Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
When you arrive at Rio airport, you’ll be met by a private car and driver and taken to your hotel, to check in for a 3-night stay.
Depending on when you arrive, you should have some time to start exploring the city or hit the beach. If you’re looking for nightlife – try the bars and restaurants in the Lapa district.
Day 2: Day tour Corcovado, Tijuca Forest and Sugar Loaf Mountain
Today we’ve included a Rio city tour to help you get your bearings and deliver you to all the main sights. First, you’ll visit the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, who watches faithfully over the city from the summit of the Corcovado. From this high vantage point, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. ‘Breath-taking’s is often over-used to describe views, but not with Rio; you’ll see the city’s skyscrapers, Guanabara Bay, the Maracana stadium, Tijuca Forest and the other well-known lookout – Sugar Loaf Mountain (more of this on later)
After soaking in the views, your tour will take you to Tijuca Forest National Park, an Atlantic rainforest full of lush vegetation, waterfalls and a huge variety of wildlife. Your guide will take you to see Taunay’s waterfalls and the ‘Chinese View’ – a beautiful oriental gazebo, built to honour the Chinese who brought tea cultivation to Brazil. Hopefully, you’ll also spot some monkeys, lizards, coatis, racoons and toucans too!
Top end your tour, you’ll visit Sugar Loaf Mountain, the peak at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. Take the cable car through several levels to reach the summit at 394m and prepare yourself for some more amazing views – including back towards the Statue of Christ.
After your tour, you’ll be driven back to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3: Free day
Today is free for you to explore Rio at your own pace.
With so much on offer; sports fans could visit the famous Maracanã Stadium, taste some Brazilian dishes in one of the city’s vibrant restaurants, explore the historic neighbourhoods, colonial architecture, museums and natural sights – or just hit the beach.
For an authentic night out in Rio, we recommend the bohemian Lapa neighbourhood where Caipirinha and samba go hand in hand; this is where thousands of people in Rio start their evening.
Day 4: Depart Rio de Janeiro
Today, you’ll be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport or bus station to continue your travel plans.