Full-Day Custom Private Tour of Rio

based on 136 reviews

Duration:8 hours (approx.)
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil

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8-hour fully customized tour of Rio with a private local guide. Have private transportation at your disposal to take you to all the sites you want to see in Rio. Great for experienced travelers who want to make the most of their visit. Whether you're looking to go to the main attractions, or the places that aren't so touristy, your private guide will be there to recommend the best spots and ways to beat the crowds. Tour is limited to a maximum of four people and includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Rio, or the cruise port or airport.

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1. Luis Darin Private Tour Guide In Rio
This is a tailor-made tour and is fully customizable. The tour is strictly based on your particular interests. Your guide will follow your interests and maximize your time in Rio. Let you guide know what your likes and dislikes are and he will take you to places you would not otherwise reach on your own. There is no preset itinerary; you are free to play it by ear, planning the day's activities as you go, based on interests, conditions, weather, and other needs. Below you'll find a list of places that can be visited on this tour. You may book the tour and reach me afterwards to discuss the itinerary, or contact me first so we can tailor the tour to your needs. Tour is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle driven by your tour guide.
2. Sugarloaf Mountain
The second most visited attraction in Rio, Sugarloaf is a monolithic solid granite block over 1,200 feet above sea level located at the very entrance of Guanabara Bay in Rio. The access to the monument is at Urca neighborhood. The monument can be reached by taking 2 cable cars straight to the summit of Sugarloaf.
3. Sitio Roberto Burle Marx
A wonderful estate that belonged to the most acclaimed landscape designer in Brazil.
4. Centro Cultural Municipal Parque das Ruinas
Former home to a preeminent female art supporter, Laurinda Santos Lobo, the Parque das Ruínas is now a cultural center that keeps her legacy of supporting artists everywhere.
5.
Inaugurated in 1909, the Theatro Municipal is one of the most importante theaters of Brazil and Latin America. The Theatro Municipal has drawn international artists and important names from Brazilian culture, including dancers, musicians, opera singers, and performing artists. Since the 1930s, the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro has maintained its artistic independence, and is the only Brazilian institution to have its own choir, a symphony orchestra, and ballet company. We do not enter, but we take time enjoying the architecture aspects of this building.
6.
The garden was created in 1808 by order of the Portuguese prince Dom João VI as a temporary site for acclimatizing exotic plant species from all over the world broth there by the Portuguese. During the walk we will also be able to see the majestic imperial palm trees and the orchid and Bromeliad greenhouses. Rio’s Botanic Garden is also one of the best spots to observe the city wildlife, such as capuchin and marmosets monkeys, toucans, red throated guan and several other animal species.
7. Paco Imperial
The Paço Imperial or Imperial Palace, previously known as the Royal Palace of Rio de Janeiro and Palace of the Viceroys, is a historic building.The Paço Imperial was built in the 18th century to serve as residence for the governors of colonial Brazil. From 1808, it was used as a royal residence by King John VI of Portugal as King of Portugal and later also as King of Brazil.
8. Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB Rio de Janeiro
The CCBB in Rio de Janeiro is a building of neoclassical lines that in the past was connected to finance and business. Its foundation stone was launched in 1880, materializing the project of Francisco Joaquim Bethencourt da Silva (1831-1912), architect of the Imperial House, founder of the Society of Fine Arts and the Lyceum of Arts and Crafts
9. Parque Nacional da Tijuca
The diverse fauna and lush vegetation of the park can be observed.
10. Copacabana Beach
This worldwide famous beach is also the area where most hotels are located in Rio.
11. Ipanema Beach
Simply put, the most beautiful beach, with the most beautiful people, in the south side of Rio. Don´t miss the opportunity to see Tom Jobim´s statue and take great shots of the beach and Dois Irmãos´hill.
12. Sao Bento Monastery
A place of monastic simplicity that is one of the most beautiful architectural complexes in Brazil where there is a surprising contrast between the austere, purposefully simple appearance of the exterior and the richness of the interior highlighting gilded Baroque engravings with plants motifs. See for yourself the exuberant Rococo style in the engraving on the high altar, followed by a view of the dome and the Chapel of the Santíssimo Sacramento.
13. Maracana
Inaugurated in 1950 the stadium had 200.00 people capacity.
14. Claudio Coutinho Trail
This flat trail located at the base of Sugaloaf Moutain is a place for a short walk looking for marmoset monkeys with Sugarloaf and the Red Beach as background.
15. Sambodromo da Marques de Sapucai
The stage for the city's main Carnival Parade.
16. Forte Duque de Caxias
This fort, located at the very end of Copacabana Beach, is a well-kept secret. The fort was built in 1776 as a lookout to spot incoming ships. To reach the summit of the 183m (600-ft.) hill we’ll walk for 20 minutes on an 800 meters cobblestone road that crosses the natural preserve area kept by the Brazilian Army. Several species of the Brazilian fauna live in the area. It is not uncommon to spot mamorset monkeys, tropical birds and lizards on the way up. Once we reach the summit, a series of spectacular views will be discovered. From the hill top we’ll have a vantage point of view of the entire extension of Copacabana Beach, Corcovado Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain and the entrance of Guanabara Bay.
17.
This large park is located near the Botanic Gardens in the south part of the city. During the 16th century the place was a sugar mill owned by the governor of Rio de Janeiro province. In 1840 an English nobleman became the new owner and hired the landscape designer John Tyndale to design the romantic style garden at the property.
18. Arpoador beach
A large rock at the end of Ipanema Beach considered one of the best spots in Rio to observe the sunset during the summer.
19. Perigoso Beach
A completely secluded and wild beach reachable by boat or hiking trail only.
20. Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
One of the nicest areas in Rio this tidal lagoon connects with the sea and it is surrounded by a bike lane.
21. Avenida Atlantica
The seaside avenue in Copacabana is the most famous beach area in Rio.
22. Carioca Aqueduct
Also known as Arcos da Lapa the aqueduct used to supply the city with water from the rivers born at Tijuca Forest. Now it is used as a passageway for the tram that connects Downtown Rio and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.
23. Macumba Beach
A beautiful beach in the west part of town.
24. Praca Quinze de Novembro
The square is located in the historical centre of Rio de Janeiro and is surrounded by the Palácio Tiradentes, the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro; and the Paço Imperial. The Praça XV Station is a ferry terminal servicing a number of destinations in the city of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi
25. Aterro Do Flamengo
A very large park area crossed by an expressway.
26. Marina da Gloria
This is the place from where most bot tour departure from in Rio.
27. Morro da Urca
The round shape of this mountain next to Sugarloaf reminded the Portuguese a ship used to carry sugar. This is the first step to reach Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car.
28. Arco do Teles
Named after the Portuguese judge Antônio Telles Barreto de Menezes the place preserves its colonial architecture.
29. Santa Teresa
This picturesque and well preserved colonial style area born in the mid-1800s is now an artsy neighborhood full of bars, cafés and good restaurants that offer a myriad food options including the best Acai and cheese bread in Rio. The place offers great photo opportunities with its painted murals, street art, cobblestone streets and a variety of souvenirs shops, including the only one in Rio listed on Lonely Planet for having only items made by local artists.
30. Parque da Cidade
This vantage viewpoint offers the very best view of Rio skyline.
31. Feira de Sao Cristovao
The Luiz Gonzaga Northeast Traditions Centre is the place where the traditional São Cristovão Fair is held. About 700 permanent tents offer a sample of Brazilian Northeast culture, such as typical food, handcrafts, forró players, dance, singers and also folk literature. The fair attracts visitors from all over the country and abroad. Every month about 450 thousand tourists and local people visit it. It is a place for dancing, handcraft shopping, and also a place to try some of the local specialties at one of the many typical Northeastern restaurants.
32. Cosme Velho
Drive through this neighborhood that was once the home for most embassies in Brazil when Rio was the country capital.
33. Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer
The most iconic monument in Brazil was inaugurated in 1931 and is considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world. From the monument Rio can be seen at its entire splendor.
34. Leme
A less busy beach located at the very far end of Copacabana.
35. Escadaria Selaron
Selaron’s Staircase is a set of world-famous steps. They are the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron who claimed that the staircase is his tribute to the Brazilian people. The steps straddle both the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods. There are 250 steps which are covered in over 2000 tiles collected from over 60 countries around the world.
36. Ipanema Farmer's Market
Each morning farmers set it up on a different street. These are the places where the locals go to do their grocery shopping, and tourists are welcome to walk around the several stands sampling fruits, street food and vegetables offered in the market. The fruit in Brazil really taste different. More than once I had people telling me “So that is what mango is supposed to taste like! I feel I’ve been cheated all my life…”.
37. Sao Francisco da Penitencia Church
The laity of the Order of the Third Order of San Francisco settled in Rio de Janeiro in 1619, occupying a chapel inside the church of the Franciscan convent of Santo Antônio, located on the top of a hill (the Morro de Santo Antônio). In the middle of the seventeenth century, the Franciscan convent gave them a plot of land next to the convent's church to build their own temple there. The Church of St. Francis of Penance was built, with interruptions, between 1657 and 1733.
38. Mirante Do Leblon
Nice vantage viewpoint at the end of Leblon Beach.
39. Morro Dois Irmaos
A seaside granite mountain at the end of Leblon Beach.
40. Guanabara Palace
This was once the home of Princess Isabel, the daughter of Brazil’s second emperor. Today the beautiful building houses the headquarter of Rio de Janeiro State government.
41. Urca
A small and picturesque neighborhood is located at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain.
42. Barra da Tijuca Beach
An area full of new developments and one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio.
43. Abrico Beach
The only nude beach in Rio.
44. Praia de Grumari
Very isolated and completely undeveloped beach area covered by the lush restinga vegetation and reachable only by private transportation.
45.
Surrounded by rocky clifs, this beach is reachable by a small hiking trail.
46. Praia do Leme
At the very end of Copacabana Beach Leme Beach is the best place for a picture of Copacabana.
47. Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach
A 10 miles long beach in the west side of Rio.
48. Vermelha Beach
At the foot of Urca Mountain lies a small and beautiful beach with red sand and surrounded by mountains in both sides.
49. Palacio Capanema
Icon of Brazilian’s modern architecture, the Gustavo Capanema Palace, also known as MEC (Ministry of Education and Culture), stands out for its architectural composition and for its unique positioning within the surrounding urban context.
50. Vista Chinesa
Erected to celebrate of the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants to Brazil.
51. Boa Viagem Island
The ruins of a fort and a church lies in this island.
52. Parque Nacional da Serra dos Orgaos
A national park in the mountains at the end of Guanabara Bay and 50 miles away from Rio.
53. Mirante do Soberbo
On a clear day the views of the mountains and Guanabara Bay are absolutely amazing from this viewpoint.
54. Dedo de Deus
One of the highest mountains of Serra dos Orgaos this peak rises towards the sky as if it was a finger pointing up.
55. Prainha Beach
Most well-kept secret of Rio this awsome beach is souronded by vegetation and is also a surfer’s paradise.
56.
A nine miles long bridge connecting the two sides of the road.
57.
Part of Little Africa, Pedra do Sal is considered by some the birth place of Samba.
58. Ilha Da Gigoia
The small and quiet island is hidden gem where the best seafood place in Rio can be found.
59. Pontal Beach
At the very end of Recreio dos Bandeirantes lies this calm waters beach.
60. Reserva Beach
A large preserved area at Recreio dos Bandeirantes.
61. Beco das Sardinhas
A small alley in the downtown district with preserved colonial Architecture.
62. Museum of Valongo Wharf
The Museum is located where nearly one million captive Africans disembarked between 1811 and 1831 and tell us a bit more about the African heritage in Brazil.
63.
The Von Martius Visitor Center in the Guapimirim Venue is housed in a 19th century mansion, restored to preserve its original features. The mansion belonged to the former Fazenda Barreira do Soberbo, being its owner during the Empire the medical doctor Henrique José Dias, who dedicated himself to planting cinchona (Cinchona calissaia). This historical mansion houses a permanent exhibition with photos and information about the park, a model of the entire PARNASO area, as well as an interesting collection of works by botanist Von Martius.
64. Cachoeira do Rio dos Frades
One of the most beautiful waterfalls ever. Nice place to sunbathe and swim in the large pool formed by rocks and boulders.
65. Pedra Bonita
A hang-gliding take off spot is at the top of this mountain in Sao Conrrado.
66. Cais do Valongo
The place of entry for millions of enslaved African for over 100 years.
67. Caminho Niemayer
An architectural complex that made Niterói the second city in the world with the largest number of works designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer.
68. Morro da Babilonia
This solid granite wall rises above the entrance of Sugarloaf cable car. Here we’re very likely to observe climbers trying to reach the mountain summit.
69. Mirante do Caete
The scenery is spectacular from this viewpoint overlooking Prainha.
70. Mirante do Joa
Nice viewpoint at the foot of Gavea mountain overlooking the ocean.
71. Pedra do Telegrafo
The two miles very steep hiking trail starts at Pedra Branca State Park. At the summit you’ll take the famous picture hanging from the cliff.
72. Praia do Secreto
As the name suggests this is a small hidden beach on the way to Prainha.
73. Mirante do Leme
Most definitively the best spot to take a picture of Copacabana Beach.
74. Parque Natural Municipal da Prainha
A city park behind the most beautiful beach in Rio.
75. Travessa do Comercio
Beautiful and colorful colonial houses can be found in this old commercial part of the city.
76. Maua Square
Large square surrounded by 2 museums near Little Africa.
77. Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Se
The first cathedral in Rio de Janeiro.
78. Statue of General Osorio
A war hero and the patron of the Brazilian Army.
79.
Magnificent waterfall inside Serra dos Orgaos National Park.
80.
Originally positioned next to the pier, it was used to supply the vessels, as well as the residents with fresh water from the mountains of Rio.
81. Pedra do Pontal
Also known as Pontal de Sernambetiba the rock island divides the sandy oceanfront into two separate beaches, Recreio and Macumba.
82. Trilha do Pao de Acucar
This hiking trail staring at Claudio Coutinho Trail also grants access to Urca Mountain.
83. Largo dos Guimaraes
Central part of Santa Teresa District.
84. Rio de Janeiro Historic City Center
Rio downtown is full of buildings and places where you can get in touch with all this history.
85. Boulevard Olimpico
The area also known as Porto Maravilha houses a variety of museums and cultural centers. There is also a sequence of gratifies that make up an artistic pathway painted by 20 different artists and the famous street Etnias Mural painted by Eduardo Kobra.
86. Painel Etnias
Inspired by the Olympic rings representing the five continents and their people, the mural signed by Eduardo Kobra was named Etnias (ethnic groups).
87.
Marking the initial occupation of the city of Rio de Janeiro by the Portuguese, the area has significant historical and architectural importance.
88. Pier Maua
The place where all cruise ships dock in Rio de Janeiro.
89.
The largest aquarium in South America houses about three thousand sea animals in 28 tanks.
90. Igreja de Sao Francisco da Prainha
Built by the Veneravel Ordem Terceira de Sao Francisco da Penitencia in 1704 this church is considered one of the main Baroque style examples in Rio.
91. Centro de Visitantes Paineiras
The visitors center was created in 2013 and houses an environmental education center and can be visited when going to the Christ Monument by minibus.
92. Rampa Pedra Bonita
This hang gliding take off spot in Sao Conrado offers great views.
93. Forte de Copacabana
The Fort seats at the tip of the Copacabana Beach and offers some of the best views in of Copacabana.
94. Praia do Meio
Along with Perigoso, Inferno and Funda beaches this is a very secluded beach reachable only by hiking trail.
95. Floresta da Tijuca
Tijuca Forest is the largest reforested urban forest in the world. The forest takes 10% of the city area and houses the Tijuca National Park.
96. Cascatinha Taunay
One of the many waterfalls in Rio.
97. Museu Selecao Brasileira - CBF
Located in the new headquarters of the Brazilian Soccer Confederation in Barra da Tijuca, this is a must for soccer lovers. The fans can follow the history of the Brazilian Team from their first games to the most important titles. There are nineteen facilities with technological resources that allow the interactivity of the public with the attractions. The collection also has relics such as uniforms, trophies and photographs.
98.
Confeitaria Colombo inaugurated in 1824 and is a icon of what was the Belle Epóque in Rio de Janeiro. The Belgian crystal mirrors framed by hand-carved frames, the lamps and the beautiful stained glass skylight ceiling are stunning and the food is very representative of Brazilian culinary.

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Posted By : Chris_S
Can’t recommend this enough. Luis might know everything there is to know about Rio. Take this tour!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-28 13:07:16

Posted By : 142agnieszkaw
We rarely do guided tours and prefer to do things our way. But this time we literally had a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Rio but had only 1 single day to do so. And we chose to spend it with Luis and it was a fantastic choice. Luis is a very knowledgeable, extremely experienced guide who allowed us to see everything we wanted and much more. Luis seems to know everyone in the city, knows his way around and has shortcuts and logistics figured out so that we could completely focus on experiencing Rio with all our senses. We did the classics but we also did see some places we would definitely not have found ourselves, tasted local streetfood, even tasted some fruit directly from the trees! Luis has great ways to quickly make you familiar with the cities complex geography. He knows a lot anout its nature and all the flora and fauna you come across. And while driving Luis gave us a quick version of Brasilian history, amazing cultural heritage and allowed us a glimpse beneath the surface. Amazing, unforgettable experience. Thank you Luis!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-20 16:59:05

Posted By : allencE9978AX
Luis was a great tour guide! We were staying out in the suburbs next to the Olympic park but Luis was able to come pick us up at our hotel. He asked what kind of sights we wanted to see, nature vs history vs popular sights, etc. Since we were only in town for two days, we opted for the overview of main sights with a great lunch spot suggested by Luis. He was friendly, informative, and it was great that he was able to give us local insights while offering suggestions of more off the beaten path places to see. In addition to the Christ and Sugarloaf l, he brought us to a local restaurant he frequents and the beautiful botanical gardens where he frequented as a child. If looking for a local tour and guide, skip the group tour and hire Luis for a custom private tour, you won’t regret it!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-30 23:44:28

Posted By : markhkruger
Luis was an incredible tour guide/ historian! Knowledgeable and conversant about everything from food to architecture. He helped make Rio and Niteroi come alive.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-30 12:32:26

Posted By : jurgen53
We loved our personalized guided tour with Luis very much. After a couple of minutes he exactly knew what we wanted to see and what we are interested in. His knowledge and personal input was fantastic. He showed us the real Rio. Thank you so much. Highly recommended.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-29 16:28:52

Posted By : nelysabelg
He was an excellent guide, very kind, he was excellent with us, he gave us interesting information, he took us to all the places we wanted and he was a great contribution to our trip! I recommend it 1000%
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-29 12:06:16

Posted By : Rick_W
One word. Fantastic guide fantastic day. No more to say. If you don't like my style of review Viator then don't ask.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-16 11:36:30

Posted By : LauR280
Luis put together two unforgettable days for us, tailored exactly to our needs. It rained on the first day, but Luis knew exactly what we could change and how to make the most of the day. Luis showed us the best side of Rio. We had great conversations and learned so much about the city and about Brazil. We are so grateful to Luis. We had culinary experiences. The best pão de queijo... great suco de caña de acucar... frango in Santa Teresa... endless fruit at the market... They were two perfect days with my little family. Luis also picked us up from the airport twice and dropped us off there. Everything went perfectly and on time. Luis is great. And we would use his service again and again.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-06 13:23:28

Posted By : Adrienne_G
My friend and I did this tour back in November and it was perfect. I love that we got to choose what we wanted to see and got to experience more of Rio than a regular tour. My absolute favorite was getting to go to market and try all these different fruits we have never tried before
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-26 16:40:46

Posted By : dr_thiberio
Luis is top! A walking encyclopedia, lots of knowledge, it was a very special moment!! You can believe he has the best tour schedule!!
And lunch… killed it!
Thanks Luis!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-17 12:04:56