Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.com
Rio de Janeiro
Trip Planning & Itineraries
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Be warned: Rio's powers of seduction can leave you with a bad case of saudade (indescribable longing). Planted between lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) has many charms at her disposal. It's a city of Dionysian spirit whose people live life to the full.
The Cariocas - as the inhabitants are called - thrive on dance, beach, sport and sun. While large-scale festivities like Carnaval make Rio famous, there are countless occasions for revelry - Saturday at Ipanema Beach, admiring Corcovado and Sugar Loaf, soccer at Maracana Stadium, or an impromptu samba at Copacabana or any other corner of this marvelous city.
Best of Rio de Janeiro: Top 3 Must-Do Experiences
Best of Rio de Janeiro: Suggested Itineraries
With its mountains, beaches and skyscrapers, Rio offers something for everyone. Go people-watching at Copacabana and Ipanema, stroll past historic colonial-era churches and feast your eyes on the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado. The following three-day itinerary will help you see the best of the Marvelous City.
To start, what could be better than a sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro from the air? From the vantage point of a helicopter, you'll have unforgettable views of this beautiful city nestled against the backdrop of granite mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Or get to know the city of the Cariocas up close and personal on a half-day walking tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro. Perhaps the best view is from the water, aboard a seafood lunch cruise past the beaches of Niteroi. And in the evening? A samba show, of course, complete with a Brazilian steakhouse dinner.
If Rio means sea, sun and fun, the three come together on a full-day tropical islands cruise, with an island lunch under the palms. Or take a leisurely day sail to the island-dotted archipelago of Angra dos Reis aboard a traditional schooner. A tranquil Guanabara Bay Cruise reveals the beauty of Rio from the water, with Sugar Loaf Mountain towering in the distance. But what better way to soak up the sun than on a bike tour of Ipanema Beach and other Rio highlights. And of course, for some, watching a beautiful game of soccer at Maracana Stadium is the best activity there is!
No visit to Rio is complete without the trifecta: Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. Go for the full-day tour of these iconic sights or squeeze in the morning half-day tour but whatever you do, don't miss the panoramic views of Rio from this incredible mountain-top vantage point. Further afield, experience the sophistication of the town of Buzios, renowned for its architecture, style and relaxed ambiance. Or escape the crowds and visit Petropolis, the beautiful mountain retreat of Brazil's two emperors.
Best of Rio de Janeiro: Top 3 Hotels
Caesar Park has all the features you expect in a five-star hotel: impeccable service, a lavish restaurant, top-floor pool and fitness centre, as well as the excellently appointed rooms overlooking a grand stretch of Ipanema's sands.
Rio's classiest new boutique hotel has stylish rooms, a decadent seafood restaurant and uber-cool bar. Views from the rooftop pool are truly breathtaking, and suites look onto Ipanema Beach. Rooms are handsomely kitted out with onyx lamps, Egyptian cotton sheets, goose down pillows, plasma TV screens (with DVD players) and the like.
Want to stay right on Copacabana Beach? Then look no further! Brilliantly positioned with a toe in the water and the pleasures of Rio just minutes away, the Porto Bay has peerless views from its rooftop pool and bar, on-site dining, a business and fitness center, and every luxury you need at your fingertips.
Best of Rio de Janeiro: Top 3 Restaurants
Experience Brazil's famous churrascaria barbecue grill at Big Pig, renowned across the continent for its all-you-can-eat carnivorous buffet. Vegetarians are catered for with salads and vegetable dishes, but let's face it, most people come here for the grilled meaty fare. Branches in Miami and New York.
Sample classic Portuguese cuisine and joie de vivre at Antiquarius, one of Rio's most renowned eating establishments. Antiquarius is famous for its traditional Portuguese cod and seafood dishes, upscale old-world ambiance and refined, antique-laden decor.
Food lovers from around the world come to dine at the restaurant of famed chef Claude Troisgros, near the Botanic Gardens. Blending French techniques and Brazilian flavors, specialties include famous bacalhau cod, melt-in-your-mouth carpaccio and light-as-air soufflés.
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All things to do in Rio de Janeiro
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Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
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Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
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Cultural & Theme Tours
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Day Trips & Excursions
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Family Friendly
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Outdoor Activities
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Shore Excursions
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Shows, Concerts & Sports
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Tours & Sightseeing
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Transfers & Ground Transport
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Walking & Biking Tours
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Water Sports
- Plan Rio de Janeiro vacations on Yahoo! Travel
- Rio de Janeiro hotels, Brazil from PlanetWare
- Rio de Janeiro hotel deals from HotelsCombined.com
- Rio de Janeiro trip planner & travel guide from NileGuide
