Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Located 360 meters above the sea, Mirante Dona Marta is the perfect spot to see the sunrise. Enjoy the sunrise from an incredible viewpoint which gives you views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Depart from your hotel at around 5:00 AM, so you can get there in time to see the first lights of dawn. The tour takes around 2.5 hours so you should be back at your hotel at around 7:30 AM, in time to do other activities or tours. Suggestion: Book this tour in the beginning of your trip, this way, in case of bad weather we can try to postpone the tour to another day.

Get a new perspective of Rio on a catamaran tour, on which you'll check out all the bright spots while exploring stunning Guanabara Bay. Your tour begins at Marina da Gloria, boarding a modern and well-equipped catamaran. Depart in the direction of the Museum of Tomorrow, one of the architectural icons of Porto Maravilha, Rio's port region. On the way, get a look at amazing Villegagnon Island, Santos Dumont Airport, Fiscal Island, and the Arsenal of the Navy. Continue towards Niterói, passing beautiful Rio-Niterói Bridge and the famous Concha Acústica (Acoustic Shell) before heading to the MAC, the Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Be enchanted by its unique disc shape. Before returning to Rio de Janeiro, get to know other remarkable sights that surround the shores of Guanabara Bay, such as Adão and Eva Beaches, Santa Cruz Fortress, Lage Fortress,São José Fortress, and São João Fortress. Take in views of the famous Sugarloaf, where you'll have a few minutes to take pictures of the mountain from the catamaran. Before returning to Marina da Gloria, you'll pass the old Urca Casino and Flamengo Beach. If you have chosen the option with breakfast, first enjoy your breakfast at Marina da Glória and then board the catamaran. The coffee shop is right in front of the embarkation point, so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

After pickup, sit back and relax during the 1-hour drive from Rio to Niterói. Take the opportunity to snap some photos as you cross Guanabara Bay. Learn about the old capital of Rio state and how the name comes from the indigenous Tupi language. Make your first stop in downtown Niterói and visit the Niemeyer Way, a series of works by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer. Sites such as the Oscar Niemeyer Popular Theatre, Oscar Niemeyer Foundation, and Roberto Silveira Memorial extend for 11km in the coastal neighborhoods of the city. Continue on to Juscelino Kubitschek Square. Head to Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, known locally as ‘the MAC’ and the highlight of this day trip. Revel at the interesting and inventive shape of what is considered one of the greatest works by Niemeyer. See contemporary art inside the museum. Make a quick stop at São Pedro Fish Market to finish off the tour. See where most restaurants buy their fresh fish and seafood. Finally, be dropped off back at your accommodation in Rio.

Start with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and make your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy a great jungle view while riding through the Tijuca Forest that in a minivan and take in the stunning surroundings of the Corcovado Mountain.  Reach the peak of the mountain and see the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to the Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you have always dreamed of visiting Rio then this is the tour for you. Take a tour of downtown and learn a little bit about the city's history with a stop at the incredible Metropolitan Cathedral.  Next stop is Sugar Loaf Mountain. From Urca Hill and Sugar Loaf Mountain, you'll see some great views of Guanabara Bay and Niterói. You'll also see where the City of Rio was founded and where the fights between the Portuguese and French took place. For a break before Christ Redeemer, enjoy an appetizing barbecue lunch. If you are not a meat lover, don't worry, there are plenty of sides and alternative options for vegetarians. After lunch, make your way to Maracanã Stadium where you will take a lap around the stadium and have a short stop so you can appreciate the splendor of the two-time World Cup Finals host. There you will be able to imagine the amount of history that took place since its opening in 1950 when Brazil hosted its first World Cup. Then, take a train ride up the Corcovado Mountain and sit beneath the Christ Redeemer Statue looking down on the marvelous city of Rio. Don't miss the chance to snap terrific photographs.

Explore some of Rio de Janeiro's top sights with this fantastic guided tour. After being picked up from your hotel by your driver/ guide, you will set off for your first stop at Rio's infamous Christ the Redeemer statue. On your journey up Corcovado Mountain, you will pass through dense Tijuca rainforest to the 38-meter tall Christ the Redeemer statue. From the top, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Rio and the surrounding countryside. After descending back down the mountain, you will take a pleasant drive through the charming Santa Teresa neighborhood, where old Rio comes alive! Admire its stunning street art as you make your way to the amazing Selaron Steps. Decorated in ceramics artist Jorge Selarón, these steps are truly are one of a kind. Following your exploration of Rio, sit back and relax as your driver transfers you back to your hotel. Or, if you choose an option with a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain included, you'll then travel all the way to the top in 2 steps by cable car. At 395 meters, enjoy splendid views of Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress, and several beaches of Niterói. Enjoy this magnificent scenery for about 45 minutes until you head back down to catch the van which will bring you back to your hotel.

Start your private Rio de Janeiro adventure with a drive along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Go to Corcovado Station and ride to the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue by train. Relax on the 20-minute ride through the Tijuca Forest, and get a preview of the wonderful landscape that awaits you. Upon arrival at the top of Corcovado, get a meet and greet at the main monument of Brazil and marvel at the 710-meter statue of Christ with his arms outstretched. Enjoy unparalleled views of the city and surrounding countryside from Rio de Janeiro's most strategic viewpoint. Follow your guide as they point out Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi and other highlights, such as the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, the Botanical Garden, the Jockey Club and the Tijuca National Park. Look further towards Copacabana, Botafogo, Flamengo and the famous Sugar Loaf mountain. Descend Corcovado and continue your tour with an external view of the Maracanã Stadium, Mario Filho (which staged two World Cups and one Olympic Games). Visit the Sambódromo, the famous parade ares of Rio's carnival. Enter the Metropolitan Cathedral to observe its impressive and unusual architecture. Go to the brightly-colored Selarón Steps in Lapa, one of the most visited landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. Take time to lunch at a restaurant of your choice (not included). Head to the Urca neighborhood to ride the cable car to the top of the mountain in 2 stages. Board the cable car to Urca Mount, 224 meters above sea level, and then continue to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain, 395 meters above sea level. Here, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful panoramic views of the city before you return via the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana en route to your hotel drop off.

Full description: Discover the Heart of Rio de Janeiro Experience the true essence of Rio as you embark on a journey through its historical streets and vibrant cultural scenes. With an expert local guide by your side, dive deep into tales of emperors, artists, and the ever-evolving spirit of this iconic city. Our personalized tours offer a unique view that sets us apart: rediscovering often overlooked tales, buildings, and traditions. Itinerary & Main Features: Path of the Emperors: Begin by stepping back into Brazil's imperial era. Wander through cobblestone streets, marvel at preserved architectural gems, and absorb stories of those who shaped Brazil's monarchy. Art and Carioca Culture: Feel the city's pulse as you navigate through contemporary art galleries and gaze upon the riot of colors in street graffiti. Experience firsthand the artistic diversity that is unmistakably Rio. Carioca Nights: As the sun sets, the city takes on a new life. Explore vibrant nightspots, tap your feet to the rhythms of local music, and savor the exquisite flavors of Rio's unique gastronomy. Rediscovering Downtown Rio: Dive deeper into the heart of the city. From bustling markets to tranquil plazas, experience downtown Rio like a true local, uncovering secrets that many visitors miss. End of Tour: Your unforgettable journey concludes in a central location, perfect for further exploration or a relaxing evening. While hotel drop-offs aren't included, our guides are more than happy to assist with directions or recommend local spots to continue your Rio experience. Learn more: Join us in unraveling the captivating tapestry of Rio de Janeiro – a blend of history, art, and life that pulsates through its streets. Your adventure awaits!