Experience Rio de Janeiro Tour

6 Days

From $ 749

About this SAAT Travel tour: Experience Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, ‘The Marvelous City’, is without a doubt one of the world’s most spectacular metropolises. Stretched between forested mountains and the sparkling Atlantic, it is a city of long golden beaches and an exuberant cultural life. On the Experience Rio de Janeiro trip you’ll hit the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, take in the beauty of Sugarloaf Mountain and the iconic statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’, and dance the night away to the samba rhythms of the city’s high-octane nightlife. The Rio de Janeiro Experience takes in all the incredible highlights, as well as giving you time for independent exploration and, of course, hitting those beaches.

Day 1
Touchdown in the Marvelous City

Rio de Janeiro
Upon touchdown in Rio you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and shown to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend either relaxing at your hotel or heading out to explore the nearby beaches, boulevards and boutiques. Ask your specialist for recommendations of interesting places to visit. Sunset in Rio is spectacular and the best place to experience it is with the locals on one of Rio's many beaches. As the sun sets and the mountains begin to cast long shadows over sea and sand under a stunning pink and golden sky, order yourself a caipirinha, sit back and enjoy the show.

Day 2
Tijuca Forest & Corcovado

Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast you'll begin your day with a trip through Tijuca, the largest urban forest in the world, which covers the mountains overlooking the city in a blanket of deep green. You'll then continue on to the top of Corcovado, the 710m mountain that is home to the iconic statue of 'Christ the Redeemer'. From here the views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean are breath-taking. You'll then return to your hotel and have the afternoon and evening free to enjoy the beaches, and perhaps head out to the dancing district of Lapa for a little Samba and a caipirinha or three. (Meals - B)

Day 3
Sugarloaf Hike

Rio de Janeiro
The dramatic Sugarloaf Mountain is a well-known Rio landmark. Today, instead of standing in line to ride the aerial cable car with dozens of others, you will have the unique experience of reaching the summit on foot. Starting with a stroll along the beautiful shoreline to warm up, you'll begin a 300m hike to the stunning Sugarloaf summit. From the top the views over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and up to Corcovado are about as spectacular as you can get. This tour can be extended to a full-day adventure, either kayaking to an island five miles from Sugarloaf or rock-climbing and rappelling. Note: Those not up for the hike can opt to take the cable car to Sugarloaf's summit. (Meals - B)

Day 4
Favela Visit

Rio de Janeiro
The favelas are home to about 20% of Rio's population, yet for those who don't live there they are somewhat of a mystery. It is true that there are many social problems in these colorful urban settlements, but the favelas are also vibrant close-knit communities with a lot to offer. Today's favela tour will take you to Rocinha slum, the largest in South America, with around 150,000 inhabitants. As you visit some of the area's community projects and meet the locals you'll see another fascinating side of the multifaceted Rio. Note: If you would rather not take the favela tour we can easily arrange an alternative. (Meals - B)

Day 5
Relaxing in Rio

Rio de Janeiro
A free day in Rio is full of possibilities - boat trips, hang-gliding, art tours, football matches and of course the failsafe option of sun, sea and sand at one of Rio's top beaches. You could also head out of the city and spend a day in Petropolis, the mountain town where the Emperors of Brazil spent their summers, or pick up a new skill and take some Brazilian cuisine or dance classes. Other options include heading into the nearby mountains for whitewater rafting, horse-riding, mountain biking or trekking. Just let us know how you prefer to spend your time and we can help make it happen. (Meals - B)

Day 6
Farewell to Rio

Rio de Janeiro
Depending on the time of your flight you may have time to enjoy a morning on the beach and one last farewell lunch before heading to the airport. Conveniently, international flights often leave Rio de Janeiro in the evening. Whatever the case may be, your guide will pick you up for your transfer to the airport in good time for check-in. (Meals - B)