Rio de Janeiro

Carnival activities

Go all the way up to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer by the Corcovado Train. The train rides through a railway inside Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world, making a unique view over Rio de Janeiro city. Enjoy an amazing ride on a train that takes you right up to the foot of the statue of The Christ, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and one of the most famous sights in Brazil. Besides admiring one of the most beautiful landscapes of the city, you will take a walk through Brazil's history. The Corcovado Railroad was the first electrified railroad in Brazil. Inaugurated in 1884 by D. Pedro II, it is older than Christ the Redeemer itself. In fact, it was the train that, during four consecutive years, transported pieces for monument’s construction. Your visit starts on the century-old electric locomotive, riding across the preserved Atlantic Forest, part of the Tijuca National Park. At the foot of the statue of Christ, you'll be able to take in the most beautiful view over the city, and see from above what makes Rio de Janeiro so special.

Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. In high season, tours can take longer due to traffic and the large volume of people in the city.

Discover the world-famous Sugarloaf Mountain with prebooked official tickets for the cable car, and explore one of Brazil's most popular attractions. Admire stunning views of Rio de Janeiro as you ride the cable car to the summit. Take incredible photos from the lookout point as you enjoy the panorama of the city and the ocean below. Make your own way to the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain, and head directly to the ticket office to exchange your printed voucher. Board the next cable car up the mountain, riding in the fully-enclosed cabin as you take in panoramic views of the city, Copacabana Beach, and Guanabara Bay.  Disembark at the top, where you can spend as much time as you wish. There is a food court and restaurant at the summit where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Once you have finished exploring the summit, your ticket is valid for any returning cable car.

Explore a favela of Rio de Janeiro on this guided walking tour. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of locals on this tour that is focused on education. Get a different perspective on life in Rio de Janeiro, and benefit from insider tips from a local guide. Start your favela tour with a pickup from one of the meeting points in Copacabana or Ipanema beach. Journey to the Rocinha Favela for the start of a walking tour at approximately in the afternoon. Follow your local guide through the favela and learn more about what it is like to live there. Rio's favelas are a big part of city life and the non-intrusive tour aims to educate you in a way that pays respect to the locals. Give back to the locals as part of the cost of your tour is contributed to the community to help them build a better future. Please remember your meeting point and pickup time: Meeting points: Option 1 at (9:30 & 13:30) Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel Avenida Atlântica, 1702 Please wait outside the hotel Option 2 at (9:50 & 13:50) Sol Ipanema Hotel Av. Viera Souto 320 Please wait outside the hotel

Experience a unique and unforgettable adventure exploring the natural paradises of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande, two of the most fascinating and sought-after destinations in Brazil. Located on the stunning Costa Verde, one of Brazil's most privileged coastal regions, this adventure offers the perfect blend of comfort, discovery, and breathtaking nature. Get ready to be amazed by landscapes that take your breath away, crystal-clear waters, and an incomparable marine life—all in one single tour. And the best part: you’ll be able to enjoy every moment without worries, as transportation, an expert guide, and a delicious lunch are included. The tour begins with a comfortable boat ride that takes you to some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the region. The first stop is the stunning Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), a true hidden paradise with its transparent waters that invite a refreshing swim. Lagoa Azul is known for its tranquility and mesmerizing colors, which range from shades of blue to green, providing the ideal environment to relax, swim, and marvel at the local marine life. While exploring the lagoon, you'll be able to observe colorful schools of fish and even vibrant corals that make the place even more special. Next, the journey takes you to Lagoa Verde (Green Lagoon), another breathtaking natural setting on Ilha Grande. The waters here are equally inviting, with an emerald green hue reflecting the surrounding vegetation, creating a spectacular view. This is the perfect moment to relax and enjoy the calm waters. If you enjoy diving, Lagoa Verde offers an excellent opportunity to explore the underwater wonders, with impressive visibility and abundant marine life. The local guides will accompany you throughout the visit, sharing insights about the history and biodiversity of the region. After visiting the lagoons, the tour continues to the peaceful beaches of Cataguases and Freguesia de Santana. Cataguases is a small island surrounded by crystal-clear waters, famous for its natural beauty and tranquility. Its white sand beaches and calm waters make it the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll along the shore. Freguesia de Santana, on the other hand, is an even more secluded beach, ideal for those seeking a more peaceful and immersive environment. You can walk along the sand, relax under the shade of native trees, and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. To conclude this enchanting day, the tour arrives at the charming Japariz beach, where a delicious lunch at a local restaurant is the perfect break. With a view of the sea and surrounding tropical vegetation, this is the ideal time to savor fresh dishes made with local ingredients that reflect the flavors of the traditional cuisine of the region. The lunch will be a true immersion into the local gastronomy, featuring fresh seafood, fish, and other typical dishes.

Relive Maracanã Stadium’s greatest moments on a fascinating 40-minute visit to one of Rio's most memorable landmarks. Explore the stadium and museum of one of Rio's most popular tourist attractions. Admire an exhibition bringing together important pieces of Brazilian football history. Get ready to take your place in the changing room, prepare yourself in the warm-up room, walk down the tunnel and imagine the roar of nearly 80,000 fans. Visit the press conference room and fell like a Brazilian Football star after a big match. Explore this historical stadium built in 1950 and re-vamped several times over history to host 1950 World Cup and some matches of the World championship 2014. Also, hosted the Confederations cup of 2013, opening and closing ceremonies of the pan American games of 2007 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in 2016. Besides the sport competitions, Maracanã has already been a stage for important events, like Madonna, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner shows and camp mass, of the Pope João Paulo II, in 1980 and 1997.

Take the opportunity to glimpse life in the favelas on this guided tour. Your guide is a Santa Marta resident who will be able to share with you an authentic perspective of the beautiful favela they call home. Using the Santa Marta cable car, your guide will take you to the top of the favela. From here you will be able to witness one of the best panoramic views of the city. Discover Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Botafogo Beach, Lagoa Rodrigues de Freitas and the entire neighborhood of Botafogo. Then, explore the streets and alleys enjoyed by both residents and Favela Santa Marta's many famous visitors, from Queen Elizabeth II to Michael Jackson. Stroll through the favela, seeing the best tourist attractions and stopping at several local craft shops along the way. Discover the guide's home, his family and the projects that Thiago carries out in the favela for children and adults. A tour that really helps the favela with activities. Beware of fake tours. Is it better to invest a little more in a quality experience, knowing it will have a positive impact on the favela and offer you a potentially transformative experience, or save a little by choosing a “superficial” tour? An important detail. In addition to other awards we have already won, our tour was chosen in the Getyourguide awards in 2019 as one of the best walking tours in Latin America and in April 2024 it won the Gentle and Responsible Tourism Awards for the greatest tourism achievement in Latin America.

Explore Rio’s largest favela on a half-day walking tour of Rocinha, the largest favela (shantytown) in South America. Organized by local, English speaking guides and favela hosts, the walking tour is respectful and non-intrusive to the residents. Subject of the movie "City of God," Rio’s favelas have fallen victim to unfortunate stereotypes. In order to correct this, and show you the true Rio de Janeiro, the favela tour will let you see and experience how daily life happens away from the sensationalist headlines. While other favela “zoo-tours” drive around in jeeps, you will get to walk the streets in small groups and meet the locals to hear their stories. Learn the history of the favela and its social and economic challenges. The tour cost also includes a monetary contribution to the favela community.

Start your tour in comfort, with convenient pickup from the main hotels in the South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Leme) and Barra da Tijuca. Your adventure begins with an ascent to Corcovado Mountain, where you'll have the option to either ride by van or board the train, according to the option purchased, both weaving through the lush Tijuca Forest. At the summit, behold the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Rio's breathtaking landscape. Continue your journey to the legendary Maracanã football stadium, known for its imposing architecture and storied history. Then, venture to the renowned Sambódromo, the vibrant venue of Rio's annual Carnival parade, where you can immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage. Please note that both visits are external, allowing you to appreciate these landmarks from the outside. Explore the modern Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, an architectural gem influenced by Mayan pyramids. Delve into the intriguing blend of ancient inspiration and modern innovation as you discover this iconic landmark on your tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant artistry of the Selarón Steps, an extraordinary staircase adorned with colorful tiles from around the world. Named after its creator, Jorge Selarón, a Chilean painter and sculptor, this iconic landmark stands as a testament to his dedication and passion. Experience the array of colors and cultures adorning each step, making it a must-see destination in Rio de Janeiro. Choose to indulge in a authentic all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse, included in select options. Opt for the "Christ the Redeemer by Van, Sugarloaf, Selaron, BBQ Lunch" or "Christ the Redeemer by Train, Sugarloaf, Selaron, BBQ Lunch" package for a complete gastronomic experience. Following lunch, continue the tour with a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain. Please note that there are tour options available, some of which include admission tickets to the Sugarloaf. However, if this option is not chosen, clients will have free time during the visit. Enjoy the breathtaking views and iconic sights of Rio as you ascend to the summit via the iconic cable car.

Experience Rio's Carnival, the most popular and famous parade in the world. This incredible cultural event is characterized by its freedom of expression, and creative and fun atmosphere represented through samba school parades, carnival balls, and street carnival. The official parade takes place in the Rio de Janeiro Sambadrome, created by renowned Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer with capacity for 80,000 spectators. There are 6 days of parades, divided into three categories: Access Group, Special Group, and the Champions Parade. – February 28, 2025 (Friday): Access Group (2nd league) – March 01, 2025 (Saturday): Access Group (2nd league) – March 02, 2025 (Sunday): Special Group (1st league) – March 03, 2025 (Monday): Special Group (1st league) – March 04, 2025 (Tuesday): Special Group (1st league) – March 08, 2025 (Saturday): Champions’ Parade (“All-Star Parade” with the 6 winners samba schools) Access Group (2nd league) In the Access Group, the best Samba Schools will be able to participate in the Special Group in the following year. 4 samba schools parades every night with enthusiasm and beauty. This is perfect for those, who want to see the magic of carnival on a budget. Special Group (1st league) These are considered the main days of the Carnival Parade. The best 12 Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro show all their creativity and innovations. These are the true magical nights of the Sambadrome. Tickets are more expensive for these days as it is the most popular parade with major league schools. Champions Parade On that night, the top six Special Group schools repeat their performances. This is an extraordinary night to see the Carnaval champions of the year. Each ticket purchased with us included: International Customer Support Our international guides available at the Sambadrome, every night of the parades, speaking 5 languages Accompanied Journey Guided trips to the Sambadrome from our hospitality center, at two fixed times, with metro inbound fare included. In order to the benefit you will need to arrive to the meeting point at the schedule time. The metro fare will aply only for those who will follow these requirements. The guides will accompanied to the even sectors of the stadium. Carnival Guide book Every tickets arrived with a e-book with all the important information about Rio Carnaval Our Carnival hospitality Center Beach front Copacabana Hotel, collect your tickets, information center and support during all days of the carnival.