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Beyond the Beaches: Top Tours & Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Updated: Apr 28


When you think Rio de Janeiro, you think of sun-kissed beaches, pulsating samba rhythms, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue stretching its arms towards the sky. But Rio offers so much more than picture-perfect postcards. Delve into the vibrant culture in the lively Lapa neighborhood, explore the Tijuca National Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the world, or learn to surf the legendary waves of Copacabana Beach. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a party animal, Rio de Janeiro offers a ton of tours and activities that will transform your trip from a beach vacation into an unforgettable Brazilian adventure!


Disclaimer

Part of the job of a travel agent is to save clients time and money. I looked through hundreds of tours and picked out the best tours to book in various categories that are both the best in quality and price.


Prices listed below are subject to change. Rates are typically discounted for larger groups and children, so use the links provided to see the exact cost for your specific scenario and book what is of interest to you.

Complete Tour of Rio de Janeiro

Discover Rio de Janeiro with this complete tour of what is affectionately known as the ‘carioca’ city. The Christ the Redeemer Statue, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Maracana stadium are just some of the places you will encounter on this fantastic tour!


Duration

8 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8 am

Price

$95 per person

Alternative

Sugar Loaf Mountain

Explore Rio and visit Sugar Loaf Mountain during this 4-hour morning tour. Visit some of the city's most important landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and Copacabana Beach. Then, board a glassed-in cable car bound for Sugar Loaf's peak, stopping once at a scenic viewpoint. Upon reaching the top of Sugar Loaf at 1,299 feet (396 meters) above sea level, admire the views of Niteroi, Copacabana, and Santa Cruz Fortress.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8 am and 2:30 pm

Price

$37 per person

Alternative


Tour of Rio's Historic Center & Lapa

If you're in Rio de Janeiro and want to discover iconic landmarks of the city, then you can't miss out on this free tour of the historic center of Rio and Lapa, two iconic Carioca neighborhoods!


Duration

3 hours

Availability

Monday - Saturday at 10:30 am and 3 pm

Price

Free!

Alternative

Taste 33 Amazing Brazilian Foods

This all-inclusive experience includes appetizers, street food, packaged snacks, various barbecue meats, juices, cocktails, candies and desserts. All portions will be controlled, ensuring that you can focus entirely on enjoying the flavors of Brazil without filling up. Come on an unforgettable journey through 33 of Brazil's culinary delights, led by a Brazilian food expert armed with a slideshow on a laptop, to help explain everything you’ll encounter, which will be Brazil's best.


Duration

3 hours

Availability

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 5 pm

Price

$75 per person

Alternative


Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl

In the mood for a good time? Join this pub crawl in Rio de Janeiro for a fun night of partying in the neighborhood of Lapa.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday at 9 pm

Price

$27 per person

Alternative

Rio de Janeiro Boat Party

Get ready to have the best night of your trip to Rio de Janeiro with this night party boat. Music, caipirinhas & the best views of the city illuminated at night... What more could you ask for?


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Tuesday at 11:45 pm

Price

$20 per person

Alternative

Samba Class in Ipanema

Enjoy this samba class for beginners in Ipanema. The class will be with the queen of the Rio's carnival Carla Campos. After the class we will send you photos and videos of the class.


Duration

1 hour

Availability

Everyday at 9:15 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm

Price

$15 per person

Alternative


Tijuca National Park Jungle Hike

Explore Tijuca National Park with a local guide on a 4-hour hike. Learn about native plant and animal species and look out for tropical birds and reptiles along the trail. Swim in a natural lagoon and then take a rest with gorgeous Rio de Janeiro views. This tour is deal for visitors looking for an adventure in Brazil. Escape the city, immerse yourself in nature and learn about Brazilian wildlife.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Monday - Friday at 1:30 pm

Price

$31 per person

Alternative


Petropolis Imperial City

The city of Petrópolis, also known as the "Imperial City" because it was the refuge of the Portuguese imperial family during the summer, is a historic city that holds a beautiful architectural ensemble with buildings such as the Cathedral of Petrópolis, the Imperial Museum, where it was the residence of the imperial family and the Quitandinha Palace, which was the largest casino hotel in Latin America in the 1940s. You will also have the chance to visit the home of Santos Dumont, who was an aviation pioneer.


Duration

9 hours

Availability

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8 am

Price

$41 per person

Alternative

Angra dos Reis Day Tour

Nature was generous with the bay of Angra dos Reis, presenting it with no less than 365 islands dotted in a sea of crystalline green waters. The best way to get to know them is by boat, on trips that lead to paradisiacal and varied scenarios. This tour includes lunch and a visit to four islands: Lagoa Azul, Parish of Santana, Cataguazes Island and Japariz Island.


Duration

14 hours

Availability

Everyday at 7 am

Price

$45 per person

Alternative


Jet Ski Tour in Tijucas Islands

The Tijucas Islands are an unmissable destination for anyone looking for fun and adventure on their vacation. Leaving the marina, in just a few minutes you reach the Tijucas Islands, where you can dive, climb on the island, and take amazing photos.


Duration

30 mins

Availability

Tuesday - Sunday at 10 am - 5 pm

Price

$101 per person

Alternative

Snorkel and Swim with Turtles

Skip the crowds and enjoy a boat tour with a snorkeling experience in a group of no more than 8 people. Spend your day exploring the underwater world in Rio de Janeiro and spot marine life such as sea turtles, colorful fish and many species of birds. Also from the islands we have amazing views from Pedra da Gávea, Dois Irmãos and all other peaks of Tijuca Forest.


Duration

3 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8:30 am

Price

$124 per person

Alternative

Scuba Dive Experience - $223 per person

Zip Lining and Canopy Tree Tour

Experience the jungles of Rio de Janeiro from a different angle on this adventure tour. Join a small group and don safety gear to zipline your way through the treetops. Take a short hike through the lush landscapes and overcome various vertical obstacles on a canopy tour. Then, tackle a series of ziplines through the rain forest.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Tuesday - Sunday at 9 am and 1 pm

Price

$81 per person


Paragliding in Rio

Experience a paragliding tandem flight over Rio de Janeiro. This adventure consists of a takeoff from the Pedra Bonita ramp and landing on Pepino beach in Sao Conrado. The price for the package includes club fees, mandatory insurance, transportation to the Pedra Bonita ramp and a photo and video recording of the flight in full HD using the latest GoPro equipment.


Duration

2 hours

Availability

Everyday from 9 am - 4 pm

Price

$178 per person

Alternative


Maracanã Stadium

Go behind the scenes at Maracanã and come close to the sacred pitch of the most famous stadium in the world. Check pieces of Brazilian football history, visit the changing room, the players’ tunnel, sit in the dugout and the press conference room.


Duration

1 hour

Availability

Everyday from 9 am - 2 pm

Price

$18 per person

Alternative

Aqua Rio + Olympic Boulevard Tour

Aqua Rio is the largest Aquarium in Latin America. Among different marine species the place is very attractive both for children and adults.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9 am and 2 pm

Price

$45 per person

Alternative


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Hi there! I'm Jacqlyne. Welcome to my Blog!

 

I'm a Certified Travel Agent, who can save you all the time and stress of planning travel on your own. I can also save you hundreds to thousands of dollars on a trip! I have planned everything from solo, birthday, bachelor, bachelorette, honeymoon and destination wedding trips. I have helped clients with family trips to Disney, cruises, month long trips across Europe and much more. I have a perfect 5 star rating from past clients. I would love to help you see the world, so reach out to me for your next trip to learn how I could assist you. You'll never go back to planning travel how you use to again!

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