Downtown Ancient Rio Tour with Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Rio de Janeiro , Brazil

Downtown Ancient Rio Tour with Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Active

(18 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We take you on a journey through time. If you enjoy history and culture, this is the perfect tour for you. In this half-day tour, we will visit the Cinelandia Square, a place surrounded by the Municipal Theater, the National Library, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Municipality Chamber of Rio. We will also visit the Praça XV, a place surrounded by the Palácio Tiradentes, the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro, the Paço Imperial and Arco dos Teles. We will go through the Arco dos Teles to go to the CCBB and reach the Mosteiro de São Bento.

Available options

Pickup in Barra da Tijuca

Pickup in Barra/ Recreio: Additional rate for pick-up and drop-off in hotels located in Barra da Tijuca or Recreio dos Bandeirantes.<br/>Pickup included

Regular Pickup

Regular Pickup: Regular rate for pick-up and drop-off in selected hotels located in Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Centro.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

From the Cinelandia Square you can see the most important historical and political buildings in Downtown Rio: the Municipal Theater, the National Library, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Municipal Chamber of Rio.

Stop 2

Inaugurated in 1909, the Theatro Municipal is one of the most importante theaters of Brazil and Latin America. The Theatro Municipal has drawn international artists and important names from Brazilian culture, including dancers, musicians, opera singers, and performing artists. Since the 1930s, the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro has maintained its artistic independence, and is the only Brazilian institution to have its own choir, a symphony orchestra, and ballet company.

Stop 3

The biggest library in Latin America was founded in 1810 by D. João VI, the King of Portugal. It is an imponent building with an archive of almost 9 millions items in downtown Rio that holds rare books, manuscripts, original letters written by Princess Isabel, the first newspapers printed in the country, and two copies of the precious Mainz Psalter Bible, printed in 1492.

Stop 4

Designed in 1908 by architect Adolfo Morales de los Rios to host the National School of Fine Arts, heir to the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, this building was built during the urban modernization carried out by mayor Pereira Passos in the then Federal Capital.

Stop 5

The square is located in the historical centre of Rio de Janeiro and is surrounded by the Palácio Tiradentes, the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro; and the Paço Imperial. The Praça XV Station is a ferry terminal servicing a number of destinations in the city of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi

Stop 6

Located in what was once the downtown market of the city, it has small streets and alleys full of bars and small restaurants.

Stop 7

Important cultural center that was once a bank.

Stop 8

Important church in the center of the busiest avenue of the city.

Stop 9

The statues, the walls, the golden leaves and even the floor were designed to be admired by everyone.

What's not included

Snacks

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

10 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

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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

We contact you back in order to provide proper pickup time. Check your emails and/or cell phone.

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this tour.

If requested, you must present a copy of your ID.

This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers per Minivan.

Meeting point

If you do not provide us the pickup location at the time of booking and you do not inform us about it later, we will assume you will meet us at the Meeting Point at the Front Desk of the Rio Othon Palace (Avenida Atlântica, 3264 - Copacabana).

Important notes

BOARDING INFORMATION: Arrive 15 minutes in advance to avoid any delays. Contact Rio Carioca Tour [booking@riocariocatour.com.br/ +55 21 98806.5075] at least 24 hours before the start of the tour to inform location and confirm pickup time. Wait for the tour guide in the place informed on a visible location. Delays may occur due to traffic conditions. Different age policies may apply according to each location. ID or copy is mandatory, even for children. Voucher is confirmed only by payment confirmation. The tour itinerary may change its order on a daily basis due to force majeure. Read our Cancellation Policy.
IMPORTANT: During high season and major events, the visitation time on each location can be affected, due to long waiting queues. Carnival-related products have a specific cancellation policy. Take care of your personal belongings as we are not responsible for items left in vehicles and/ or in places visited. We recommend that you carry all your belongings.

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