Rio de Janeiro Getaway - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City)! Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. From there, you'll enjoy the world-famous beauty of Rio, from its rich cultural scene to its geographical diversity. Rio is home to mountains, tropical forests, and stunning beaches, making it the perfect place for travelers looking for adventure and relaxation. Experience the friendliness and hospitality of the Cariocas, as the locals are known. Once settled at your hotel, head out to explore. Rio offers many attractions and activities.

Check out the world's largest urban forest at Tijuca National Park, visit the birthplace of Samba music at Pedra do Sal, or pick up unique souvenirs at the Feira de Arte de Ipanema Sunday Market, also known as the Hippie Fair. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture as you stroll along the iconic beachside promenade, snapping photos of the distinctive sidewalks and admiring the stunning beaches of Zona Sul. If you prefer, you can cycle along the coast and savor refreshing coconut water while taking in a breathtaking sunset.

Day 2: Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer Tour, Visit the Rio Botanical Garden

Your tour begins this morning with a transfer to Tijuca National Park, the largest urban park in the world. Once you reach the base of Corcovado, a train will take you up through the lush forest to the peak. You'll find Christ the Redeemer, the largest Art Deco statue ever built at 98 feet (30 m) high. From here, you'll see Guanabara Bay, the south beaches, and, far north, the adjacent city of Duque de Caxias. Across the bay, you'll see the towns of Niterói and São Gonçalo. 

After lunch, visit the Rio Botanical Garden, a magnificent 338-acre (137 ha) garden over 200 years old featuring a wide avenue of 134 impressive royal palms and more than 7,000 types of plants. You can see orchids, bromeliads, cacti, colossal bamboo, and carnivorous plants, among many others. The most famous one is a Victoria regia, a giant water lily floating on the water that is capable of sustaining the weight of a five-year-old child. Monkeys are sometimes visible during the visit, and there are always plenty of birds flying over the trees, especially toucans.

Day 3: Walking Tour of Santa Teresa

This morning, with your guide, visit the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa. On the way, enjoy the breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay and the city center. As you stroll through Santa Teresa, discover beautiful villas, yellow trams, the iconic Selarón Steps, and many urban art murals. Past and present, luxury and art are perfectly combined in the most bohemian neighborhood of Río. Walk its cobbled streets and learn about the history of this area. Between colonial houses, palaces, and the passage of the famous yellow trams, you'll reach Parque das Ruinas.

Next, visit Laurinda Santos Lobo, a mansion abandoned more than 50 years ago that once represented the splendor of the Brazilian belle époque. The space, now renovated, offers a spectacular panoramic view of Rio and shows what life was like in the old Brazilian Empire. This neighborhood's history is tied to artists, so you'll walk through the prominent urban art murals in the area. The tour ends at the Selarón Stairs, the outstanding work of art connecting Santa Teresa with the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa. Afterward, there'll be time to taste some typical Brazilian snacks and drinks.

Day 4: Day Trip to Búzios 

Located 105 miles (17 0km) from Rio, Búzios is a paradise of golden sands, varied vegetation, and unique charm. There are gorgeous beaches for all preferences. Geribá is for surfers, João Fernandes and João Fernandinho are for those searching for low tides and clear water, and Azedinha offers calmer waters that attract entire families. Today's group tour by bus departs from your hotel, passing over the Rio-Niterói Bridge to reach Búzios in two hours.

Upon arrival, walk along the cobbled streets rich with quaint charm, made famous by the French actress Brigitte Bardot. Then take a cruise to enjoy the best Búzios beaches and make stops for swimming at Azedinha, João Fernandes and João Fernandinho, Ilha Feia, or Tartaruga Beach. After the boat ride, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before enjoying more beach time and returning to Rio by sunset.

Day 5: Free Day in Rio, Boteco Tour 

Today you're free to explore the city at your leisure. Stroll along the Copacabana boardwalk until you reach the Forte de Copacabana, a historic Portuguese colonial fort sitting on a rocky cape at the beach's southern end. Still a working naval base, you'll find amazing views, a small military museum, and good cafés. Enjoy great views at Arpoador Beach, one of the most incredible places to surf in Copacabana and the ideal coastline spot. Meaning "harpoon thrower" in Portuguese, this rocky outcrop creates decent waves for surfers year-round. If you're not into surfing, come for the spectacular sunsets.

During the day, Rio is all about beaches, but at night it's time for the botecos. These bars are where locals meet after work to socialize while enjoying ice-cold beers. You'll embark on a guided tour of these watering holes this evening, visiting two bars in the areas of Ipanema and Copacabana. The first is Pavão Azul, a heritage bar whose specialty is a cod fish cake known as patanisc. Next, to find a great samba bar, continue to the Lapa neighborhood, famous for its nightlife. You'll discover different customs and sample local snacks and drinks as you explore. By night's end, you'll feel like a real Carioca!

Day 6: Carioca Lifestyle & Carnival Culture Tour, Depart Rio

After breakfast, you'll head out to experience the city like a true Carioca. This walking tour starts in the historic center and visits highlights like the conical-shaped São Sebastião Cathedral and the Saara Shopping District, a lively hub for bargain hunters. You'll end the morning with lunch at the Cais do Oriente restaurant, a charming mansion in the heart of the old center. After lunch, it's on to Cidade do Samba (Samba City), a complex of warehouses home to samba schools where locals prepare all year for Carnival celebrations.

Here, your guide will lead you on a tour of Pimpolhos, a youth samba school that seeks to promote social interaction and education through Carnival culture. It's an exclusive opportunity to go backstage at Brazil's biggest party and learn about the history of samba music, see dancers practicing routines, and watch how the parades are organized. You can even try on some actual Carnival outfits and learn a bit of percussion to get the feel of Brazilian samba! Afterward, enjoy a caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugar cane liquor) and lime.

 

After returning to your hotel, it's time to pack your bags and say your goodbyes as you transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!