Stop One – TIJUCA RAIN FOREST

We will start by going into the Tijuca Rainforest, the largest urban rain forest in the world and home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, many threatened by extinction.

Only when we are inside the forest we will feel how big and dense it really is and we will be surprised that we are still inside a big city, like Rio de Janeiro.

Stop two – praia da joatinga

Secondly, we will head to the amazing and secret Joatinga Beach; a small jewel formed by a hidden cove is one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro and its visitation is a high point for those who like beach, surf, nature and to know where the “Cariocas” go for fun.

Stop three – hang-gliders land on são conrado beach

We will stop by São Conrado Beach to see the hang-gliders land on the beach after their fall from Pedra Bonita. From here you also have a great view of the iconic mountain Pedra da Gávea.

Stop four – favela rocinha

We will enter the most famous and largest favela in Rio, Rocinha. Understand how a favela really works and what factors have influenced it thru history and present.

If your group is up to 3 people then we will go to the very top of the Favela. Groups of 4 people and more, we enter into the favela, by foot, but do not go to the top.

Stop five – carnival sambadrome

This is where the biggest parade show on the planet happen once a year during.

The Sambadrome was build specially for the Carnival and has capacity for 90.000 spectators.

Designed by Brazil’s most famous architect, Oscar Niemeyer.

Stop six – The Selaron Steps

In 1990, Selarón began renovating dilapidated steps that ran along the front of his house. At first, neighbours mocked him for his choice of colours as he covered the steps in fragments of blue, green and yellow tiles – the colours of the Brazilian flag. It started out as a side-project to his main passion, painting, but soon became an obsession. He found he was constantly out of money, so Selarón sold paintings to fund his work and also tiles were donated from all over the world. It was long and exhausting work but he continued on and eventually covered the entire set of steps in tiles, ceramics and mirrors.

Lunch at Santa Teresa

We will have a tasty Brazilian BBQ lunch at the historical and bohemian neighbourhood Santa Teresa. This part of town is also famous for artistry, culture and great views over Rio.

Stop eight – Christ Redeemer Statue

Next we go up Corcovado Hill to see Brazil’s greatest national icon and on of the new seven wonders of the world. This is the highest point we will visit during this day, with 710 meters.

Our Rio Official Guide will facilitate your entrance tickets, avoiding the long lines to acquire them.

Stop nine – Mirante Dona Marta

From this lookout point, we see Sugarloaf and Corcovado Moutain, from a completely different angle. We also have a complete view over the center area and Guanabara Bay.

OPTIONAL Stop ten – Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is a peak that rises 396 meters high and presents a bird’s eye view of Rio de Janeiro from the mouth of Guanabara Bay. To get to the top we take two cable cars called “bondinhos”. The first cable car takes us up to the Urca Mountain and the second to Sugarloaf.

Add this optional attraction to end this full-packed, fund day here at Sugarloaf and see the sun go down over Rio de Janeiro.

Price to add Sugarloaf: 40 EUR Per Person on weekdays and 60 EUR on weekends.

Top Rated Tour

Thanks so much to our clients who have taken the time to review our Big Five Rio tour on Trip Advisor and Viator.