Rio de Janeiro RECOMMENDATIONS See all
Rio de Janeiro Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, August 2010
Rio de Janeiro isn’t known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) for nothing. Beautiful beaches, expansive mountains, the lively Cariocas and the grand Carnaval are only some of the reasons why Rio attracts thousands of tourists from around the world each year. If you are visiting this spectacular harbor, one of the seven wonders of the world, this suggested itinerary will ensure that you don’t miss out on the very best that the city has to offer.
Day 1: Roaming Rio de Janeiro
Your first day in Rio is perhaps best spent getting oriented to the city. Get a bird’s eye helicopter view of the marvelous city guarded by giant granite rocks and vast blue oceans. Alternatively roam downtown on foot or bicycle and mingle with the charming locals while learning of the city’s fascinating lore and history. Follow this up with a delectable seafood lunch cruise that sails past the beaches of Niteroi. When the sun sets it’s time to take out your dancing shoes! Catch a samba show and enjoy a famous Brazilian steakhouse dinner.
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro Activities
On day two, it’s time to hit the sun, sea and surf! Indulge yourself with a tropical islands cruise complete with an island lunch or set sail to the Angra dos Reis archipalego. Cruise around Guanabara Bay and glimpse the spectacular Sugar Loaf Mountain. Or if you prefer basking in the lazy beach culture of some of the world’s best beaches, Ipanema and Copacabana are as good as any. Check schedules to see if you can catch a soccer match at the Maracana Stadium. You can also partake in some unique paragliding where you take off from urban areas and land on a beach!
Day 3: Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro
A holiday in Rio is incomplete without a tour of the famed trifecta of Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf which includes a ride through the Tijuca Rain forest by cog train! Opt for either a half-day or full-day tour and save some time to explore the quaint town of Buzios, known for its architectural finesse. Alternatively visit Petropolis, the lap of luxury, home to Brazil’s two emperors. End your Brazilian sojourn with a sumptuous carnivorous buffet at Porcao or taste some traditional Portuguese fare at the famous Antiquarius.
Tours & Tickets
Corcovado Mountain, Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain Day Tour
Combine two of Rio's most popular tours on a full-day shore excursion packed with breathtaking views. Int he morning, you'll enjoy a panoramic city tour and ... Read more
Location:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
Amazon Rainforest Survival Tour from Manaus
Put your survival skills to the test on this guided tour through the Amazon Rainforest from Manaus! As you walk through the lush rainforest, your expert guide ... Read more
Location:
Manaus, Brazil
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
Rio de Janeiro Full Day Tropical Islands Tour and Sepetiba Bay Cruise including Lunch
Cruise beautiful Sepetiba Bay on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro. You'll travel from Rio de Janeiro to Itacuruca, where you'll board a schooner to cruise the ... Read more
Location:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
Sugar Loaf Mountain Half-Day Tour
Spend the morning at Sugar Loaf Mountain, one of Rio de Janeiro's most famous icons. You'll take a breathtaking ride in a cable car to the top of the Sugar ... Read more
Location:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
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