Rio is an exhilarating place to visit. There is so much to see and experience and, if your time is limited, this is the ideal program. You will get to view all the main highlights in one sweeping tour that will leave you with indelible memories of this extraordinary place.
Start the day with a tour of downtown Rio, taking in the historic architecture, the famous Sambodrome parade ground and the modern masterpiece of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Then take the cable car up the legendary Sugar Loaf Mountain to admire the stupendous views and appreciate the cinematic setting of this great metropolis.
After lunch, travel by cog train through the dense Tijuca Rain Forest to the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop the vast granite hump of Corcovado Mountain. Here the views are even more spectacular than those from the Sugar Loaf.
Return to your hotel, or apartment with a camera full of unforgettable panoramas that will astound your friends when you get home!
Then ride the cable car up the legendary Sugar Loaf Mountain. Fully glazed cabins offer heart-stopping 360-degree panoramas as you ascend. At the top you will see eye-popping views of the great city in its grand setting.
Rio is as famous for its poverty as it is for its beauty. Around glistening Guanabara Bay are the city’s vast, and often misunderstood, shantytowns known as favelas. Experience the vibrant life of the favelas and see where the Michael Jackson video about them was filmed. Marvel at views of Guanabara Bay and Botafogo area from Michael Jackson’s lookout.
At the start of the Rio Sightseeing Tour – Corcovado with Christ Redeemer you will be picked up from your hotel in a coach at a time pre-arranged with the activity operator. An English-speaking guide will go with you on this excursion.
The best views in Rio are to be seen from the top of Corcovado hill. Getting there is an adventure in itself. On the way you will ascend seemingly impossible gradients on the ingenious cog railway, which climbs through thick rainforest to reach the summit.
At the top catch your breath as eye-popping panoramas of the city and coast unfold before you. You’ll see famous features such as Guanabara Bay, Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, Tijuca National Park, the Sugar Loaf, Copacabana beach and much more.
You will also get a close look at the incredible 30-meter high Christ Redeemer statue, Rio’s most famous landmark, which stands with arms outstretched as if to embrace the great city.
Opt for an authentic Brazilian barbecue before the show, or just enjoy the performance. Either way, it will be a night to remember!
Afro-Brazilian African Heritage Tour
This Half-Day tour explores the Afro-Brazilian experience in historical neighborhoods that will give you an introspective view of life from an Afro-Brazilian prospective past and present. We’ll visit an Afro-Brazilian museum, church, cemetery, as well as a view of Colonial Rio when wealthy Portuguese slave owners prospered during the peak years of the lucrative slave trade in Brazil and the rich afro-Brazilian cultural heritage that has been preserved in today’s Rio de Janeiro.
Pickup is available from most major hotels in the zones Sao Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana.
Duration: Approx. 3hrs - Monday through Friday.
Explore a green paradise on the Tijuca Rain Forest Jeep Tour from Rio de Janeiro. This delightful half-day excursion is available in the morning or the afternoon. Escape the ‘concrete jungle’ to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the living forest.
Travel by open jeep through Tijuca Rain Forest, the only rain forest in the world found within a city. Enjoy the fresh air and luxuriant greenery and see the cascading waterfalls and magnificent views.
Trek through the jungle with an expert and learn about the tropical plants and their adaptations to forest life. See colorful butterflies flitting over the path and look out for monkeys and exotic birds in the canopy.Don’t forget the camera as there will be plenty of stupendous photo-opportunities!
Soar like a condor over Rio de Janeiro and enjoy sights that will totally mesmerize you!
This (11-minute) helicopter flight delivers matchless views of the magnificent metropolis. Look down with wonder at all the major landmarks including Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach. See stunning panoramas of the beautiful city nestled against the backdrop of stark granite mountains and the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Make sure you carry the camera to take shots that will astound your friends when you get back home!
Take an unforgettable excursion to
Buzios in Brazil, renowned for its picturesque beaches and
scenic beauty. Located less than two hours (by air-condition coach) from Rio de Janeiro you thoroughly enjoy this nature and
sightseeing tour to Buzios. Once in Buzios you’ll enjoy the beauty of its white
sandy beaches and lush vegetation. Set out on an eco-tour to the Emerencias
Reserve to see a variety of exotic flora and golden monkeys.
Add some fun to you beach excursion in Buzios by visiting the surfer's haven, Brava Beach, and Tartaruga Beach, a good place for snorkeling. Recline on a deck chair and soak up the sun or enjoy water activities like wind surfing, sailing and diving among other water sports. Relish authentic Brazilian cuisine at a cozy inn by the beach side.
Play a round of golf at the plush Buzios Golf Club that has one of the finest courses in Latin America and attracts golfing enthusiasts from all over the world. The superb beaches and lush environs of Buzios, will leave you with everlasting memories of this Brazilian excursion!
There will be a chance to swim in the pristine waters and an excellent buffet lunch will be provided.
Relax on a comfortable boat while you admire the magnificent cityscape backed by the iconic Sugar Loaf and the towering mass of Corcovado. See Rio’s historic buildings, legendary beaches and famous neighborhoods and look out for seabirds and other marine wildlife.
An optional seafood buffet is available after the boat ride.
Then relax after your walk in one of the traditional bars in Ipanema and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Treat yourself to a ‘Chopp’ (local beer) or Caipirinha (local cocktail), you will be well on the way to experiencing the chilled-out lifestyle of a true ‘Carioca’ (resident of Rio).
Wander cobbled streets to see lovely colonial architecture bequeathed by the Portuguese in the 16th to 18th centuries – the Imperial Palace, France-Brasil House (old Royal Custom House), the Lapas Arches and the Benedictine Monastery. View 19th century gems such as the Candelária Church, the Banco de Brasil and the Casa França-Brasil, and contrast them with the modern masterpiece of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
This is a different kind of walking tour which gives you a feel for the legends and stories woven through the narrow streets and old buildings of downtown Rio.