Rio de Janeiro Travelers Recommend

The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are the stuff of song and legend—80 miles (129 kilometers) of sparkling, sandy, mountain-backed shores that border this marvel of South American civilization. For the best of Rio’s sun, sea, and sand, these are the beaches you must visit.

Ipanema Beach

Immortalized in bossa nova song, Ipanema Beach (Praia Ipanema) is one of Rio’s two most famous beaches, along with Copacabana. This chic stretch of sand attracts throngs of locals and visitors in equal numbers, with various social groups congregating in different sections of the beach.

Copacabana Beach

Copacabana’s 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) shoreline framed by Sugarloaf Mountain is the stuff of postcards. Arguably the city’s most picturesque beach, Copacabana is almost always buzzing with activity, making it one of the best spots for people watching with a caipirinha in hand or joining a game of beach futebol (soccer).

Barra da Tijuca Beach

Barra da Tijuca, the longest of Rio’s beaches, spans 11 miles (18 kilometers) and is known for its water sports, attracting surfers, bodyboarders, kitesurfers, and windsurfers with its consistent waves. This sun-soaked beach gets busy on the weekends, but it’s rather quiet on weekdays, especially compared to its more famous counterparts.

Vermelha Beach

Vermelha might just be Rio’s most underrated beach. While small, this stretch of reddish sand in a protected cove at the base of Sugarloaf offers calm, clear waters for swimming and a mile-long hiking trail along the rocky Brazilian coastline.

Arpoador Beach

Arpoador sits sandwiched between Ipanema and Copacabana, easily recognized by the large rock jutting into the waves. This somewhat quieter beach is popular for catching a sunset over the Atlantic—and is also known as the birthplace of surfing in Brazil.

Rio’s favelas are one of the city’s anomalies, existing with a combination of densely packed communities suffering from poor living conditions and regeneration projects that have opened their doors to bridge the cultural divide seen across the city. Here’s what you need to know about favela tours in Rio.

What is a favela?

Brazil’s favelas are slums with a poor socioeconomic status, most of which sprung up on the outskirts of the country’s urban centers in the late 19th century. There are almost 1,000 favelas housing an estimated 1.5 million people in Rio de Janeiro alone, and the densely packed communities often live without reliable electricity, sewage systems, or drinkable water. In recent years, efforts to improve living conditions have been successful in certain favelas, but problems remain complex and far-reaching.

Rocinha Favela

Set in the South Zone between the São Conrado and Gávea districts, Rocinha is Rio’s largest and most developed favela, and it’s the focal point of most Rio favela tours. Educational walking tours typically offer insight into community life and redevelopment projects; a chance to experience cultural traditions such as capoeira and samba; and visits to schools, local businesses, or community centers. 

Santa Marta Favela

The Santa Marta Favela is located in the Botafogo and Laranjeiras area of South Rio. Walking tours provide a look at life in the district, as well as the famous favela painting project and viewpoints that look out over Rio landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer Statue, Copacabana, and Ipanema Beach.

Vidigal Favela

Vidigal Favela is one of the most vibrant slum areas, renowned for its striking street art, food markets, and live music venues. The community is located high on the mountainside above Rocinha, and Vidigal tours often include a hike up to the Two Brothers Mountain viewpoint.

Things to Know

• Only certain favelas are safe for visitors and they should only be visited as part of a tour with a reputable tour guide.

• Most tours use a portion of the proceeds to fund community projects within the favelas.

• Favela tours typically last two to four hours and most involve a fair amount of walking. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as roads can be steep and uneven.

• Remember that the favelas are living communities—it’s important to show sensitivity and be respectful when visiting locals and their homes. Ask your guide for advice if you are unsure.

• Viator is sensitive to the issues and concerns surrounding favelas and understands that these tours may not be suitable for everyone.

Rio de Janeiro isn’t known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) for nothing. With three days in Rio, there’s enough time to cover plenty of territory. While visiting this spectacular harborside city, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this suggested 3-day itinerary will ensure that you don’t miss out on the very best Rio has to offer.

Day 1: Roaming Around Rio

Your first day is perhaps best spent getting oriented. Explore downtown with a guide on foot or bicycle and mingle with the charming locals while learning about the city’s Portuguese colonial history. A holiday in Rio is incomplete without a trip to the famed Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado, home to the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor); both monoliths overlook beautiful Guanabara Bay. Opt for either a half- or full-day itinerary, and take private or small-group tour for a personalized experience.

Save some time to ride a cog train or Jeep into the lush Tijuca Forest, guarded by giant granite rocks. Alternatively, get a bird’s-eye view of the city by helicopter or hang glider. At night, catch a samba show and feast on a Brazilian steakhouse barbecue dinner called a churrasco —both are cultural icons.

Day 2: Sun, Sea, Surf—and Soccer

On day two, it’s time to hit Rio’s beaches and bays. Cruise around Guanabara Bay and glimpse spectacular Sugar Loaf, this time from the water. Follow up your sightseeing with a delectable seafood lunch while sailing past the beaches of Niteroi. Or, if you prefer basking in the lazy beach culture of some of the world’s best city beaches, Ipanema and Copacabana place you in the center of the action. You can also partake in a paragliding adventure where you’ll soar above urban areas and land on a beach.

Check schedules to see if you can catch a soccer match at Maracana Stadium; even if you’re not a futebol fan, it’s hard to pass up the excitement of the crowds. For those who miss the spectacular parades of Carnival, it’s possible to see the floats on a guided tour of Cidade do Samba, aka Samba City.

Day 3: Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro

The charming town of Buzios, known for its architectural finesse, is a popular day trip from Rio. Visitors can spend a full day strolling the cobblestone streets and sands of this former fishing village, reached by boat. Alternatively, visit Petropolis, the lap of luxury, home to Brazil’s two former emperors as well as the Crystal Palace and Imperial Museum.

Another excellent option is a tropical islands cruise complete with an island lunch. Set sail for Angra dos Reis and combine the pristine destination with a stop at Ilha Grande (Big Island), the largest of 365 isles in the archipelago. Family-friendly excursions take passengers to swim and snorkel in aquamarine waters and sunbathe on sugar-white sands. Escape the bustling city and relax aboard a schooner or other vessel while you let a guide handle plan transportation details.

Rio de Janeiro is a not-to-be-missed destination full of adventure and natural beauty. With plenty of fascinating attractions, from sandy beaches to sky views of famous landmarks, there’s something for all types of travelers. With just one day to explore, here are a few options to help you make the most of your stay.

Morning: Rio de Janeiro City Sights

Start out by getting a lay of the land, choosing among several sightseeing options. Combine a tour of Corcovado, where the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) overlooks Guanabara Bay, with an aerial cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Or take a helicopter flight above it all for an exciting alternative. See city landmarks on a walking tour of downtown; climb Selarón’s Staircase in the Santa Teresa neighborhood; or get an overview of beaches and attractions aboard a hop-on hop-off bus. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Tijuca Forest or the Botanical Garden.

Afternoon: Unbeatable Bay Views

Get your camera ready for spectacular views around Guanabara Bay, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Board a bay cruise for a panoramic tour of Rio’s harbor with its andy-white beaches and towering granite monoliths. Glide past the neighborhoods of Copacabana, Botafogo, and Flamengo, and learn about the Niteroi Bridge. Alternatively, a walking tour through Rio’s largest favela, Rocinha, offers a different perspective on the city and its inhabitants. Local residents shed light on the unique challenges of this hillside community.

Night: Dancing and Drinking in Rio

The city’s world-famous Carnival offers a chance to see a spectacular parade, plus dancing and drumming on city streets, but if you visit during another time of the year, you can still experience Brazilian dance and music. You’ll be treated to a dazzling display of costumes and capoeira, with the option to feast on barbecue. If spinning on the dance floor is more your style, gain VIP access to nightclubs like Rio Scenarium during a nightlife tour that lets you skip the line in places like Leblon. 

With its hypnotic beats, dazzling costumes, and fast-paced dance moves, the samba never fails to captivate. Rio de Janeiro is the perfect place to experience the magic of Brazil’s national dance. Here are some tour options available.

Carnival Tours

Rio de Janeiro pulls out all the stops for Brazil’s Carnival season, with five days of extravagant street parades, lavish soirees, and beach parties culminating in a massive Carnival parade at the iconic Sambadrome arena. Booking Carnival tickets in advance is a must, but visitors can also watch the samba dancers rehearse during a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rio Samba School or combine Carnival tickets with a multi-day Rio city tour, visiting top attractions such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, Ipanema beach, Copacabana Beach, and the Christ the Redeemer Statue.

Samba Shows and Classes

Even if you miss out on the Carnival celebrations, samba shows are held year-round in Rio. And if attending a thrilling samba dinner show isn’t enough, you can even take part in a samba class at the legendary Rio Scenarium, then put your newfound dance skills to the test at one of the Lapa neighborhood’s many samba clubs.

Visitors to Rio de Janeiro should budget time to explore some of the tropical islands surrounding the Marvelous City. Make your escape to the coastal villages, islands, and beaches on Brazil’s Green Coast; all are within easy reach from the city port or marina. Here are a few options for island-hopping tours from Rio.

Highlights

• Hop aboard a schooner and cruise around Sepetiba Bay, dotted with 300 islets and home to dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays.

• Set sail for Angra dos Reis on a lunch cruise that includes swimming in the crystal-clear waters around the archipelago.

• Ride a speedboat to stunning beaches and bays en route to Ilha Grande, and snorkel around the Blue Lagoon, Japariz Beach, and the Botinas Islands.

• Explore the pristine swimming beaches and caves of Arraial do Cabo, or venture farther afield on a day trip to Búzios.

• Savor views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer as well as Rio de Janeiro’s city skyline during a catamaran ride around Guanabara Bay.

• Charter your own boat and get the VIP treatment on a private island-hopping tour.

Boasting upwards of 20 beaches with tranquil waters for swimming and boating, Armação dos Búzios has earned its reputation as one of Brazil’s finest beach resorts. Situated on a scenic peninsula, Búzios is a popular getaway from Rio de Janeiro due to its proximity, charm, and tropical climate. Here are a few highlights.

Highlights

• Stroll the cobblestone Rua das Pedras walkway in downtown Búzios, which is lined with chic boutiques, trendy nightclubs, and sophisticated restaurants.
• Snap photos of colorful fishing boats and bronze sculptures at Orla Bardot, a boardwalk named for the French actress who made the town famous.
• Go snorkeling or kayaking along the shorelines of Praia dos Ossos, João Fernandes Beach, Azeda Beach, and Brava Beach.
• Explore the city’s beaches and offshore islands during a sightseeing cruise by sailboat or schooner.
• Take a seat at Praça dos Ossos with an ice cream and enjoy the lazy atmosphere while people-watching in the square.
• Trace centuries of the slave trade and pirate history on a walking or boating tour.

Things to Know

• Búzios is 110 miles (176 kilometers) east of Rio, a drive of about 3 hours via BR-101 and RJ-124.
• Day tours from Rio typically last 10–14 hours, including travel time.
• Tours usually start and end at selected hotels in Rio’s South Zone (Zona Sul), which includes Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo, and Flamengo.

From Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-setting World Cup goals to Pele’s hat trick of World Cup victories, few countries have produced as many legendary international football (soccer) players as Brazil. Here are the best ways to get your football (or futbol, as it’s known locally) fix in Rio de Janeiro.

Soccer Stadium Tours

Rio’s principal venue is the Maracanã Stadium, the second stadium in the world to host two World Cup finals (in 1950 and 2014), and home to the city’s four biggest teams: Flamengo, Botafogo, Fluminense, and Vasco. Opt for a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic stadium, where you can peek into the locker rooms and press room, take a seat on the players' benches, and walk up the entry ramp.

Soccer Matches

Watching a soccer match is a quintessential Rio experience, and there are plenty of opportunities to watch a world-class soccer game. Rio’s soccer season runs from January to May, with local teams competing for the Gunabara's Cup and Rio's Cup, after which the Brazilian Championship games take place from May until December, featuring 20 teams from around the country. Snag tickets for a game and soak up the electric atmosphere at the Maracanã or João Havelange stadiums.

Beautiful beaches, expansive mountains, and the grand Carnival are only some of the reasons why Rio de Janeiro attracts thousands of visitors each year. Spending two days in Rio affords travelers enough time to explore its natural and cultural highlights, from forests and favelas to bohemian neighborhoods.

Day 1: Sightseeing in the Marvelous City

Morning: Get an early start and skip the crowds at two of Rio’s most popular attractions: Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Bask in early morning light as you pose for pics beneath Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), a 98-foot (30-meter) statue deemed one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Afternoon: Sample Rio’s baroque architecture on a walking tour of downtown, including Metropolitan Cathedral and Carioca Square. Or let a guide lead you down cobbled Selaron Steps (Escadaria Selaron) past art galleries in Santa Teresa. Alternatively, an informational tour of the Rocinha favela provides an insider’s perspective.

Night: Get the VIP treatment on a nightlife tour of Rio and party alongside locals at bars and on the dancefloor. From the Zona Sul to Leblon, special tours allow you to skip entrance lines to popular nightclubs like Rio Scenarium. Round-trip transportation is typically provided from most hotels.

Day 2: Take to Sea and Sky—plus Samba

Morning: See the city and harbor from the sky while soaring high above on a helicopter tour. You’ll enjoy unsurpassed views of the seascape and its granite monoliths. If you’d prefer to take off with your own set of wings, consider a tandem hang gliding tour with a beach landing.

Afternoon: Rio is all about the bays and beaches, so be sure to cruise the waters for a unique point of view. Glide past the neighborhoods of Copacabana, Botafogo, and Flamengo, and listen to narration on Sugar Loaf and Niteroi. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the photo ops.

Night: When the sun sets, it’s time for a Brazilian dance and music show featuring favorites like samba and bossa nova. See dazzling performances featuring capoeira and Carnival costumes and capoeira, followed by a classic churrasco, a Brazilian barbecue dinner feast.

Barbecued meats with white rice and black beans, salty bar snacks to help the caipirinhas flow, fresh tropical fruits: all are synonymous with Rio de Janeiro. And although the city may be most famous for its beaches and nightlife, Rio is also a marvelous, if oft-overlooked, food destination. Here are some of the best gastronomic offerings to sample on your next trip.

Must-Try Dishes

Ask any local to make a lunch recommendation, and you’re bound to hear a chorus singing the praises of the Brasilerinho, a steak with French fries, rice, beans, farofa (toasted seasoned cassava flour), and a fried egg. On weekends, it’s customary to eat feijoida, a comforting pork-and–black bean stew that’s served with rice, farofa, collard greens, and orange slices (and usually followed by a nap). Vegetarian feijoadas made with tofu can be found in an increasing number of restaurants. In the evening, Cariocas (Rio locals) accompany their cold beer with petiscos, salty fried bar snacks. Juice bars, with their freshly squeezed pineapple and mint or orange and acerola juices, are another favorite, as is anything made with acai, a Brazilian superfruit.

Must-Do Experiences

• Discover the region’s fruits, vegetables, grains, and flours on a tour of a local market.

• Master the feijoada, Brazil’s national dish, in a cooking class.

• Try a bunch of new dishes (some suitable for vegetarians) at a kilo buffet restaurant, where you just pay for what you put on your plate.

• Challenge yourself to an all-you-can-eat feast at a churrasceria, which specializes in grilled and roasted meats.

• Explore the city’s bohemian neighborhoods and learn the secret to a great caipirinha.

• Walk along the beach and try an acai at one of the many juice bars.