A Day in Rio de Janeiro: City Tour Complete

Rio de Janeiro , Brazil

A Day in Rio de Janeiro: City Tour Complete

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(453 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This is one of our best-selling and sought-after tours.

On this Tour you will know the Main Tourist Points of this Marvelous City!

Enjoy a full day tour in Rio de Janeiro visiting all the must-see attractions in a single day: Cristo Redentor statue at the top of Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Selarón Staircase, Maracanã stadium, Sambódromo and Metropolitan Cathedral. The tour includes lunch with Free Buffet.

Available options

A Day in Rio de Janeiro: City Tour Complete

Pickup included

What's included

Bilingual Tour Guide

Lunch

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Cristo Redentor is one of the main symbols of the country and offers a privileged panoramic view of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Stop 2

The Selarón Staircase [1] is an architectural work located between the Santa Teresa and Lapa districts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, decorated by the long-time Brazilian artist living in Brazil, Jorge Selarón, who declared it a "homage to the Brazilian people".

Stop 3

Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho, better known as Maracanã, the popular Maraca ("akin to a rattle" in Tupi-Guarani, due to the sound of birds that lived there).

Stop 4

The Sambadrome of the Marquês de Sapucaí, also known as Sambódromo of Rio de Janeiro and officially denominated as Passarela Professor Darcy Ribeiro, is a sambódromo located in Avenida Marquês de Sapucaí, in the central zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Inaugurated in the year 1984, the venue is the stage of the most famous popular festival in Brazil, the Rio de Janeiro Samba School Parade, which is held annually during the Carnival holiday.

Stop 5

The Arcos da Lapa is located in the region of Lapa, in the district of Lapa, in the Central Zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Considered as the largest architectural work undertaken in Brazil during the colonial period, it is today one of the city's postcards, the most representative symbol of ancient Rio de Janeiro preserved in the Bohemian region of Lapa.

Stop 6

the Cathedral of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro or Catedral Metropolitana, as it is best known, is located in the center of the city. The project is authored by the modernist architect Edgar Oliveira da Fonseca, coordinated by Monsignor Ivo Antônio Calliari.

Stop 7

Pão de Açúcar is a hill complex located in the neighborhood of Urca, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is composed by the Morro do Pão de Açúcar (which gives its name to the complex), Morro da Urca and Morro da Babilônia. Along with the statue of Christ the Redeemer, it is the largest postcard of the city of Rio de Janeiro and one of the most famous in Brazil. Due to the unique characteristics, bordered by the waters of Guanabara Bay, it is an international tourist reference for the city.

What's not included

Sugar Loaf Ticket

Drinks are not included with Lunch

Dessert is not included with Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.1

57 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

396 reviews

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356

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

For passengers staying in Barra da Tijuca our Meeting Point will be at this Hotel.

About Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, known as the 'Marvelous City,' is famous for its natural settings, Carnival, samba, bossa nova, and Balneario beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. It's a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Top Attractions

Christ the Redeemer

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic statue offers breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours R$84 (including train ticket)

Sugarloaf Mountain

A famous peak offering stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and its beaches.

Nature 2-3 hours R$88 (round-trip cable car)

Copacabana Beach

One of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.

Beach Half day or full day Free

Tijuca National Park

The world's largest urban forest, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Nature Half day or full day Free (some attractions may have fees)

Santa Teresa

A historic and bohemian neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and scenic views.

Cultural Half day Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Feijoada

A hearty stew made with black beans and various cuts of pork, often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices.

Dinner Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Pão de Queijo

Cheese bread made with tapioca flour, giving it a unique texture and flavor.

Snack Vegetarian, but contains dairy.

Moqueca

A traditional fish stew cooked in coconut milk and dendê oil, with various seafood and vegetables.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and tofu.

Açaí

A thick, creamy fruit pulp from the açaí palm, often served with granola and condensed milk.

Dessert/Drink Can be made vegan with plant-based milk.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Tijuca National Park Surfing in Arpoador Paragliding in Pedra Bonita Beach lounging in Ipanema Spa treatments in Copacabana Yoga in Botafogo Visiting museums in Centro Attending a samba show

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and the famous Carnival in February/March. Expect crowded beaches and higher prices.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL)

Time Zone

GMT-3 (Brasília Time)

Electricity

110V/220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Rio de Janeiro is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violence can occur. Exercise caution, especially in less touristy areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night in unsafe areas
• Use common sense and stay alert to your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
Santos Dumont Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center

By train

Central do Brasil

By bus

Rodoviária Novo Rio, Terminal Rodoviário da Gavea

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and air-conditioned, the metro is a great way to avoid traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, 99 Taxis

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Copacabana Ipanema Santa Teresa Lapa Botafogo

Day trips

Petrópolis

65 km (40 miles) • Full day

A charming colonial town in the mountains, known for its historic architecture and cool climate.

Paraty

170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight

A historic coastal town with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches.

Búzios

170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight

A picturesque beach town known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Festivals

Carnival • February/March (dates vary) Rio Carnival Samba Parade • February/March (dates vary) New Year's Eve (Réveillon) • December 31

Pro tips

Visit Christ the Redeemer early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
Take a helicopter tour for a unique perspective of the city
Explore the less touristy neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Botafogo for a more authentic experience
Try local street food like pão de queijo and coxinha for a taste of Brazilian flavors
Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals