Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro in 2026 (Tested and Approved)

Updated in June 2026 | Reading time: 13 min

We live in Rio. And even so, every time a friend visits from elsewhere and we show them around, we’re impressed all over again.

Rio is a city that never gets boring. But it can also frustrate travelers who don’t know where to start—or who waste their days on poorly managed tourist attractions, with huge lines and a mediocre experience.

This guide is different. We personally tested every experience on this list, compared operators, and know which ones to avoid—and why. At the end of each section, we recommend where to book safely, with free cancellation and Portuguese-speaking guides.

1. Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado—the must-do experience

There’s no getting around it: Christ the Redeemer is Rio’s symbol, and visiting it is genuinely moving. The 38-meter statue stands at an altitude of 710 meters, with panoramic views of everything—the entire city, Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf, the beaches and the ocean meeting the mountains.

What separates a great visit from a terrible one isn’t the statue itself—it’s how you get there.

Corcovado train vs. tourist van

There are two ways to go up: the Corcovado train (which opened in 1884 and passes through Tijuca Forest) and tourist vans that drive up the mountain road. We always recommend taking the train when it’s available. The 20-minute journey through the Atlantic Forest is worth it in its own right, and arriving at the station is more scenic.

Important tip: buy your tickets in advance. On weekends and public holidays, the line for visitors without reservations can be more than two hours long.

Best time: Tuesday to Friday, between 8 and 10 a.m. The light is golden, the clouds are usually below the statue, and it’s less crowded.

Average price: R$ 160–240 per person (transportation + admission included)

2. Sugarloaf at sunset—the most dramatic experience in Rio

If Christ the Redeemer is Rio’s icon, Sugarloaf is the drama. The two-stage cable car—first to Morro da Urca (215 m), then to Sugarloaf (396 m)—offers views that make you stop in the middle of a sentence.

Go at sunset. Watching the sun disappear behind the mountains as the city lights begin to twinkle below is one of the best experiences Rio has to offer. The sky turns orange and pink over Botafogo Bay, and on clear days you can even see Niterói.

The last cable car descends at 10 p.m., so you have plenty of time to watch the twilight and the city light up for the evening.

Average price: R$ 180–260 per person

👉 Safety tip: read our complete guide to safety in Rio de Janeiro before planning your activities.

3. Favela tour—Santa Marta or Rocinha

Favela tours are among Rio’s most debated experiences—and when done properly, they can be some of the most meaningful. The key is to choose operators that work with the community, hire local guides and give back to the neighborhood.

Santa Marta

The most accessible option for first-time visitors. Located in Santa Teresa/Botafogo, it is relatively small and was Rio’s first pacified community. It is also where Michael Jackson filmed “They Don’t Care About Us”—you’ll see the memorial. The view from the top is spectacular.

Rocinha

The largest favela in South America, with more than 70,000 residents. Tours are longer and more immersive, taking you deeper into the community’s everyday life—markets, schools and local businesses. Ideal for those who want to go beyond the obvious tourist sights.

What to expect: A 2–3-hour walk with a local guide, often a resident of the community, visits to community projects, viewpoints and stops at local landmarks. Photography is welcome in most areas, but your guide will tell you where to put your camera away.

Average price: R$ 120–180 per person

👉 To plan your trip safely, also read: off-the-beaten-path experiences in Rio de Janeiro.

4. Hikes in Tijuca Forest—nature in the heart of the city

Most visitors don’t know that Rio is home to the world’s largest urban forest: Tijuca Forest, covering 32 km² in the middle of the city. Inside, you’ll find waterfalls, monkeys, toucans, orchids and trails for every fitness level.

The Cascatinha Taunay Waterfall is the most accessible—a 15-meter waterfall reached in 20 minutes from the park entrance. The Vista Chinesa viewpoint offers panoramic views of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and Zona Sul. For more adventurous hikers, the trail to Pedra da Gávea takes three hours and involves rock climbing, with 360-degree views from 844 meters—epic.

Why go with a guide: The trails aren’t always well marked, and getting lost in Tijuca is more common than you might think. A guide also greatly improves your chances of spotting wildlife—and knows which trails are open and safe that day.

Average price: R$ 140–220 per person (varies according to trail difficulty)

5. Boat trip around Guanabara Bay

Seeing Rio from inside the bay is a completely different experience. From the water, the city reveals itself in a way that’s impossible to appreciate from land: Christ the Redeemer high above the forest, Sugarloaf rising from the sea, and the Flamengo and Centro skylines reflected in the bay.

The schooners depart from Marina da Glória and include stops at Ilha Fiscal, a neo-Gothic palace in the middle of the bay, views of the Rio–Niterói Bridge and swimming spots with crystal-clear water—all over 3–4 hours.

The sunset sailing trip is the premium option: a smaller boat for 8–12 people, with wine and cheese, cruising around Sugarloaf as the sun sets. One of Rio’s most impressive experiences.

Average price: R$ 150–350 per person (varies according to boat type and duration)

👉 See also where to stay: where to stay in Rio de Janeiro—neighborhood by neighborhood, for every type of traveler and budget.

6. Rio at night—Santa Teresa, Lapa and live samba

If your trip only includes daytime activities, you’re missing half of Rio. At night, the city transforms—especially in Santa Teresa, a bohemian neighborhood on the hillside with colonial mansions and art galleries, and Lapa, the heart of Rio’s nightlife and samba scene.

A good night tour includes a tram ride through Santa Teresa, a stop at a local bar for a caipirinha, a walk past the famous Selarón Steps and entry to a live samba venue in Lapa—often with a reserved table and the first round included.

Why go with a guide: Lapa on a Friday or Saturday night is electric, but it can be disorienting if you don’t know where to go. A local guide keeps the experience fun and safe.

Average price: R$ 180–280 per person

👉 Fun fact: also read about our experience at Comida di Buteco 2026 in Rio—the city’s most famous bar festival.

7. Búzios—day trip from Rio

If you have an extra day and want to get out of the city, Búzios is the right choice. The peninsula is two hours from Rio by bus and has 27 beaches, cobbled streets and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere—very different from Rio’s fast-paced lifestyle.

The most famous beaches are Ferradura (a calm bay, perfect for swimming), João Fernandes (clearer water, good for snorkeling) and Geribá (large waves for surfers). At night, Rua das Pedras is ideal for dinner and a nightcap.

Book a day trip if you want guaranteed transportation and someone to optimize the route between the beaches. Going independently is also easy—Búzios is very tourist-friendly.

Average price: R$ 200–300 per person (transportation + guided beach tour)

How to book tours in Rio—tips for saving money and avoiding scams

Book in advance. The most popular experiences—especially Christ the Redeemer by Corcovado train—sell out days or weeks ahead, particularly during the high season (December–February and July).

Use reliable platforms. We recommend Civitatis, GetYourGuide and Viator because they offer verified review systems, clear cancellation policies and support if something goes wrong. Avoid booking with strangers on the street or through WhatsApp numbers on tourist posters.

Read recent reviews. A tour that was excellent two years ago may have changed guides. Check reviews from the past three months and pay particular attention to comments about the guide.

Free cancellation matters. Rio’s weather can be unpredictable. Look for tours offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—this lets you reschedule if it rains on the day you planned to visit Christ the Redeemer.

Small groups vs. packed buses. For most experiences in Rio, we prefer small groups of up to 12 people. They offer more flexibility and a more personal experience, and the guide can actually answer your questions.

👉 Planning your trip from scratch? See our complete Rio de Janeiro guide with everything you need to know.

✈️ To find cheap flights: Skyscanner—a flight comparison tool with price alerts.

🏨 For accommodation: Booking.com and Hotels.com—also see our guide to where to stay in Rio.

Frequently asked questions about tours in Rio

Are tours in Rio safe?

Yes—when booked through reliable operators. Guides know which neighborhoods and routes are safe, and tour vehicles use established pickup and drop-off points. We’ve taken dozens of tours in Rio without any problems. Also see our guide to safety in Rio.

What is the best time of year for tours in Rio?

April–June and August–October offer the best combination of pleasant weather, shorter lines and better prices. December–February is Carnival season—spectacular, but crowded and expensive. See our guides to Carnival in Rio and New Year’s Eve if you’re visiting during that period.

Do the tours have Portuguese-speaking guides?

Yes. All the tours listed in this guide have Portuguese-speaking guides available. Civitatis and GetYourGuide let you filter by language when booking.

Do I need to buy a separate Christ the Redeemer ticket?

Not necessarily. Most organized tours already include admission and transportation in the price. If you’re going independently, buy your ticket online in advance through the official website—the lines at the physical ticket office are long.

How much time do I need for Sugarloaf?

Allow 3–4 hours in total if you’re going independently (line + ascent + time at the top + descent). With an organized tour, it generally takes 2–3 hours because the group has a guaranteed cable-car time slot.

Is travel insurance worth buying for Rio?

Yes, we always recommend it. See our complete travel insurance guide, including a price comparison and advice on which policy to choose based on your profile.

Which tour should I take first?

It depends on your travel style:

• First time in Rio: Christ the Redeemer + Sugarloaf + a favela tour. These three give you the essence of the city.
• Nature lover: a Tijuca Forest hike + a boat trip around the bay.
• Nightlife and culture: a night tour through Santa Teresa and Lapa.
• Families with children: the Sugarloaf cable car + a boat trip—easy, memorable and suitable for all ages.
• Couples: a sunset sailboat trip + dinner in Santa Teresa.

Whichever one you choose, Rio will impress you. It’s a city that has never disappointed us.

Enjoy your experience!

This post contains affiliate links to Civitatis, GetYourGuide, Viator, Booking.com and Skyscanner. If you book through our links, we receive a commission at no additional cost to you—which helps keep the site running and the content free. We only recommend experiences we would take ourselves (or already have).

About The Author

Thiago & Fernanda — Viagens e Lugares

Thiago & Fernanda, criadores do Viagens e Lugares. Guias de viagem, experiências reais e planejamento prático para ajudar leitores a organizar viagens com mais informação.

See author's posts