Private Rio: Highlights of the City
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From USD 249.00
Office phone number: +55 21 9 8372 1107
Private Rio: Highlights of the City
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Take in the best of Rio de Janeiro in just one jam-packed afternoon on your own private tour! You’ll see every one of the Marvelous City’s highlights, from the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue to the colourful Selaron Staircase, with a local guide all to yourself. You’ll also explore districts like bohemian Santa Teresa and nightlife-loving Lapa. Finish it all off with an epic sunset view over Guanabara Bay and Copacabana Beach from atop Sugarloaf Mountain.This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers. -
Highlights
- Enjoy epic views of Rio from iconic sites like the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain
- Explore the bohemian district of Santa Teresa and shop for locally made souvenirs
- Visit the famous nightlife hot spot of Lapa (to help you plan your evening later on!)
- Climb the colourful Selaron Staircase, a stunning mosaic created over a span of 23 years
- Learn about the famous pyramid-shaped Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral
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Schedule details
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pickup location:
Hotels/hostels in the southern area of Rio: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo, and Laranjeiras. For other areas, pick-up is from Copacabana Palace Hotel (Atlantica Avenue, 1702). We will notify you in advance of the pick-up time for your location.
- Pickup time: Various
- Drop off location:
Hotels and hostels located in the southern area of Rio: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo, and Laranjeiras neighbourhoods. For other areas, the drop off is at the Copacabana Palace Hotel (Atlantica Avenue, 1702).
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, roundtrip private transportation from/to the designated pick-up and drop-off points, entrance fees to the Christ statue area and Sugarloaf cable car.
Exclusions: Food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
You’ll start your private Rio de Janeiro tour with a visit to the most iconic spot in the city: the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain. We’ll head through Tijuca National Park to the mountain top, where you’ll experience the most amazing views of Rio (and get to snap the most epic selfie shots). You’ll discover first-hand why this site is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.
From there, we’ll make our way back down the hillside and towards the historic, artistic, and bohemian district of Santa Teresa. This neighbourhood was the first wealthy area in Rio de Janeiro and houses some of the most interesting shops in town. We’ll stop into a few places for you to see some locally made items and fulfill your souvenir shopping needs.
Our next stop is at the modern Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, designed by architect Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca and inspired by the Mayan pyramids. The stained-glass windows are a gorgeous work, reaching out all the way up to the ceiling.
Your private Rio tour then goes on to the area of Lapa, famous for its nightlife, bars, and tambourine sounds that play throughout the night ‘til dawn. And of course, it’s impossible to visit Lapa and miss the Aqueduct, the main gate of the neighbourhood that is now used as a bridge for the Santa Teresa tram. Before we leave the district, we’ll stop by the world-famous Selaron Staircase, a colourful mosaic in Brazilian colours and featuring tiles sent in by tourists from over 150 different cities around the world.
And we’re still not done! Lastly, we’ll move onto the Urca neighbourhood, where we’ll ride the cable car up, up, up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain for jaw-dropping views of Guanabara Bay and Copacabana Beach — the perfect way to cap off an amazing afternoon in the Marvelous City!
(If you’d prefer to travel as part of a regular group experience, please book our Highlights of Rio group tour.)
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, roundtrip private transportation from/to the designated pick-up and drop-off points, entrance fees to the Christ statue area and Sugarloaf cable car.
Exclusions: Food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Latin Americans can be very conscious of appearance so try to be casual but conservative in your dress. Outside of beach areas, halter tops and very short shorts should not be worn. When visiting churches or religious sites, shoulders and knees should be covered.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at your hotel for pick up. Please check your hotel details are correct on the voucher. If your details are not correct, it is very important to please email us to confirm your correct pick up hotel using the contact details on the voucher. If you prefer you may also phone the change through to us during business hours.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +55 21 9 8372 1107
Email address: info@riodejaneirourbanadventures.com
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