15 best things to do in Rio de Janeiro: tours & day trips

Our recommended Rio activities

These are the tours and experiences we actually send our travelers on, the landmarks, the adventures, and the day trips worth the drive. Click the links and book directly.

Consider this your shortcut to the good stuff

Tap any card to book direct, and skip the hours of scrolling reviews wondering which company is legit.

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Carnaval 2027

Carnaval 2027 · Camarotes

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Carnaval 2027 · Sector 8

Camarote Folia Tropical

An all-inclusive box right in front of the bateria — open bar, gourmet buffet, live shows from sundown to sunrise, and round-trip transportation included.

Discount code: UHTRAVEL

Book Folia Tropical →

Rio recommended activities

Corcovado · half day

Christ the Redeemer by Train

The cog train climbs straight through Tijuca rainforest to Cristo's feet. Go early — better light, fewer crowds.

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Pão de Açúcar · 2–3 hrs

Sugarloaf Cable Car

Two cable cars, two peaks, one of the best sunset views on earth. Take the late-afternoon slot and watch the city light up.

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Tijuca Forest · half day

Jeep Tour at Floresta da Tijuca

The world's largest urban rainforest sits right behind the postcard — waterfalls, monkeys, and a viewpoint most tourists never reach.

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Lapa · 1 hour

Learn to Samba

A hands-on class with local dancers — no experience needed. Show up with two left feet, leave ready for the Carnaval floor.

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São Conrado · tandem flight

Hang Gliding over Rio

Launch off Pedra Bonita, glide over the rainforest, and land on the sand. A licensed pilot flies — you just take in the view.

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Santa Marta · guided walk

Favela Community Tour

A guided walk with locals who live there — honest, respectful, and nothing like what the movies told you.

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Helicopter · 30 min

Helicopter Flight over Rio

Every landmark at once — Cristo, Sugarloaf, and the beaches from above. The splurge that's actually worth it.

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Maracanã · stadium tour

Maracanã Stadium Tour

Stand where Pelé played. Even if you don't follow football, the scale of this place hits different.

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Ilha Grande · full day

Ilha Grande Boat Day

Car-free island, turquoise water, and jungle trails. A long day out of the city — worth every minute.

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Pedra da Gávea · half day

Pedra da Gávea Hike

Rio's toughest classic climb, with a rock-scramble finish and the best view in the city. Go with a guide — this one's no solo stroll.

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Lapa · evening

Rio Pub Crawl

The easiest way to meet people on a solo trip — bars, caipirinhas, and a local guide who knows which spots are actually worth it.

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Centro & Santa Teresa · half day

Historic Rio & Santa Teresa

Colonial streets, the Selarón Steps, and the artsy hilltop of Santa Teresa — learn about Rio history.

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Not sure which ones are right for you?

That’s what we’re here for. Tell us your dates and we’ll build you a Rio plan that fits — like having a friend on the ground.