Carnival is the best time to soak in the city’s energy. Arrive a few days before the celebrations begin or stay a few days after they end to enjoy the museums and other sights that close for the four days of revelry.

Beyond the sand and sea in the Zona Sul are lush parks and gardens as well as marvelous museums, seductive architecture, and tantalizing restaurants. You can’t say you’ve seen Rio until you’ve take in the view from Corcovado and then strolled through its forested areas or beside its inland lagoon - hanging out just like a true carioca.

Recommended Tours
We recommend you book tours in advance. Most of the tours are offered in a private basis with an English speaking guide.

Tropical Islands f/d

Duration: 8 hours
Tour Description: After a one-hour trip the bus arrives in Itacuruçá where the schooner will depart for a full-day cruise around Rio's Tropical Islands. White sands, palms and clear water form a bit of this paradise inviting you to relax and enjoy. Lunch at Itacuruçá Island included.

Petrópolis f/d

Duration: 8 hours
Tour Description: This city is located in the Serra dos Orgaos, only one hour from Rio de Janeiro. There we will visit the Imperial Museum,old summer residence of the imperial family during the 19thCentury. We will be able to see a fabulous collection of art objects and jewels, including the famous Imperial Crown. During our stay in Petropolis, we will visit the Crystal Palace and the Sao Pedro de Alcantara Neolithic Cathedral.

Petrópolis h/d

Duration: 6 hours
Tour Description: This city is located in the Serra dos Orgaos, only one hour from Rio de Janeiro. There we will visit the Imperial Museum,old summer residence of the imperial family during the 19thCentury. We will be able to see a fabulous collection of art objects and jewels, including the famous Imperial Crown. During our stay in Petropolis, we will visit the Crystal Palace and the Sao Pedro de Alcantara Neolithic Cathedral.

Jeep Tour at Tijuca Forest h/d

Duration: 4 hours
Tour Description: Jeep tour in the Floresta da Tijuca shows the differences between nature and the city. We will make a stop at Macaco's Waterfall for a bath. Later on we will see the Chinese View, Emperor Table, Cascatinha Taunay and Mayrink Chapel. We will also walk down a light trail, giving us a chance to feel the contact with nature. During this tour, people who will explain the importance of the Mata Atlantica will guide us.

Favela Tour h/d

Duration: 4 hours
Tour Description: This tour is an illuminating experience if you're looking for an insider's point of view of Brazil. It introduces you to another Rio, within the city: the favela. You will go to the favelas of Vila Canoas and Rocinha, the largest one in Brazil. There, you will visit a school, a handcraft center (also supported by the tour) and other community works. Informative, this tour changes the reputation of favelas, often related to violence and poverty only. Don't be shy, local people greet you friendly and you are welcome there. If you really want to understand Rio and Brazil, don't leave the city without doing it!

Secrets of Old Rio de Janeiro h/d

Duration: 4 hours
Tour Description: We will see the old Rio, walking, with specialized guides through Rio's historical downtown. The architecture and the traditional commerce will welcome you. After this tour, we will have tea in the most famous delicatessen in Rio - Confeitaria Colombo.

Rio by Night

Duration: 6 hours
Tour Description: Dinner at one of Rio's famous restaurants. After dinner, a spectacular samba show with elaborately costumed mulatas, singers and dancers, presenting Brazil's folklore and capturing the carnival rhythms.

Corcovado h/d

Duration: 4 hours
Tour Description: After a beautiful scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, passengers arrive at the bottom of the Corcovado hill where they will embark on a comfortable train which will climb the beautiful mountain, where the statue of Christ, the Redeemer, overlooks Rio and its famous beaches.

Carnival Behind the Scenes

Duration: 4 hours
Tour Description: The best way to get to the heart of Carnival in Rio. Join this exclusive look at "the world's greatest party". Visit a "barracao" or "samba workshop", where devoted artisans use simple materials to craft the opulent floats and costumes that dominate the Carnival Parade. Next, visit the "SAMBO'DROMO" (where the parade takes place) for a tour of this unique stadium and its museum.

Gafieira with Dinner

Duration: 4 hours
Tour Description: A "GAFIEIRA", (guy-fee-air-a) is a Brazilian dance hall, one of the country's most beloved and popular forms of entertainment. Visit the oldest dance in Rio, a simple place located at a historic downtown square, and sway to the Brazilian Big Band sounds of mache, bossa nova, samba, lambada and more. Start with dinner at a restaurant specializing in Amazonian seafood and delicacies.

Samba Samba w/ Dinner

Duration: 4 hours
Tour Description: No other music is more Brazilian than samba, and no other samba is more authentic than that of the "samba school". Visit one of these "escolas de samba" as they open their dance floors for "rehearsals"(a combination of a party and a pep rally), in preparation for the coming Carnival. The percussion and wild crowd will have you moving your feet in no time. Begin with dinner at a typical "churrascaria" for a non-stop feast of Brazilian meats, salads, vegetables and drinks.

Angra dos Reis - f/d sib

Duration: 8 hours
Tour Description: Schooner trip around Angra dos Reis bay visiting many islands. A wonderful view of nature.

Botanical Garden h/d

Duration: 4 hours
Tour Description: Visit to Rio's Botanical garden, seeing an enormous variety of plants, flowers from Brazil and from the world.

Buzios f/d w/Lunch

Duration: 8 hours
Tour Description: Visit the city of Buzios, a 'must', situated 3 and a half hours from Rio, with more than 25 beaches.

Macumba Tour

Duration: 4 hours
Tour Description: Visit a typical temple, where passengers can learn about and see a little bit of this exotic religion, brought to Brazil by African slaves.

Sugar Loaf w/Barracao Visit

Duration: 6 hours
Tour Description: Visit Sugar loaf mountain and visit places where fancy clothes and costumes are being produced for Carnaval. Only available from October to February.

F/d Sugar Loaf + Corcovado

Duration: 8 hours
Tour Description: A visit around the Wonderful City, visiting Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Tijuca Forest (a brief passage), historical downtown and the beach coast. This tour can be provided with lunch (in a barbecue restaurant or in an international Restaurant) or without lunch.