Summary

Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It has an incredible natural setting amongst Atlantic Rainforest, its granite mountains and of course, those famous beaches. Most travellers spend two to three nights. However, we highly recommend staying longer as there are so many things to do in Rio de Janeiro. Not only will you see the well-known highlights such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, but you’ll have the chance to explore some of the lesser-known gems.

Take a behind the scenes of Rio’s Carnival tour or be part of a neighbourhood percussion school session to get the vibes of Carnival. Take a tour of the Maracana Stadium, or even better, watch a soccer -football- match! Board a schooner to Guanabara Bay or ask us about visiting a Favela with one of our experienced local guides.
For those interested in art and architecture, a visit to the Museum of Tomorrow is a must. Alternatively, travel to the city of Petropolis located only an hour’s drive from Rio along a scenic road through the Atlantic Rainforest. You can explore its picturesque parks, bridges, and canals either by foot or by horse and carriage. This suggested itinerary provides some ideas of things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Highlights

• Choose from a vast range of hotel accommodation in Copacabana, Ipanema or Santa Teresa districts – from modest three-star hotels to lavish five-star luxury
• Spend more time in the marvellous Rio de Janeiro, on our extended five-night stopover
• Admire stunning views over the city from Mount Corcovado – hike to Christ the Redeemer through Atlantic Rainforest or take the cog train to the top
• Take a walking tour along the rejuvenated waterfront district and see the stunning architecture of the Museum of Tomorrow
• Ride a cable car to the top of iconic Sugarloaf Mountain
• See another side of Rio during a favela tour
• Unique to Contours Travel – visit a neighbourhood percussion school and soak up the rhythm of Brazil!
• Experience the colour and glamour of Carnival with a live samba show

ITINERARY

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to your hotel on arrival. We have a wide range of accommodation in popular Copacabana, upmarket Ipanema and the bohemian district of Santa Teresa.

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro

Depart this morning for Corcovado Mountain, where you’ll see the enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer and enjoy fabulous views over Rio. Continue to Santa Teresa where you’ll have lunch and wander the scenic cobbled streets.

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro

Morning at leisure. Afternoon walking tour along the waterfront area, rejuvenated for the 2016 Olympics and now a lovely place for a bike ride or a walk. See the stunning architecture of the Museum of Tomorrow and Museum of Rio Art. Afternoon sunset tour of Sugar Loaf Mountain, riding the cable cars for great views over Rio’s famous beaches.

Day 4 Rio de Janeiro

Morning at leisure. This afternoon you will visit a neighbourhood percussion school where students of various ages and experience levels come together to celebrate the rhythms of Brazil. This is an amazing experience unique to Contours Travel, which is sure to leave you exhilarated!

Day 5 Rio de Janeiro

Morning jeep tour up into one of Rio’s favelas where you’ll see another side of life for cariocas (residents of Rio). Locals have welcomed the tours as a way of creating a positive source of income. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight you’ll experience some of the colour and glamour of Carnival with alive samba show and dinner.

Day 6 Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight or ask us about Rio’s excellent nearby beach breaks – colonial Paraty and chic Buzios are both popular weekend destinations for locals.

Reviews