Brazil · WALKING TOURS IN RIO DE JANEIRO
The popular walking tours in Rio de Janeiro 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.”
Walk Rocinha with local guides, learn its history, meet residents, enjoy Rio views, and see why this respectful three-hour tour earns high marks.
“If you go to Rio you have to do this tour it’s a great insight into life here and we felt safer with our guide than we had at times on Copacabana beach ! We had wellington as the guide and he was brilliant !”
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!”
Explore Rio’s Little Africa on a 150-minute walking tour covering samba, slavery, Afro-Brazilian culture, and the Valongo waterfront.
“We had a great time on this tour. Luana, our tour guide, was very informative and you could tell she was passionate about the information she was providing. It was very eye-opening and I would recommend this tour. It's a walking tour outside so be prepared to be out in the heat for 2.5 hours. But it was worth it.”
Explore Rio’s historic center on a private three-hour walking tour from Cinelândia to Paço Imperial, with flexible stops and expert local guidance.
“Amazing, friendly and very informative walk around the historical center of Rio! 5 / 5 stars! Thank you!”
Review of Rio’s 4-hour Old Rio walking tour, with churches, imperial landmarks, Olympic-era museums, hotel transfers, and practical tips.
“The tour was very worthwhile. tour guide well informed. Very patient. Was very passionate about Rio and the history of the city. Answered all questions and had time to answer individual questions.”
Explore Rio’s Santa Teresa and Lapa by tram and foot, with art, historic sights, city views, and a local guide in a small group.
“We had the absolute best walking tour through Santa Teresa with Lorena and it proved to be one of the highlights of our Rio trip. The neighborhood is beautiful and has a fascinating story and history, and Lorena walked and talked us through it all with a wonderful sense of candor and humor. And even when there was a bump in terms of getting the streetcar up at the beginning of the tour due to a situation up in the neighborhood, she was quick to respond and adjust. And when we mentioned we’d already seen one of the attractions on another tour the day before, she was great about coming…”
Review of Rio’s Telegraph Stone walk, with trail details, transport tips, costs, guide quality, timing, and advice on who should book.
“We were told the night before that our pickup time would be 6:30am which we confirmed. However, we ended up being picked up after 8AM. I guess the original guide got 'sick' and nothing was communicated to us until after we reached out with a message around 7:30. The eventual guide didn't speak english, and then by the time we went up to Telegraph Stone, he insisted that we just skip the line to the rock and take a pic off to the other side of the rock which is completely different in terms of views. I mean, the original reason for picking this tour is the main rock that…”
Follow Bossa Nova through Ipanema and Copacabana with live guitar, music stories, and seven memorable stops for $48.03.
“Our guide Gui was delightful. As he taught us the history of Bossa Nova, he accompanied his songs with his fabulous guitar made in Grenada, Spain.”
Follow Bossa Nova through Ipanema and Copacabana with live music, local history, scenic stops, and practical tips for a $49 walking tour.
“Learned more about the history of bossa nova from our knowledgeable guide Guilherme. Very personable guy to be with! Enjoyed it!”
Review of Rio’s Centro Histórico, Santa Teresa, and Lapa walking tour, with churches, street art, tram ride, views, pricing, and practical tips.
“Superbe découverte du centre ville. Yvan nous a fait découvrir l’histoire de Rio pendant une journée. Merci encore à lui pour toutes ces explications. Je recommande vivement”
Explore Rio’s historic center and Lapa on a lively three-hour walking tour with expert commentary, photo stops, and practical local tips.
“Excellent! Rafael was an awesome and really sympa guide. It was my second time in Rio, but this time I was with my parents, and we had no much budget. This tour was ideal, economical, historical, perfect to take pics and pay attention to cultural places and also a way to reconnect with Brazil.”
Explore Rio’s Santa Marta favela with a local guide, Michael Jackson’s viewpoint, community projects, street art, and mountain views.
“Mauvaise expérience. Début initiale à 10h, notre guide n’est arrivé qu’à 10h45 et nous avions stipulé une visite en français hors le guide attribué ne parlais que quelques mots. Pas beaucoup d’explication sur la visite et juste une balade dans la Favela.. bref, très mauvaise expérience et très peu d’information sur l’histoire de ce lieu.”
Explore Rio’s historic center on a four-hour walking tour covering imperial landmarks, Candelária, CCBB, Cinelândia, and Colombo Bakery.
“Renato el guía local fue muy amable, correcto calificado en sus aportes históricos, arquitectonicos y culturales excelente manejo del idioma español. Fue puntual en su llegada.”
Explore Rocinha with a local guide, ride a moto-taxi to hilltop views, visit artists and residents, and see a rarely encountered side of Rio.
“My 73-year-old mother and I went on this tour today and was a day we will never forget!! Two women from the US completely out of our element, yet we were never concerned for our safety, The tour guide spoke very good English, and was extremely knowledgeable about the area because grew up there and still lives there. He treated us like family introducing us to his sister and many friends as we passed by. I have no words to describe how grateful we are to be able to go all the way to the top, be welcomed into actual homes, and learn so much along the way. Absolutely amazing…”
Pick a coastline, a forest or a Friday night.
