Brazil · GUIDED
The popular guided tours go early and the cheap ones go earlier. Below are 15 to sort before you fly, and what each of them includes.
See Rio’s Rocinha favela with a local guide, learn about daily life, and enjoy a respectful walking tour with transport from Ipanema or Copacabana.
“It was an amazing experience. And our guide Ray, was the best. Very good in English and she made you feel comfortable, which was nice, when it’s your first time in a favela.”
Review of Rio’s Tijuca Rainforest Jeep Tour, with waterfalls, viewpoints, wildlife, a short hike, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“The jeep ride was very scenic and the tour guide was very entertaining with his facts and chemistry with the group. The whole activity was fantastic and would highly recommend it to anyone.”
Review of Rio’s Tijuca Rain Forest Jeep tour, with waterfalls, city views, easy hiking, guide tips, price, and booking advice.
“Beautiful experience! Drop off and pick up from the hotel was very convenient. George was our tour guide, knowledgeable and very funny, definitely made the experience even better!”
Explore Santa Marta with a local guide, meet residents, see Michael Jackson Square, hear samba, and support community projects in Rio.
“Very authentic and enriching experience with Mario, who was born, raised and lives in the favella. Highly recommended if you want to experience a favella by a local.”
Explore São Paulo’s churches, street art, historic center, Paulista Avenue, and MAC rooftop on a practical five-hour guided city tour.
“Knowledgeable and friendly guide. Due to many Brazilian group members also much explanation in Portuguese. This should be mentioned before the actual trip as I expected the group to be just english speaking.”
Explore Rio’s Santa Marta Favela with resident guide Gilson Fumaça, local stories, Michael Jackson sites, community projects, and sweeping views.
“The best experience ever. I highly recommend this tour. We dived into culture of favela, we got to know how they live, how their houses look like, where kids study, how the favela functions. The guide is amazing, he could answer each our question and provide the best service.”
Explore Rocinha with a local guide, motorcycle ride, music, viewpoints, and community stories in this thoughtful 150-minute Rio tour.
“Malu was a great guide, very lovely and friendly and she was able to give us such interesting and insightful information about the Rochinha favela where she is from. Stunning views along the way. Would highly recommend this tour, we weren’t sure about doing one but so glad that we did. We learnt so much and saw some amazing things!”
Explore Rio your way with a private guide, hotel pickup, flexible sightseeing, famous beaches, local neighborhoods, and scenic views.
“Wagner was great! He really helped us to see more than just the beaches and normal touristy sites. He has a love for Rio and for sharing places that are close to his heart and soul. Wagner knows EVERYONE and is one of the nicest human beings you will ever be around!”
Review of Rio’s Two Brothers sunrise hike, with local guides, moto-taxi access, forest trail, costs, views, safety, and practical tips.
“The experience was absolutely incredible! The views from the top of Morro Dois Irmãos at sunrise are truly breathtaking, totally worth the early wake-up. Everything was perfectly organized, and our guide Rodrigo was the best! Super friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel safe the whole way. One of the highlights of my trip to Rio. Highly recommended!”
Experience Rio’s samba culture at Pedra do Sal with local guides, live music, history, one drink, and a welcoming group atmosphere.
“Really it was wonderful night , we knew the history of the pedra do sol and the great people that living there . Also we got fun with Samba Night .”
Review of Rio’s 8-hour icons tour with Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selarón Steps, buffet lunch, tickets, and hotel pickup.
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Rio Tour with Eduardo! What an incredible day! Eduardo took us to all the highlights — Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Selarón Steps, and more — while sharing great stories and local tips. Everything was smooth, fun, and well-organized. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Eduardo as your guide!”
Review of Rio’s guided football match tour, with Maracanã access, hotel transfers, safety advice, seating details, and value tips.
“Do not book this. They take your money and your booking even on days when there is no matches going on in the two stadia they advertise. We cancelled and will be seeking a refund from either the operator or failing that, Viator who took our booking.”
Ride Rio’s beaches, old center, Lapa, and lagoon in a small group, with three routes, local insight, and lunch on the full-day option.
“We had a great time with Marco and came away with a good orientation of Rio. A very informative and enjoyable day thanks”
Join Rio fans at a live football match with a local guide, stadium ticket, and drink, plus practical help with tickets, transport, and safety.
“Advogado was a great tour guide. he sent through plenty of information including some of the local team we were watching chants! He was flexible with me arriving late due to a tram accident and stayed in communication with me until I arrived at the bar. The bar was really great, and had excellent vibe. The game was amazing. The tour price does seem high compared to the ticket rice, but I was glad that it was hassel free and I felt safe the whole time. Worth the stress as a solo traveller. The guide made sure I knew how to get home safely via uber and even messaged to…”
Explore Vila Madalena, Beco do Batman, local bars, galleries, and São Paulo street art with a friendly local guide.
“I had such a fun and lovely day on this tour! Leticia was friendly, energetic, and made everyone feel comfortable. The group was great and the atmosphere was full of good vibes. I’d definitely recommend this experience to anyone visiting São Paulo! 🌿”
Pick a coastline, a forest or a Friday night.
