up by selected hotels by the coastline of Leblon, Ipanema, Leme and Copacabana, between 7am and 7:30am. Please contact local operator to know the best pick up location and pick up time.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Remark: In case of poor visibility on the summit of the Corcovado, we make an alternative stop at mirante Dona Marta (362m), generally less affected by cloudiness.
- Child rates apply provided they have ID and do not occupy a seat
Reviews(61)
The trip was very well. Our guide was great, but very knowledgeable. She made sure that were very comfortable. Great tour guide
Sabina is very informative and knowledgeable. She’s very helpful and a pleasure to be around. Loved the group vibe as well.
Thank you! It was our pleasure to show you Rio. Regards,
Alè is a super host. He made us feel well come with personal well come card and snacks and drinks and very helpful. The aparment is cozy and friendly. Location is perfect.
Sorry but this is about the tour, not apartment. Thank you
The local guide Victoria really looked after the group well and was brimming with enthusiasm for her city. We found the staff at the attractions "Christ the Redeemer" and the "Sugar Loaf" very helpful. The Celeron Steps where unusual though due our poor balance we did not explore them fully as there was no handrail. Rea;;y liked the tour.
Thank you Gordon for your review. We will let Victoria know. Regards, Gisela
Guide was great. The first half was great but the second half is problematic: 1 Macarena stop (30+ mins drive for 3-5 mins in the blaring sun without shade for a statue, and you can't even see inside the stadium) shouldn't exist. 2 We were intially denied entry into Sao Bento (which the inside is the ONLY reason to visit. There is no explanation here. 3 Seleron streets were closed (as they could've/should have) anticipated, and we werent even able to park somewhere to walk and see it. Even lunch is an extra $25USD (EXPENSIVE)and for carnivores and people with large appetites (buffet) which I am not, so had to scramble to find something in 45 mins and initially, thanks to closed places and incorrect orders, did not! They should ONLY be selling half day tours during Carnival week. And NO macarena! This is a money grab. I would have rated the half day 5 stars.
Hi, Really Carnival time in Rio is very complicate. Many places close because of the street carnival but we try to do the best we can. Maracana is so important for Rio because is one of the stadium world famous. Great that you enjoyed the morning part of your tour. Regards,
Monica did a great job. She picked us up at our designated meeting spot, she took us to all of the places and gave a great explanation. She arranged a place for us to eat lunch which was very unique. And finally, she took a group photo of us and sent it to all of us.
Fantastic! Thank you for cheering your experience with us. Monica is an excellent guide. We wish you all the best, Regards
Monica is an extraordinary guide. Not only is she very friendly, but she has extensive knowledge of all the places we visit.
Tiene toda razón. Monica es excepcional! Gracias por su comentario
This tour was fantastic! About 14 people on a very nice bus. Our guide was Kiko and he was very knowledgeable and spoke brilliant English and Portunol. He gave us a lot of history and was very funny. Everything was timely. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone!
Happy New Year!! Thank very much for taking your time to review us. Kiko is a great guide, we agree! Best regards Gisela
S2Rio, excellent, the guide very good and friendly. We loved this tour. We remind you this agency, very responsible, excellent lunch. We had no waits in the places we visited..100% recommended
Thank you for taking your time to review us. We wish you all the best.
Gisela met us at the cruise port, she was accompanied by a very polite and courteous driver in a very comfortable executive car. We had a fabulous day touring with her. She was very intuitive to our needs and curiosity about Rio. She was very knowledgable and good fun. She managed to make us understand what life was like in Rio. We also did a second day with Gisela who then safely returned us to Rio’s airport. I can highly recommend Gisela and if you are also interested in Jewish Rio, as we were, she incorporates that too in her tour . I shall certainly be recommending Gisela to my friends in London. In fact my two days in Rio were the best part of my two week holiday, thanks to Gisela!
Dear Donna, it was my pleasure to be able to show you my beautiful city. Hope to see you again in Rio or London. Best regards,
