Rio De Janeiro: a Full Day at the Main Tourist Attractions

Rio de Janeiro’s iconic attractions have captivated visitors for decades. From the towering Christ the Redeemer statue to the breathtaking views atop Sugarloaf Mountain, the city offers a wealth of experiences that showcase its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re admiring the colorful Selarón Staircase or exploring the legendary Maracanã Stadium, this full-day tour promises an immersive and well-rounded introduction to Rio’s most celebrated landmarks. But the true highlight may just be the opportunity to indulge in a traditional Brazilian barbecue, a culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours in Rio De Janeiro.

Key Points

• This full-day tour in Rio de Janeiro explores the city’s most iconic attractions, including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Selarón Staircase.
• The tour includes a scenic train ride through the Tijuca Forest to reach the Christ the Redeemer statue, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Rio.
• Visitors will enjoy a two-stage cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, providing stunning vistas of the city’s skyline, beaches, and surrounding mountains.
• The tour also showcases the Maracanã Stadium, a legendary football venue, and includes a hearty, authentic Brazilian barbecue lunch.
• The tour operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with transportation and a bilingual guide provided, as well as entrance tickets and a cancellation policy.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic attractions takes visitors on a comprehensive exploration of the city’s most celebrated landmarks. Lasting approximately 8 hours, the tour operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with departure times adjusted based on hotel locations within the city’s central and southern zones.

Highlights include a visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue, where guests will take a train to access the iconic landmark. The tour also features a stop at Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as sights like Guanabara Bay, the Selarón Staircase, and Maracanã Stadium.

An authentic carioca barbecue lunch with dessert is included, providing a taste of local cuisine.

Visiting Christ the Redeemer

The Christ the Redeemer statue, standing tall atop Corcovado Mountain, is the undisputed highlight of the tour. Visitors take a scenic train ride through the lush Tijuca Forest to reach the summit, where they’re greeted by the iconic 98-foot statue with outstretched arms.

From this vantage point, they’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the city’s stunning beaches. The guide provides commentary on the statue’s history and religious significance, allowing travelers to fully appreciate this world-famous landmark.

With its impressive scale and magnificent setting, the Christ the Redeemer statue leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Exploring Sugarloaf Mountain

After visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the tour continues to another of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous landmarks – Sugarloaf Mountain. Towering over the city, Sugarloaf’s distinctive peak offers breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay and the surroundings.

Visitors take a two-stage cable car ride to reach the summit, providing panoramic vistas along the way. The first cable car ascends to Morro da Urca, a lower peak offering excellent photo opportunities. From there, the second cable car climbs to the top of Sugarloaf, where visitors can explore the trails and enjoy the stunning 360-degree perspectives of Rio’s skyline, beaches, and mountains.

This iconic landmark is a must-see on any visit to the Marvelous City.

Sights of Guanabara Bay

Guanabana Bay’s serene waters and picturesque surrounding landscapes captivate visitors throughout the tour. The bay’s sweeping vistas provide a breathtaking backdrop to the city’s iconic sights. Visitors can admire the lush mountains, lively neighborhoods, and busy port activities from the comfort of the tour bus.

One particularly striking feature is the Sugarloaf Mountain, whose distinctive shape rises majestically from the bay. The tour also showcases the Maracanã Stadium, a legendary football venue that has hosted numerous World Cup matches. These quintessential Rio landmarks offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness them.

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Experiencing Selarón Staircase

Vibrant tile-adorned steps of the Selarón Staircase beckon visitors to explore this iconic landmark. Ascending the 215 colorful steps, travelers delight in the artistic mosaic of broken ceramics, mirrors, and trinkets. The staircase offers stunning views over the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Key features of the Selarón Staircase include:

1. Meticulously crafted by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón over 23 years, as a tribute to the Brazilian people.
2. Spanning two city blocks, the steps are covered in over 2,000 unique tiles collected from over 60 countries.
3. Positioned in the historic Lapa district, the staircase connects the neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Cinelândia.
4. A popular spot for photographs, the staircase’s whimsical design and panoramic vistas make it a must-see on any Rio de Janeiro itinerary.

Touring Maracanã Stadium

Towering over Rio’s iconic skyline, the legendary Maracanã Stadium invites visitors to step into the heart of Brazil’s storied football legacy. As part of the day tour, guests have the opportunity to explore this iconic venue, which has witnessed some of the most thrilling matches in the history of the sport.

Maracanã Stadium
Capacity	78,838
Opened	1950
Hosts	FIFA World Cup Finals, Copa América, Campeonato Carioca
Notable Events	1950 World Cup Final, 2014 World Cup Final
Architectural Style	Art Deco

The guided tour allows visitors to walk the hallowed grounds, taking in the grandeur of the stadium’s design and soaking up the electric atmosphere that has made Maracanã a revered destination for football enthusiasts worldwide.

Indulging in Barbecue Lunch

After exploring the iconic Maracanã Stadium, the tour participants are rewarded with an authentic carioca barbecue lunch. The spread includes a variety of grilled meats, such as beef, chicken, and sausage, all expertly prepared over an open flame.

Complementing the main dishes are traditional side dishes like rice, beans, and farofa, a toasted manioc flour. To satisfy any sweet tooth, the lunch is concluded with a delightful selection of desserts, including the renowned brigadeiro, a rich chocolate confection. This hearty and flavorful meal provides the perfect fuel for the remaining sightseeing activities.

1. Variety of grilled meats
2. Traditional Brazilian side dishes
3. Decadent desserts
4. Authentic carioca dining experience

Tour Policies and Inclusions

The tour includes a comprehensive package that covers the main attractions in Rio de Janeiro. It’s a full-day excursion with a duration of 8 hours, offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Transportation and a bilingual guide are provided, along with entrance tickets to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Guests will also enjoy an authentic carioca barbecue lunch with dessert.

The tour’s sequence may be adjusted due to weather conditions, and cancellation without penalty is possible up to 72 hours before the service. Child rates are available, with children under 2 years old traveling for free and a 50% discount for those aged 3-7 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour at the Last Minute?

It’s possible to book this tour at the last minute, but it’s not recommended. Last-minute bookings may be subject to availability and higher prices. It’s best to plan and book the tour in advance to secure your spot.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator offers senior and student discounts, with a 50% reduction for those aged 3-7 years old. However, there are no specific discounts listed for seniors or students on this full-day tour of Rio’s top attractions.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Attractions?

The tour can be customized to visit specific attractions, though additional fees may apply. Travelers should inquire with the tour operator about customization options and associated costs.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour provides accessible options for travelers with disabilities. It accommodates wheelchair users and offers assistance getting on/off transport. However, some attractions may pose challenges due to the hilly terrain of Rio de Janeiro.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, and sun protection are recommended. The tour involves outdoor activities, so dressing for the weather and terrain is advisable for an enjoyable experience.

Recap

This comprehensive tour offers visitors a well-rounded introduction to Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic attractions. From the towering Christ the Redeemer statue to the breathtaking views of Sugarloaf Mountain, travelers will be immersed in the city’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The tour’s highlights, including the Selarón Staircase and Maracanã Stadium, provide an unforgettable experience, while a traditional Brazilian barbecue lunch completes this immersive exploration of Rio.

You can check if your dates are available here: