Private Rio Tour: Christ the Redeemer & Sugar Loaf Essentials

Rio de Janeiro , Brazil

Private Rio Tour: Christ the Redeemer & Sugar Loaf Essentials

Active

(319 reviews)

7h - 8h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a personalized visit to Rio de Janeiro’s essentials with a private guide and driver. The tour covers key highlights such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and the Selarón Steps, with the flexibility to adjust stops according to personal interests. A local expert shares insights along the way, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off included. Lunch is not part of the package, allowing guests to choose from the city’s best restaurants for a more authentic dining experience.

Available options

Tour for 5 to 10 travellers

Tour for 5 to 10 travellers<br/>Pickup included

Tour for 1 to 4 travellers

Tour for 1 to 4 travellers<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver

Certified Tour Guide

Pickup and drop-off in hotels, airports, seaport, you say where!

Complimentary bottled water

'On the fly' adaptations: change the itinerary during the tour to match your wishes.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Ride the train through the Rainforest to get to the Christ the Redeemer Statue and visit it.

Stop 2

Ride the cable cars up to the mountains to have a stunning view of the city and the coast

Stop 3

The gorgeous library the Portuguese built to preserve their literature. A must see!

Stop 4

Staircase decorated with colored tiles from all over the world. Amazing !

Stop 5

Unique arquiteture. A must see !

Stop 6

Visit this charming neighborhood near the City Center

What's not included

Tickets for Christ the Redeemer (But we help with that!)

Tickets for Sugar Loaf (But we help with that!)

Food and Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

217 reviews

5★

212

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

102 reviews

5★

102

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

To avoid crowds at Christ the Redeemer, we recommend starting the tour as early as possible. Our earliest time is 6:30am.

To watch the stunning sunset from Sugar Loaf Mountain, we recommend starting the tour at 11:30am or later.

The "Real Gabinete Português de Leitura (Royal Portuguese Reading Room) is not open on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. We will visit another attraction on those days.

If you are staying at Barra da Tijuca and Recreio, we recommend starting your tour at 6:30 AM to avoid heavy traffic and experience the best of Rio.

We recommend installing Whatsapp Messenger app in your phone when coming to Brazil. It's very popular here and it will make your communication much easier. It's a free app, available on both Play Store (Android) and Apple Store (iPhones).

Important notes

• For hotel pickup, please inform hotel information; for airport pickup, please inform the arrival flight details; for cruise terminal pickup, please inform cruise ship details;
• Booking the Christ and Sugar Loaf tickets in advance (online) recommended. Information will be sent once the booking is confirmed. Please monitor your messages on Viator (TripAdvisor Experiences).
• Comfortable walking shoes and sunblock are recommended.

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