Brazil · FULL-DAY TOURS IN RIO DE JANEIRO
This is the shortlist you would send a friend flying out next month: 15 full-day tours in Rio de Janeiro that earn their slot, each with a price, a traveller verdict and the one detail to check before you pay.
A full day in Rio packed with Christ the Redeemer, key city sights, and optional Sugarloaf cable car, plus BBQ at a Brazilian steakhouse.
“A good trip covering all highlights in Rio Great guide sofas i think ,also helped with walker and wheelchair”
Full-day Rio highlight loop with Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selarón Steps, lunch, and tickets included, plus a guide to keep you moving.
“The tour guide Paz mads very unprofessional comments about money that we wanted to spens or not in overpriced items. She made the same comments about another family as soon after their drop off point and yet again anothe couple. She didn't explain much at all about the Christ the redeemer statue until I asked. And that is a crucial part of any good tour. Also when.I said.I was from the USA she said we were not going to get into it. The locations of the tour were great but the guide needs to learn boundaries”
Full-day Rio trip by coach and boat to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande, with swims at Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde and a sea-view buffet lunch.
“The parking of the boat in the ocean was amazing. I just wish we had more than an hour on the last stop which I enjoyed the most, but no complaints”
Spend a full day in Petrópolis from Rio, with the Imperial Museum, imperial cathedral, scenic stops, and optional Bohemia Brewery at strong value.
“The tour did not come and did not reply to messages and did not offer any solution. Change vendor and find another one”
Full-day Rio highlights: Christ by train, Selaron Steps, Sugarloaf cable car, barbecue lunch, and hotel pickup in South Zone.
“When you pay so much money, you expect the tour to be an English only not in two languages at the same time and I don’t It was so good anyways not the same as I experience from past tours guys. And the food was not as I was expected was not good. This is my opinion although I tipped ithe guide nicely. And also I wasn’t expect 13 people. I was thinking something like six. Thx”
Private customizable Rio highlights with easy pickup, train ride to Christ the Redeemer, Selaron Steps, Sugarloaf views, and optional art, nature, or history.
“Unprofessional and no communication. I messaged a couple of times with questions and change to the pick up time. Auto response and one Ok. But didn’t answer our questions about tickets etc. Didn’t tell our guide and he didn’t know where to pick us up - as instructed by the tour company. So that was a half hour of confusion. The only reason this isn’t one star is that our guide - Beni - was great and flexible. If you were sure of getting him I would recommend this tour but it seems unlikely.”
Angra dos Reis and Grand Island full day with a schooner ride, calm beach swimming, snorkeling spots like Lagoa Azul, and lunch at Praia de Japariz.
“Awesome experience, 5 stars, totally recommended and a must do in rio . Beautiful place even it’s a bit far, the experience in the boat was really unique. All well organised”
Hike Pedra do Telégrafo in the early morning, then unwind at Grumari or Prainha. Steep, short, and photo-worthy.
“Incredible and breathtaking! Felipe was a lovely guide. It was an awesome hike and he gave us plenty of time to take pictures. Alex was also a wonderful driver who we had good conversation with. I would highly recommend this activity. The hike is very steep but worth every moment. Good way for a group to bond too. We also stopped for Açai on the way down and at a stunning beach which was a great reward!”
Packaged Rio highlights in one full day, with Christ, Sugarloaf, lunch, and several classic city stops, plus included tickets and a pro guide.
“Great tour guide! Enjoyed all of the stops. Enjoyed seeing the history that Rio has to offer. Definitely recommend it.”
Full-day Pedra da Gávea jungle trek in Rio with a small group, rope climbing help, certified safety gear, and big panoramic views.
“Thiago was an amazing tour guide! He was funny, had great stories and showed us the best spots and made sure we fully enjoyed our experience! Would absolutely recommend taking this tour with him!!”
Full-day custom Rio private tour for up to four people with Luis Darin, air-conditioned car, flexible stops, and free highlights plus optional tickets.
“Luis went above and beyond to assist me with planning my full day with him. We saw everything I had hoped to visit along with a couple extras that he suggested that were fantastic. I highly recommend spending the day in Rio with Luis as your guide.”
Conquer Tijuca Forest on a 10.4 km full-day hike with small-group care, waterfall stops, caves, and Taquara Hill views over Rio.
“Great day with Ricardo our tour guide, who had lots of interesting conversation and knowledge. The hike was as expected length wise, and good for those who want a bit longer in the jungle than the other half-day tours. Mostly in-shade so walk is hot but at least not in direct sunlight for the most part. Saw monkeys, raccoons, frogs and lots of nice wildlife.”
Challenge hike in Tijuca Forest to Taquara Hill, plus Taunay Waterfall and Vista Chinesa views, finishing with a rainforest shower.
“Vinicius was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. I enjoyed spending time with him. Hike was perfect”
Early Christo Redeemer views, cable car up Sugarloaf, and downtown Rio highlights in a small-group day that keeps lines and stress low.
“Our tour was small, only 8 of us. Worked very well. Very good guide. Great itinerary to avoid the crowds. Recommend.”
Full-day Angra dos Reis tour from Rio with Lagoa Azul, Cataguás Island and Praia de Japariz plus lunch. Long day, good value if weather is good.
“Que son poco serios. Nos vendieron el tour y no nos pasaron a buscar por falta de 'cupos'. Sin ninguna explicación y más encima tengo que yo hacer toda la gestión para que me devuelvan el dinero”
Pick a coast, a city or a river, and start there.
