Best Tours in Rio de Janeiro
From Christ the Redeemer to Sugarloaf and favela experiences, these are the Rio tours worth your time.
How to choose the right Rio tour
Rio has hundreds of tours, but most travelers only need a few strong options. Some are best for first-time visitors, some are better for iconic views, and others help you see a more local side of the city. This guide keeps it simple and highlights the Rio tours actually worth considering.
Best Rio tours by type
- Best for first-timers: Christ the Redeemer + Sugarloaf full-day tour
- Best for views: Sunset Sugarloaf tour
- Best for culture: Santa Teresa + Selarón + historic center
- Best for adventure: Hang gliding or jeep/wild nature experience
- Best for beach lovers: Boat tour or coastal day trip
Top Tours in Rio de Janeiro
Not sure which tour to choose?
If you’re visiting Rio for the first time, the Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf tour is the easiest and most popular option.
Planning your trip to Rio?
Check our full Rio itinerary and where to stay guide before booking.
⭐ Most Booked Tour in Rio
Best for first-time visitors
Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Tour (Best Overall)
Perfect for first-time visitors who want to see Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf in one seamless day.
One of the most booked tours in Rio
⭐ 4.8 (2,300 reviews) • 6–8 hours
Limited spots — often sells out
⭐ Most popular tour
Best for views
Sunset Sugarloaf Mountain Tour
Ride the cable car to Sugarloaf and watch the sunset over Rio — one of the most unforgettable views in the city.
✔ Perfect for first-time visitors
⭐ 4.7 (1,500 reviews) • 3–4 hours
🌅 Best sunset experience
Best for culture
Santa Teresa & Selarón Walking Tour
Explore Rio’s artistic side with a guided walk through Santa Teresa and the famous Selarón Steps.
✔ Small group experience
⭐ 4.6 (900 reviews) • 4 hours
🎨 Local culture highlight
Best for culture
Favela Tour
Explore Rio’s favelas with a local guide and gain insight into daily life, culture, and community projects in a safe and respectful way.
✔ Local guide & authentic experience
⭐ 4.6 (900 reviews) • 4 hours
🎨 Local culture highlight
Best for nature
Tijuca National Park Tour
Discover waterfalls, jungle trails, and scenic viewpoints inside Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban rainforests in the world.
✔ Explore waterfalls & jungle
⭐ 4.6 (900 reviews) • 4 hours
Nature highlight
Best for culture
Boat / Sailing Tour
See Rio from the water on a relaxing boat or sailing tour, with views of Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, and the coastline.
✔ Unique views from the water
⭐ 4.6 (900 reviews) • 4 hours
Incredible views form a different angle