Private Tour: Rio de Janeiro Customizable City Sightseeing with Optional Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Tickets
Active
4h - 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
See the best of Rio de Janeiro with a knowledgeable local guide on a private, customizable city tour! You’ll be chauffeured around Rio in a comfortable private vehicle and have the unique opportunity to fully customize your own itinerary. Head to whichever neighborhoods, beaches or city landmarks you’d like to see, from the shores of Guanabara Bay to the hilltop enclave of Santa Teresa – your choice. If you opt to upgrade your tour, travel through the Tijuca Forest by cog train to Corcovado and/or by cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Available options
Create Your Own - 6 Hours
Create your own 6-hour itinerary morning tour<br/>Pickup included
Sugar Loaf + Corcovado
6-hour private tour includes transport, guide and entrance to Sugar Loaf and Corcovado<br/>Pickup included
Corcovado Option
4-hour private tour includes transport, guide and entrance to Corcovado<br/>Pickup included
Sugar Loaf Option
4-hour private tour includes transport, guide and tickets to Sugar Loaf Mountain Cable Cars<br/>Pickup included
Create Your Own - 4 Hours
Customizable Tour - 4 Hours: Create your own 4-hour itinerary morning tour<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Professional guide
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
(If option selected) Your private guide will take you to the Urca neighborhood, where one of Rio's most iconic symbols is located – the monolith of Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar). Board the glass-walled cable car, making a brief stop at a vista point approximately 700 feet (215 meters) above sea level. Capture unrivaled panoramic views of Rio, including the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Mountain across Guanabara Bay. Finally, ascend to the summit of Sugarloaf for breathtaking vistas of Copacabana Beach and beyond (visibility dependent on weather conditions)!
2
Stop 2
(If option selected) Your private guide will accompany you on a cog train ride through the scenic Tijuca Forest, a national park. When you reach the 2,329-foot (710-meter) granite peak of Corcovado, climb the steps (or ride the escalator) to the foot of the iconic Christ Redeemer statue, which stands 125 feet (38 meters) tall with outstretched arms over Rio. Enjoy magnificent photo opportunities of the panoramic vista (visibility dependent on clear weather), which includes downtown Rio, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and several hillside favelas.
3
Stop 3
Choosing the best itinerary might be a hard task, so here are a few suggestions to make it easier for you:
* Guanabara Bay with Santa Teresa and Selarón Steps by foot and Arcos da Lapa:
Explore the views of Guanabara Bay, the largest bay in the world; Walk through Santa Teresa's streets to see the Selarón Steps, the Ruins Park, the bars and the cobbled hills; View the famous Arcos da Lapa, the traditional bohemian neighborhood
4
Stop 4
Another sugestion of itinerary:
* Botanical Garden and Lage Park with Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon:
Visit the Botanical Garden, a unique park due its the variety of species, then go to Lage Park, a gorgeous park at the foot of the Corcovado; and check out Rio's postcard, rent a bike or paddle boat to enjoy it.
5
Stop 5
One more suggestion of route:
* Maracanã Stadium with Quinta da Boa Vista and São Cristovão Fair:
Take a tour inside one of the world's largest football stadium; visit Quinta da Boa Vista, a public park of great historical importance in the city, which hosts the National Museum and the Zoological Garden, with the biggest birds zoo of Latin America; and take a walk through a traditional brazilian northeastern fair, where you will see handicrafts, musicians and variety of foods made by locals.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Entrance fees (if option not selected)
Available languages
Guide guide
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PT
EN
IT
FR
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Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
22 reviews
5★
12
4★
6
3★
2
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.3
6 reviews
5★
5
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The specific departure time for this tour will be determined upon reconfirmation
Set your choice of time duration and inclusion of tickets at the time of purchase
The places at the itinerary section are suggestions. You may choose your own itinerary.
Train Ticket to Corcovado and/or Cable Car Ticket to Urca Hill are only included if respective options are selected
Important notes
Please contact Gray Line Brazil at 55 (21) 3586-8687 or 55 (21) 99777‑5888 to confirm your tour at least 48 hours prior to the activity time. Please have your voucher in hand to present to the guide upon boarding. Office working hours: from 7am to 9pm (local time) daily.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
