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4 Days Rio de Janeiro Classic Highlights Tour

Visit iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and experience Rio's vibrant samba culture.

Group Guided

4 Days Rio de Janeiro Classic Highlights Tour

Visit iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and experience Rio's vibrant samba culture.

Discover the best of Rio de Janeiro on this 4-day, 3-night adventure. This immersive tour offers a perfect mix of Rio’s iconic landmarks, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty. Explore world-famous attractions like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Sambadrome, while also diving deep into the local Carioca lifestyle and Carnival traditions. With private transportation, bilingual guides, and tailored experiences, you’ll experience Rio at its finest, from panoramic views to vibrant nightlife.

Throughout your journey, you’ll get to see the city’s highlights, such as Corcovado Peak, with its breathtaking views, and the energetic Lapa neighborhood, known for its samba music and dancing. Enjoy insider access to the Cidade do Samba, where Rio’s samba schools prepare for the iconic Carnival parades, and experience the lively atmosphere at Rio Scenarium, one of the best samba bars in the city. Whether you’re relaxing at the beaches or enjoying delicious Brazilian cuisine, this tour showcases the very best of Rio de Janeiro.

Tour Highlights:

  • Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado Peak – Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and enjoy stunning views of Rio.
  • Sugarloaf Mountain – Ride the famous cable car to the top for panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and Copacabana Beach.
  • Sambadrome and Carnival Culture – Learn about Rio’s Carnival at Cidade do Samba and see how samba schools prepare for the grand parade.
  • Rio Scenarium Samba Bar – Experience live samba music and dancing in the vibrant Lapa neighborhood.
  • Panoramic city tour – Explore key landmarks like Maracanã Stadium, San Sebastian Cathedral, and Rio’s modern financial district.
  • Private, bilingual guides – Enjoy personalized tours with expert guides to get the most out of your time in the city.
  • Accommodations in Copacabana – Stay in a comfortable hotel with easy access to Rio’s stunning beaches, restaurants, and attractions.
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Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Carioca Lifestyle & Carnival Culture

On Day 1, immerse yourself in the vibrant Carioca lifestyle and the world-famous Carnival culture of Rio de Janeiro. Begin the day with a subway ride to the historic center, where you'll explore the heart of Rio. We’ll visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião and wander through the lively Saara neighborhood, experiencing the bustling commerce and vibrant street life of the locals, known as Cariocas. Along the way, enjoy a tropical fruit juice made from fresh local ingredients.

For lunch, we’ll dine at Cais do Oriente, a charming restaurant nestled in the heart of Rio's historic center, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Here, enjoy a select 3-course menu showcasing traditional Brazilian flavors.

In the afternoon, dive deeper into Rio’s Carnival by visiting the Cidade do Samba, where the famous samba schools prepare for the grand event. Learn about the history and significance of samba and the Carnival parades at one of the city's most famous samba schools, Acadêmicos da Grande Rio. You’ll have the chance to wear authentic Carnival costumes, take photos, and experience the true spirit of Rio. For those who want to embrace the local culture even further, enjoy a refreshing caipirinha as we soak in the lively atmosphere.

Accommodations: WINDSOR PALACE COPACABANA HOTEL
Included:

  • Private tour with bilingual driver-guide
  • 3-course lunch at Cais do Oriente Restaurant (drinks not included)
  • Shared Carnival Experience entrance fee
  • Room with breakfast

Day 2 - Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer, and Live Samba

Breakfast at your hotel
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, preparing for an exciting day exploring Rio de Janeiro’s iconic landmarks and vibrant culture.

Morning Tour of Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer (4 hours)
We begin with an early departure to catch the first train up Corcovado Peak, maximizing your chances of clear skies and stunning views of the city. The journey takes us through the lush Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban rainforests in the world. Upon reaching the top, we’ll stand in awe before the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, which stands 38 meters tall and overlooks the sprawling city below. From this incredible vantage point, you’ll have breathtaking panoramic views of Rio’s stunning beaches, mountains, and cityscape. After taking in the sights and snapping some photos, we’ll board the train back down and enjoy a scenic panoramic drive along Rio’s South beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema, before returning to the hotel.

Afternoon at Leisure
The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll along the beach, visit a local café, or shop for souvenirs, you’ll have the flexibility to enjoy Rio at your leisure.

By Night: Rio Scenarium Samba Bar (3 hours)
In the evening, we’ll head to Lapa, one of Rio’s most vibrant neighborhoods, to visit Rio Scenarium, a lively samba bar. This charming antique shop turned samba venue is a favorite among locals, known for its energetic atmosphere and great live samba music. You can unwind with a drink (not included) while enjoying the performances, or if you're feeling inspired, let the rhythm take over and dance along to the infectious beats of the samba. Feel free to embrace the "ginga" and join in the fun!

Note: Rio Scenarium is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday nights only.

Accommodation: WINDSOR PALACE COPACABANA HOTEL
Included:

  • Private tours with an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Entrance fees to Corcovado train
  • Entrance fees to Rio Scenarium
  • Room with breakfast

Day 3 - City Tour with Sugarloaf

Breakfast at your hotel
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for an exciting afternoon of exploration.

Morning at Leisure
Enjoy a relaxing morning at your own pace. You can choose to explore nearby sights, relax by the beach, or just unwind at your hotel before the afternoon’s adventure.

City Tour & Sugarloaf (6 hours)
In the afternoon, we’ll begin with a panoramic city tour, passing through Maracanã Stadium, one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world, and the Sambadrome, the vibrant location where Rio’s Carnival parades take place each year. We’ll continue to the financial district, where the city’s modern and colonial architectural styles blend beautifully. Here, we’ll make a stop to visit the San Sebastian Cathedral, known for its unique, cone-shaped design and stunning interior.

Next, we’ll drive to the Urca neighborhood, home to the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. From the base, we’ll take the traditional cable car ride to the top. The journey takes us first to Urca Hill, where we’ll stop to take in sweeping views of Guanabara Bay and the surrounding city. Then, we continue to the top of Sugarloaf Hill, where we’ll enjoy even more breathtaking vistas of Copacabana Beach, the Bay, and Rio’s spectacular skyline. At the top, we’ll toast to our unforgettable views with a refreshing drink as we soak in the stunning panorama.

Accommodation: WINDSOR PALACE COPACABANA HOTEL
Included:

  • Private tours with an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Entrance fees to San Sebastian Cathedral
  • Entrance fees to Sugarloaf cable car
  • Drink at the top of Sugarloaf
  • Room with breakfast

Day 4 - Depart Rio de Janeiro

Breakfast at your hotel
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your time in Rio.

Depart Rio de Janeiro for your next destination ( or speak with our travel team about trip extensions!)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, bringing home incredible memories of the vibrant culture, stunning views, and lively atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro.

Included:

  • Breakfast

We hope you had an amazing time in Rio and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure! Safe travels!

Additional Trip Info

  • 24h Emergency contact in English in Spanish
  • Hotels as listed
  • Tours
  • Entrance fees
  • All transfers
  • English Guide
  • Private service
  • Some meals

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