RioCity tour
Rio de Janeiro
Full Day in Rio with Steakhouse Lunch
See Rio's best-known sights in one day, with a break for lunch at a traditional Brazilian churrascaria, where grilled meats are carved at your table.
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/ person
Brazil · Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro tours: mountains, beaches and a day in Búzios
Ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, see Rio’s famous sights with a churrascaria lunch, or escape to the beaches of Búzios by catamaran. Three tours starting in Rio.
- Currency
- Brazilian real (R$)
- Language
- Portuguese
- Time zone
- BRT · UTC−3
- Best time
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
Tours & experiences
Tours in Rio de Janeiro
RioCity tour
RioDay trip
Rio de Janeiro → Búzios
Full Day in Búzios with Catamaran & Lunch
Leave the city for the beach town of Búzios. Cruise between its coves and beaches by catamaran, then sit down to lunch before the drive back to Rio.
From
/ person
RioSightseeing
Urca → Sugarloaf Mountain
Half-Day Tour to Sugarloaf Mountain
Ride the two cable cars, via Morro da Urca, to the top of Sugarloaf for views over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer across the city.
From
/ personNo tours of this type yet.
Rio de Janeiro travel guide
Why explore Rio with a guide?
Rio de Janeiro sits between granite mountains, rainforest and the Atlantic, so its best views are spread across the city. A guided tour takes care of transport and timing between viewpoints and beaches, and a local guide knows when each spot is at its best.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Two cable cars take you up: first to Morro da Urca, about 220 metres high, then on to the summit of Sugarloaf at about 396 metres. From the top you look out over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana beach and, across the city, Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado.
A full day in Rio
A full-day tour lets you see several of Rio’s best-known sights in one go, with a break for lunch at a churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse where waiters bring skewers of grilled meat to your table.
Búzios
Two and a half to three hours’ drive east of Rio, Búzios is a peninsula with more than twenty beaches. It became famous in the 1960s when Brigitte Bardot holidayed there. A catamaran is the easiest way to see several of its coves in a single day.
Which Rio tour is right for you?
- Short on time: the half-day Sugarloaf Mountain tour gives you Rio’s classic view in a morning or afternoon.
- First time in Rio: Full Day in Rio with Steakhouse Lunch.
- Beach lovers: Full Day in Búzios with Catamaran & Lunch.
Practical tips
Know before you go
Rules and conditions change, so always check official sources close to your travel date.
Entry requirements
Some nationalities, including US, Canadian and Australian citizens, need an e-visa for Brazil. Check the rules for your passport before you travel.
Weather
Rio is warm all year. December to March is hot and humid summer, and Carnival takes place in February or early March.
Staying safe
Keep phones and valuables out of sight on beaches and busy streets, and use registered taxis or ride apps at night.
Money
Brazil uses the real (R$). Cards are widely accepted; carry a little cash for beach kiosks and tips.
Sun and water
The sun is strong year-round. Bring sunscreen, a hat and water, especially for Sugarloaf and boat trips.
Plugs
Brazil uses type N sockets, and many type C plugs fit. Rio runs on 127V, so check your devices before plugging in.
FAQs
Rio de Janeiro tours: your questions
Can’t find your answer? Send us a message and we’ll reply by email.
How long does a Sugarloaf Mountain visit take?
Allow two to three hours, including both cable car rides and time to enjoy the view at the top.
How far is Búzios from Rio de Janeiro?
About 170 km, or roughly two and a half to three hours by road each way.
Is Rio de Janeiro safe for tourists?
Most visits are trouble-free. Stay alert in crowded areas, keep valuables out of sight, and follow your guide’s advice about where to go.
When is Carnival in Rio?
Carnival takes place in February or early March each year, in the days before Lent. The dates change every year.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes and a copy of your passport. For Búzios, add swimwear and a towel.
