5 ideas for guided tours in Rio de Janeiro

• The Beaches of Ipanema and Leblon

  • • Ipanema Beach :
      Located in the south of Rio de Janeiro, in the eponymous neighborhood, it stretches over 2.6 km and is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, just behind the famous Copacabana.The birthplace of Bossa Nova, this is where the famous song “Garota de Ipanema” was born, inspired by musician João Gilberto.

      The beach is always lively, both day and night. Posto 9 is an iconic spot where intellectuals and trendy youth gather, while Posto 10 attracts beach sports enthusiasts, such as beach volleyball and footvolley.

    • Leblon Beach :
      Located just after Ipanema, it stretches for about 2 km at the foot of the famous Two Brothers Mountain (Morro Dois Irmãos).More peaceful and exclusive, Leblon offers a chic and sophisticated setting. This neighborhood is a hotspot for Rio’s upper class, with luxury boutiques, fine restaurants, trendy bars, and elegant nightclubs.For lovers of high-end shopping and Brazilian gastronomy,

      Leblon is a must-visit destination. Don’t miss the Academia da Cachaça, where you can taste Brazil’s famous national drink, cachaça, made from sugarcane.

• Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)

  To admire Rio at your feet, climb Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the city’s most iconic sites. This 396-meter peak, at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, is a globally recognized symbol for its breathtaking views.

  From the summit, enjoy a spectacular panorama: the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the bustling downtown, the Corcovado and its Christ the Redeemer statue, as well as the sailboats moored at Botafogo. A perfect spot to capture Rio’s most stunning photos.

  The ascent is done in two stages with the famous Bondinho, a fast cable car. The first stop takes you to Morro da Urca (220 m), where an observation platform already offers an impressive view of the bay and Flamengo. The second takes you to the top of Pão de Açúcar, for a complete immersion in the landscape.

  For an even more unique experience, opt for a helicopter tour. Adventure seekers can also climb Sugarloaf Mountain via hiking trails, accompanied by a guide. An unforgettable journey blending nature and history.

• Santa Teresa

  Santa Teresa is located in the hills. It embodies the bohemian and rebellious spirit of the Cariocas. This charming place has managed to preserve the soul of Saudade. It offers breathtaking views of the city. You will encounter colonial-style houses with colorful walls. Some are quite dilapidated, while others have been fully renovated.

  But you must earn this timeless moment. To reach Santa Teresa, you need to walk up cobbled and steep streets. For the less adventurous, there are moto-taxis and buses. Since the Bonde, the old yellow tram, was retired despite residents’ protests, there are no other means of transport to Santa Teresa.

  Here, the hippie spirit is still alive. Just stop by one of the local bars to experience it. You can sip a café mahna or taste feijoada, a traditional dish made with meat and black beans. Artists and musicians have made this place their refuge, so you will find many art galleries and workshops. The Parque das Ruínas, a cultural center set in the ruins of an old bourgeois house, is a must-visit for those who want to explore exhibitions.

  The historic center is surrounded by 17 favelas. These areas still retain a unique charm, such as the Projeto Morrinho, a tiny favela transformed into an artistic and social project. Santa Teresa is also known for its artistic atmosphere and events like the Arte de Portas Abertas festival, where local artists open their doors to visitors. Wandering through this area is like traveling through a timeless Rio, far from tourist clichés, where a relaxed and authentic atmosphere prevails.

• The Tijuca Forest

  The Tijuca Forest is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Rio de Janeiro. Located just a few minutes by car from the city center, it covers 3,200 hectares and is recognized as the largest urban forest in the world.

  The forest is home to many points of interest, including the famous Vista Chinesa, a Chinese pagoda built in the 20th century. From this viewpoint, you can admire landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the vast expanse of the city below.

  The trails of the Tijuca Forest are perfect for hikers of all levels. The marked paths will lead you to hidden waterfalls, such as Cascata Taunay, one of the largest in the forest. For more athletic visitors, the more demanding hiking trails, such as the one leading to the summit of Pico da Tijuca, the highest point of the park, are a great challenge.

  This true sanctuary of biodiversity is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including coatis, maned wolves, monkeys, and numerous species of tropical birds, such as toucans and hawks. The forest is also an excellent destination for botany enthusiasts, featuring an impressive tropical flora with giant ferns and majestic trees.

• The Lapa District

  At the foot of the Santa Teresa hill, the Lapa district is famous for its aqueduct with 42 white arches, the Arcos da Lapa. This historic monument, once used to transport water, is now one of the most recognizable symbols of Rio de Janeiro.

  At nightfall, Lapa’s bars and clubs come alive with the rhythms of samba, bossa nova, and forró, attracting both locals and visitors. From Thursday to Sunday, the neighborhood is the heart of Rio’s bohemian nightlife.

  The Avenida Mem de Sá street is the epicenter of nightlife, featuring open-air bars and dance floors. For a more relaxed atmosphere, sip a caipirinha while enjoying street musicians.

  By day, Lapa reveals another side. Its colonial houses with colorful facades captivate visitors. Don’t miss the Selarón Staircase, a masterpiece by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. Its 215 steps, adorned with tiles from around the world, pay tribute to the Brazilian flag.

  One of the most photographed places in the city, this staircase embodies creativity and folk art. Between culture, music, and architecture, Lapa is a vibrant neighborhood where every corner tells a unique story of Rio.