Tours & Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Travel back in time in our Rio Free Walking Tour of Downtown and Lapa and relive the past while walking through the charming colonial streets of Rio and learning about the four centuries of the history of the city. Join our tour to understand more about the Brazilian culture and society since the colonization until today.
We will visit some of the most important places in Brazilian history as the Imperial Palace and ALERJ and some of the most famous places in Rio as Selaron Stairs and Lapa Arches.
Come on and booking now this tour with us!

Welcome to the beautiful neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, one of Rio de Janeiro's best zones for beaches, bars, and restaurants. In this tour we will explore some of the most iconic parts of Barra, such as Jardim Oceânico (or Oceanic Garden, and you will soon realize why it is called like this) and the Gigóia Islands, a hidden treasure, considered as Rio de  Janeiro's very own Pantanal, where you might get the chance to spot capybaras and crocodiles. All this while exploring the bars for food and drinks around the area!

As we walk around the beach front, we will cross into Olegário Maciel Avenue, a bohemian, gastronomic hub in Barra. There, customers will be able to choose from a plethora of dishes according to their tastes, such as feijoada, picanha (rump steak), carne de sol com aipim na manteiga (sun-dried meat with yucca soaked in butter); or, for the more adventurous, chicken hearts skewers, alongside popular snacks such as pão de queijo and coxinha de galinha, besides much more depending on one´s hunger.
From Olegário Maciel, we continue our march to the ferries and visit the Gigóia Islands, a picturesque part of Rio de Janeiro, often known as the Pantanal (swamps) of the south. The islands also feature many bars and restaurants, where the customers can finish the tour with a refreshing caipirinha or two.

Important notice: there is a small fee for crossing the island (4 reais each way, to be paid exclusively in cash). Food and drinks costs are also extra! 

The tour is NOT suitable for vegetarians or vegans (if you want to do the tour but your friend is a vegetarian - vegan, he or she is welcome to tag along and order whatever pleases, but none of those dishes are related to a historical background). The standard tour contains beef, pork and alcohol! 

The average lenght of the tour is 3 hours, but be aware that during the peak summer months the restaurants can be quite busy. I do have an agreement with them to serve my group as quickly as possible, but it is beyond my powers when they are very busy during the weekends or holidays. Expect the 6 pm tour to last some 3:30 hours from Thrusday to Sunday. 

Fly over Rio de Janeiro on a hang glider and enjoy spectacular views of this Brazilian city, Christ the Redeemer, and the beaches!

When visiting Brazil, it’s impossible not to talk about the influence of Africa on our culture! Just imagine samba, capoeira, or feijoada, the things that Brazil is known for in the world. All these things have their roots in the African enslaved communities of Brazil! Learn stories about how the Brazilian cultural identity was formed during the years since slavery times until today. Meanwhile, visit important historical & contemporaneous landmarks in this less-visited area of downtown Rio de Janeiro!
 
Small Africa is the historic home of the Afro-Brazilian community in the Port Region of Rio de Janeiro. The region became known as Little Africa after the slave trade was made illegal in Brazil in 1831 (although the abolition of slavery did not take place until 50 years later). Between 1850 and 1920, freed slaves remained working in the region. Blacks and freed Africans from Bahia or the interior traveled to Little Africa in search of work and a sense of community. Today the area is known as a place of the black resistance.
 
Places we will cover:

• Praça Mauá
• MAR - Rio Art Museum
• Museu do Amanhã
• Eduardo Kobra Ethnicities Graffiti
• Largo São Francisco da Prainha
• São Francisco da Prainha Church
• Conceição Hill
• Salt Stone (Pedra do Sal)
• Cais do Valongo (Valongo Wharf)

The bohemian heart of Rio de Janeiro awaits you. During the free tour of the Santa Teresa neighborhood you will discover beautiful mansions, charming yellow trams and numerous urban art murals. The journey will take us approximately 15 minutes. We will begin to walk through its cobblestone streets while we chat about the history of this area. Did you know that its fame as a bohemian comes from the wave of artists who moved here in the sixties? During the tour we will enjoy privileged views of the popular Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Between colonial houses, palaces and the passage of the famous yellow trams of the Santa Teresa neighborhood, we will arrive at Parque das Ruinas. There we can enter the house of Laurinda Santos Lobo, a mansion abandoned more than 50 years ago that once represented the splendor of the Brazilian belle époque. The space, which has been rehabilitated, will offer us a spectacular panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and will show us what life was like in the ancient Brazilian Empire. This guided tour will not miss a walk through the main urban art murals. Let's remember that we are in a place full of artists.

Rio Finest Walking Tour!

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION ABOUT THE TOUR. THANK YOU.

Important Note Regarding Contribution:
Before we dive into the exciting details of this tour, I want to mention that there is an optional contribution of 200 Reais per person. This contribution is NOT MANDATORY and payment in cash is preferred but I also do accept credit cards. Your participation in the tour is welcome regardless of whether you choose to contribute the amount suggested or not. This helps support the tour and allows me to continue offering unique and enriching experiences.

Meeting Point: Starbucks Cinelândia. I'll be sitting on the bench outside right in front.

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Rio Adventure!
Please make sure to check your WhatsApp. I will send you the exact meeting point and reconfirm the tour with you. Providing the correct WhatsApp contact information is essential so I can keep you updated and confirm your booking. Thank you!

Tour Highlights:
This comprehensive walking and tram tour will immerse you in the heart of Rio's vibrant culture and history. We start early, at 9AM, to beat the heat and the lines at popular photo spots, ensuring you have the best possible experience. The tour lasts approximately four and a half hours, packed with fascinating sights and stories. All public transportation fares, including the tram, are included.

What We'll Explore:

• Cinelândia
• Passeio Público
• Selaron Stairs
• Water Aqueduct
• Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
• Tiradentes Square
• Real Gabinete Português de Leitura
• Igreja de São Francisco de Paula
• Carioca Square
• Mosteiro de São Bento
• Mauá Square
• Museum of Tomorrow (outside visit only)
• Kobra Graffiti Mural (Last Stop)

Perfectly Positioned for Your Next Adventure:

This tour is ideal for those planning to visit Christ the Redeemer or Sugarloaf Mountain after our walk. We finish at a convenient location with quick access to both sites by Uber or taxi. Please note that we do not end near a metro station; Uber or taxi are the recommended transport options from the endpoint.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour covers most of the must-see locations in Rio, leaving you plenty of time to explore other landmarks afterward. It's a deep dive into the city's hidden gems, offering a perspective that many tour guides miss. Discover why I've received so many 5-star reviews on Guruwalk!

Booking Details:

No minimum booking required for the tour to proceed, and the maximum group size is 10. This small group size often creates a more intimate and personalized experience, and who knows, you might even end up with a private tour!

Payment:

While cash is preferred for the optional contribution, you can also pay with your credit card.

Don't wait! Book your tour today and experience Rio like never before!

Learn how to make the best traditional Brazilian dishes and drinks with this Brazilian cuisine cooking class in Rio de Janeiro!

Come and discover the charming Santa Teresa neighborhood on our Free Walking Tour, a journey through the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro that passes through emblematic places full of fascinating stories. We start at Largo dos Guimarães, the bohemian heart of the neighborhood, full of street art and a vibrant atmosphere. We headed to Bar dos Descasados, a picturesque place perfect for photos.

Next, we visit Atelier Bonzolandia, where you can discover local art and see how artists transform common materials into true works of art. We cannot miss visiting Bar do Gomes, one of the oldest and most emblematic bars in the city. We continue to Parque das Ruínas, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Rio while exploring the ruins of an ancient palace. And finally, we arrive at the famous Escadaria Selarón, one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the city.

Choosing our tour means having experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the history and secrets of Santa Teresa and a welcoming environment, perfect for those traveling alone, groups of friends or families. Book your place now and discover Santa Teresa in a unique and unforgettable way!

Ditch the guidebook and uncover the beating heart of Rio de Janeiro! On this unforgettable walking tour, we'll guide you through a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant energy.

Here's a taste of what you'll experience:

• Cinelandia
• Escadaria Selaron
• Lapa
• Catedral Metropolitana
• Confeitaria Colombo
• Paço Imperial
• Praça XV

And that's just the beginning! Our local guides will share insider stories, hidden gems, and insights that will make you fall in love with Rio in every step. Get ready for a sensory adventure that will awaken your senses and leave you with lasting memories.

Ready to experience the real Rio? Let's take a walk!

“Rio de Janeiro is still gorgeous”, is one of the most beautiful and simple quotes that portrays the Amazing Rio de Janeiro. The energy, monuments and the spectacular mix of sea and mountains, makes the landscape of Rio breathtaking. Did you know Rio is considered part of the world’s heritage? We from Rio By foot invite you to learn little bit more about the history and culture of the incredible Rio de Janeiro city. We’ll walk through historical downtown and take you back to times of kings and queens, emperors, freedom fighters and revolutionaries. We’re certain that you will fall in love with Rio de Janeiro even more. You’ll discover that Rio is not only home the most beautiful beaches of the world, but also the gorgeous architectural heritage of one of the most classical European courts. Rio By Foot is the only Free Tour company in Rio de Janeiro city with 5 stars on Trip Advisor. Walk through the historical downtown with us to learn about the city history in one of our Free Walking Tours in Rio. Our guides really love Rio and are going to enjoy showing you all Rio wonders and make your stay the most pleasant, interesting and economic as possible.