Brazil · DAY TRIPS IN RIO DE JANEIRO
The 15 best day trips in Rio de Janeiro you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
See Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Maracana, Selaron Steps, and more on a practical all-inclusive Rio day tour.
“Gustavo was excellent; helping us navigate Rio in a prompt but relaxed pace. We felt we had enough time at each site and Gustavo did a great job of helping us maximize our time.”
See Arraial do Cabo from Rio on a schooner, with clear-water swims, famous beaches, coastal photo stops, and optional local lunch.
“Thad a great experience with the crew and took plenty of fun memories away. Our tour guide Andrea Vento was particularly supportive and went out of her way to make sure we felt welcomed and were informed of timings and where we needed to be. Great communication from the whole team, I love this tour I would definitely recommend it and do it again”
Explore Arraial do Cabo from Rio on a long but rewarding boat and beach day, with clear water, hotel pickup, lunch options, and useful tips.
“This trip was awesome and a great value for the price! Here is a rough time-line: 6:30am hotel pick up, get in van 10:30am arrive at dock after 1 bathroom break The boat took us to a place to swim, then a beach where we loaded into a smaller boat to get to the shore, then to another area to swim. 4pm got off boat and had lunch at a lovely restaurant 9pm arrived back at hotel with 1 bathroom stop during the drive Yes, the ride is long but worth it to get away from the city and swim in the beautiful turquoise water. The boat crew had a…”
Rio in one day: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, lunch, beaches, samba, and city sights, with practical advice on timing, value, and tour risks.
“Enjoyed the experience but felt very rushed. Needed more time at each stop being that we didn't get the full tour.”
Review of a Petrópolis day trip from Rio, with imperial sights, palace gardens, museum entry, optional lunch, and practical travel tips.
“Just nice to get out of the city and into the mountains.”
Review of Arraial do Cabo from Rio: clear-water beaches, boat stops, lunch, costs, timing, guides, and practical booking advice.
“A great day out on the boat although the four stops were brief 30 minutes or less. it's a long way from Rio so a very long day but worth it. Definitely party boats so make the most of it and enjoy!!”
Review of Rio’s Tijuca Forest Challenge Hike, a demanding 10.4-km rainforest trek with peaks, caves, waterfalls, views, and small groups.
“We had a lovleg day in Tijuca forest hike in small group and we had a wonderful day with our guide Richard! The weather was cloudy on the day we walked, but we still loved the experience and everything we saw. Our guide was excellent, and told stories and answers all our questions throughout the day!”
See Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selarón Steps, Lapa, Maracanã, and more on a private 10-hour Rio city tour.
“Vitor was an amazing guide who took us around the sights and giving really good information. His knowledge was so great. I would thoroughly recommend him and the tour.”
Review of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande from Rio, with beaches, snorkeling, lunch, boat details, costs, and practical tips.
“1. It was raining like hell and they still didn’t cancel. They just love money too much. 2. They sent all the info the night before the trip. 3. Surprise, Surprise 8% credit card surcharge charge which is unheard in all 197 countries. 4. Trip was at 7am they told me it will take 2-3 hours delay. Now add 2-3 hours the roadtrip. I tried to avoid the old negative reviews but man this trip is very unorganized. Think twice”
Review of a Petrópolis day trip from Rio, with the Imperial Museum, royal cathedral, Crystal Palace, transport, lunch tips, and Bohemia option.
“We were not doing it, car come late had to cancel, never been refundedbad, bad, horrible experience g”
See Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selarón Steps, and Rio Cathedral with a private guide in one flexible 6 to 7 hour tour.
“Pat was amazing. Knew all the places to visit and tailored made the tour for our needs. Truly a wonderful day with her. Highly recommend.”
Cruise Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande from Rio, with island swims, buffet lunch, hotel transfers, and a long but scenic road journey.
“Fun trip although a very long bus ride so be prepared for 3 hours up and 3 hours back going in and out of the Rio traffic. The Islands were beautiful, however and Tour guide was friendly”
Review of the Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande day trip from Rio, with boat stops, swimming, lunch, transport, costs, and practical advice.
“The bus ride was comfortable, the meal on the boat delicious, and the view and water were beautiful. It was a bucket list trip for me.”
Review of Rio’s 8-hour Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf tour, with cable cars, lunch, landmarks, price, timing, and booking advice.
“I booked this activity about 2 months in advanced. Received a confirmation from Viator, tour operator never showed up for pick-up nor contacted me. Viator attempted to contact operator but they never responded. I lost the whole day because it was too late to reserve a tour for that day; no tours were available. I do not recommend this tour operator.”
Review of a 12-hour Búzios trip from Rio with beaches, schooner cruise, buffet lunch, transport details, costs, and honest drawbacks.
“Szörnyű, botrányos. Rossz szervezés, kiábrándító hajóút, elmaradt - de befizetett - ebéd, igazi pénzkidobás.”
Pick a coast, a city or a river, and see what is worth booking there.
