Highlights
- Get up close with Christ the Redeemer, then cycle back downhill
- Hike and climb to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain to watch the sunset
- Go on a bike tour around Rio's historic monuments
- Hike to the top of Pedra Bonita for stunning panoramic views
- Explore the trails of lush Tijuca Forest
- Go swimming in a waterfall at Cachoeira do Horto
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Rio de Janeiro & Explore | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 2 | Ride & Climb to Corcovado & Sugarloaf | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 3 | Go on a Cycling Tour of Rio | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 4 | Hike in the Tijuca Forest | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 5 | Depart Brazil - End of Trip |
Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro & Explore
Welcome to Brazil! When you arrive at the airport in Rio de Janeiro, your guide will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Copacabana. You'll soon start to understand why Rio de Janeiro has been called the "Wonderful City" or "Magnificent City" for over a century. The city's unique beauty, rich culture, and geographical diversity — characterized by dramatic mountains, tropical forests, and stunning beaches — provide the perfect setting for adventurous travelers. In the afternoon, you'll go on a tour around the commercial and historic center of the city. With a guide, explore urban highlights on foot, including the Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião and the Saara neighborhood. Stop to try delicious juices made from fresh tropical fruit. You'll also stop for something to eat at Confeitaria Colombo, one of the oldest and most historic restaurants in Brazil, before getting some rest at your hotel.
Day 2: Ride & Climb to Corcovado & Sugarloaf
Today, visit the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. A pleasant train ride takes you uphill to the top of Corcovado to reach the viewpoint and statue. Next, get ready for an adventure! You'll be outfitted with a mountain bike and ride downhill through the Tijuca Forest to visit the Vista Chinesa lookout point and go for a dip in a waterfall. The ride will then take you to Praia Vermelha for a seaside lunch with a view. After lunch, you'll hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. You'll need to use climbing gear for part of the hike, but no previous experience is needed — any person with full mobility can participate. Have a refreshing drink at the top, then ride the cable car down, catching a beautiful sunset before heading back to the hotel.
Day 3: Go on a Cycling Tour of Rio
Learn about Rio's fascinating past and lively present on a cycling tour around the city. The tour begins in the neighborhood of Urca, where the foundation of the city was made by Estácio de Sá. You will cycle past Guanabara Bay, passing by Botafogo Beach and Aterro do Flamengo, stopping for photo ops along the way at Arcos da Lapa and the Selarón Staircase. Your guide will explain the history of the city's urban renovation in the early twentieth century, pointing out the tourist attractions of Cinelândia, and will tell you about the arrival of the royal family in Praça XV. In the port area, you will see the biggest urban art mural in the world by the artist Kobra. Then cycle back to the starting point. You'll have the evening free to relax.
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Day 4: Hike in the Tijuca Forest
Spend more time exploring the Tijuca Forest today. You'll start at the base of Pedra Bonita, taking in views over Morro Dois Irmãos, São Conrado Beach, and Favela da Rocinha. Then you'll hike along the Pedra Bonita trail to the summit. From the top, you can see Pedra da Gávea, the beach of Barra da Tijuca, and the immense Tijuca Forest. This natural lookout point is one of the best places to photograph the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Coming back down the Pedra Bonita trail, the tour continues towards Vista Chinesa, a stylized pavilion that was built between 1902 and 1906 to pay tribute to the Chinese who brought tea to Brazil. The structure, made of bamboo and cement, is strategically positioned for an incredible panoramic view. It is possible to see several sights from this angle, including Christ the Redeemer, Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon. Finish the tour in Cachoeira do Horto with a refreshing waterfall swim. Then head back to town for one last Brazilian-style dinner before the trip ends.
Day 5: Depart Brazil - End of Trip
Today the trip comes to an end. You'll head to the airport to catch a flight out. Safe travels!
More Brazil Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Brazil? Check out these other Brazil itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
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