12 Guided Tours Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s number one destination — and for good reason. The city, surrounded by mountains, jungle, and beaches, offers a truly unique panorama.
I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks there, and I can confirm it: beauty is everywhere. But Rio is much more than that.
The city’s history, the flavors of its cuisine, and the vibrancy of its culture are all perfect excuses to get to know it better.
And what better way to explore it than by joining some tours? Here are 12 guided tours in Rio that I highly recommend.
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12 Guided Tours Rio de Janeiro
- Historic Center Free Tour
- Copacabana & Ipanema Free Tour
- Santa Teresa Free Tour
- Food tour – 33 Brazilian Specialties
- Christ the Redeemer Visit
- Sugarloaf Mountain Visit
- Botanical Garden Visit
- Match at Maracanã Stadium
- Walk in Tijuca National Park
- Morro dos Irmãos Hike
- Day Trip to Niterói
- Day Trip to Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande
Visiting Rio de Janeiro: 5 Must-Sees
I wrote an article about all the activities to do and the places to visit in Rio de Janeiro, which I highly recommend reading — especially if you’re planning to stay for several days.
But in any case, here’s my list of 5 places that, in my opinion, should be at the top of your list:
- Christ the Redeemer
- Sugarloaf Mountain
- The Botanical Garden
- The Real Gabinete Português de Leitura Library
- The city’s Cathedral
In any case, the city has so much to offer, and the various guided tours will allow you to see all its different sides while being accompanied by an expert guide and fellow travelers.
READ NEXT: Best Things to Do in Rio
12 GUIDED TOURS Rio de Janeiro
Enough talk — it’s time to dive right in with these 12 tours to discover Brazil’s must-see destination.
📌 No time to read it all? At the end of the article, you’ll find a comparison table of the best tours to explore Rio de Janeiro at a glance.
➡️Explore the city
There are several tours to explore the city as a whole — perfect if you’re spending only a short time in Rio!
1. Historic Center Free Tour
Downtown Rio can be quite dangerous, so the idea of joining a free walking tour appeals to many tourists.
For 3 hours, you’ll explore the history of this area while admiring iconic spots such as Confeitaria Colombo, Casa Tucum, and Praça XV.
2. Copacabana & Ipanema Free Tour
These two iconic neighborhoods instantly bring to mind long sandy beaches where bossa nova sets the rhythm of daily life for locals.
During this free tour, you’ll dive into the history of these legendary places while admiring their famous beaches and most iconic landmarks.
3. Santa Teresa Free Tour
Santa Teresa is Rio’s bohemian neighborhood, famous for its mansions, yellow trams, and the iconic Selarón Steps.
During this 2½-hour free guided tour, your guide will introduce you to this part of the city where artists sought refuge during the military dictatorship.
4. Food tour – 33 Brazilian Specialties
Imagine tasting 33 typically Brazilian specialties! That’s exactly what this food tour offers, providing a full immersion into local cuisine — from street food stalls frequented by locals to the must-try grilled meat dishes.
Accompanied by a guide who will reveal all the secrets of Brazilian gastronomy, you’ll sample classics like pastel, coxinha, and açaí.
➡️Discovering the Monuments
Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain are must-sees that you absolutely have to visit, but they’re not the only ones.
5. Christ the Redeemer Visit
During this guided tour, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Tijuca Forest. From the Christ the Redeemer statue, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the stunning city of Rio.
Next, you’ll head to Santa Teresa and the Lapa neighborhood to explore the must-see spots in these two areas.
6. Sugarloaf Mountain Visit
Sugarloaf Mountain is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic landmarks, a spectacular peak overlooking Guanabara Bay. At 396 meters high, its summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
During this 9-hour tour, you’ll also visit another of the city’s iconic monuments: Christ the Redeemer.
7. Botanical Garden Visit
During this half-day guided tour, you’ll explore the incredible Botanical Garden — one of my favorite spots — and Parque Lage, hidden beneath the majestic Corcovado.
These two locations allow you to wander through peaceful spaces where thousands of tropical plant species and centuries-old trees thrive.
Parque Lage also features intriguing artificial caves and the iconic central mansion, a favorite subject on Instagram.
8. Match at Maracanã Stadium
Brazil is synonymous with football, and attending a match here means diving into a national passion that excites the entire country.
The legendary Maracanã Stadium, inaugurated in 1950 for the World Cup, is one of the largest stadiums in Latin America.
This tour includes transportation to the stadium as well as your entry ticket — enjoy an electrifying experience without any hassle!
9. Walk in Tijuca National Park
Travel with a guide in a comfortable vehicle and visit the forest’s most iconic attractions during this 4-hour tour.
From the Chinese viewpoint to the diverse range of plant life and the historic house of Cascatinha Taunay, enjoy this unique place.
10. Morro dos Irmãos Hike
Your guided tour begins with a visit to the Vidigal favela, the starting point for the hike up to the iconic Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers), where breathtaking panoramic views await.
Along the hike, you’ll admire spectacular sights such as Pedra da Gávea, Pedra Bonita, and the Christ the Redeemer statue visible in the distance.
➡️Day trips around Rio
Exploring Rio de Janeiro in depth can easily keep you busy for an entire week. However, there are also many other destinations around the city that are worth a visit.
11. Day Trip to Niterói
If you’re passionate about architecture, Niterói is a must-visit to discover some of the works by avant-garde architect Oscar Niemeyer.
By choosing this tour, you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel in Rio and cross Brazil’s longest bridge to reach the former capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Along the “Caminho Niemeyer,” you’ll admire iconic buildings such as the Popular Theater, the Roberto Silveira Memorial, and the Niemeyer Foundation.
12. Day Trip to Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande
If you dream of paradise beaches and crystal-clear waters, this excursion to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande allows you to relax in a breathtaking setting.
Enjoy every moment stress-free, as transportation, an expert guide, and lunch are included.
On the agenda for this unforgettable day: the famous Lagoa Azul, the magical Lagoa Verde, and the tranquil beaches of Cataguases and Freguesia de Santana.
Comparison Table of Tours in Rio de Janeiro
Historic Center Free Tour
Type: culture / history
Duration: 3 hours
Price: free
Perfect for: Those who want to discover the most historic places
Copacabana & Ipanema Free Tour
Type: culture / history / beach
Duration: 2,5 hours
Price: à free
Perfect for:Travelers who want to learn more about iconic neighborhoods
Santa Teresa Free Tour
Type: culture / history
Duration: 2,5 hours
Price: à free
Perfect for:The most bohemian tourists
Food tour-33 Brazilian Specialties
Type: food
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $85
Perfect for:the foodies
Christ the Redeemer Visit
Type: culture / history/ nature
Duration: 4 hourss
Price: $73
Perfect for:Those who want to see one of the wonders of the world
Sugarloaf Mountain Visit
Type: sport
Duration: 9 hours
Price: $111
Perfect for: Nature and scenic view lovers
Botanical Garden Visit
Type: nature
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $120
Perfect for: Those who enjoy being in nature
Match at Maracaña Stadium
Type: sport
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $84
Perfect for: the Football fans
Walk in Tijuca National Park
Type: nature / sport
Duration: 5 hours
Price: $87
Perfect for: Sports enthusiasts who love the outdoors
Morro Dos Irmaos Hike
Type: nature / sport
Duration: 3,5 hours
Price: $50
Perfect for: Hiking lovers and seekers of breathtaking views
Day Trip to Niteroi
Type: architecture / day trip
Duration: 4-5 hours
Price: $75
Perfect for: Architecture enthusiasts
Day Trip to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande
Type: beach / nature / day trip
Duration: 14 hours
Price: $67
Perfect for: Those who dream of stunning beaches
NAME OF THE TOUR
TYPE OF VISIT
DURATION
PRICE
PERFECT FOR…
Culture / history
3 hours
Free
Those who want to discover the most historic places
Culture / history / beach
2,5 hours
Free
Travelers who want to learn more about iconic neighborhoods
Culture / history / religion / nature
4 hours
$73
Those who want to see one of the wonders of the world
Beach / nature / day trip
14 hours
$67
Those who dream of stunning beaches
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Simply strolling through its streets and relaxing on its beaches is an amazing experience, but joining guided tours will allow you to uncover all its secrets!
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