Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 166 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour worth booking?
Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour is a 7-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $38 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 166 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (166)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $38 per person
The day tour starts with pick-up at your hotel or hostel in Rio (depends your location). Your first stop will be at Christ the Redeemer (ticket included) to avoid the crowd we arrive early there. From there, we will vis
What you get
- Local guide
- Christ the Redeemer Ticket Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Zona Sul hotels (please check your location)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
The day tour starts with pick-up at your hotel or hostel in Rio (depends your location). Your first stop will be at Christ the Redeemer (ticket included) to avoid the crowd we arrive early there. From there, we will visit Parque Lage, at the foot of Corcovado, is part of Tijuca Forest—one of the world’s largest urban rainforests—with history and charm. . Next we will stop for lunch at a traditional “pay-by-weight” restaurant, typical of Rio (not included) . Time to visit Maracana Stadium from outside, then go towards the Centro to go to Cinelandia (Municipal Theater) from outside and the Municipal Cathedral (visit inside). Then finally we will visit Santa Teresa which is a charming bohemian neighborhood in Rio, known for art, colonial houses, and the iconic yellow tram. Then we go to Colorful steps by Selarón, a Rio landmark icon. At the end, choose: drop-off at home or at Sugar Loaf (ticket not included) to take the cable car and enjoy the view and the sunset from the top.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Christ the Redeemer Ticket Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Zona Sul hotels (please check your location)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels outside Zona Sul
- Sugar Loaf Ticket
What you'll see and do
Santuario Cristo Redentor
We get to the Christ Statue early in the morning to avoid the crowd. Ticket included in the price of the tour
50 minutes here · Admission included
Santa Teresa
We will walk around Santa Teresa to show you this amazing part of Rio
15 minutes here
Escadaria Selaron
This amazing mosaic, made by a Chilean artist, is one of the most expected stops is our tour
20 minutes here
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
We will visit this building from 1979 that looks different from all the others around it.
15 minutes here
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
We make a quick stop to take some pictures of the Municipal Theater.
5 minutes here
Stop for lunch (not included) after the cathedral. Enjoy a traditional “pay-by-weight” restaurant, typical of Rio de Janeiro.
40 minutes here · Admission not included
Maracana Stadium
Stop by the Bellini statue outside Maracanã, a tribute to the 1958 World Cup captain and a popular photo spot for football fans.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Parque Lage
We will visit the gardens and have the change of seeing the wildlife of Rio
30 minutes here
Drop off at Sugar Loaf or your Hotel. At the end, choose: drop-off at home or at Sugar Loaf (ticket not included) to take the cable car and enjoy the view from the top for the sunset.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Brazil Expedition Day Tours
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, sunscreen and sunglasses
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 166 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
166 verified traveler reviews for Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Rio de Janeiro best tour
I highly recommend this tour; it was a great experience, and Marcelo is the best tour guide
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your recommendation! We’re very happy to hear that you had such a great experience with us. We’ll definitely share your kind words with Marcelo — he’ll be very happy to know that he helped make your day in Rio special! Thank you for choosing Brazil Expedition, and we hope to see you again on another adventure in Rio!
via Tripadvisor
Des
We booked a full-day private van tour to hit as much of Rio as possible in one day, and it delivered. Our guide took us up into Tijuca National Park first, where we explored a stunning hidden cave in the rainforest — a great start that most people skip. From there we went to see Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, which was every bit as breathtaking as the photos suggest, with incredible views over the whole city. The afternoon was spent downtown, where we saw the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura (a stunning, ornate library), the Theatro Municipal, and Palácio Tiradentes — all beautiful examples of the city’s colonial and early-20th-century architecture, and a nice contrast to the natural scenery from the morning. We also stopped at the Escadaria Selarón, the famous mosaic steps, and visited the striking Metropolitan Cathedral along the way. Our guide kept the pace moving all day without ever feeling rushed, and clearly knew the history behind every stop. For anyone wanting a genuine overview of Rio in a single day, this tour is excellent value and very well organized. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring so many different sides of Rio de Janeiro with us. From the hidden cave in Tijuca National Park to the breathtaking views from Christ the Redeemer, and from the historic charm of Downtown Rio to the vibrant colors of the Selarón Steps, it's great to know that the itinerary gave you a complete overview of the city. We're especially happy that you appreciated the balance between nature, history, and culture, as well as the pace of the tour. Our goal is always to make the most of the day while allowing our guests to truly enjoy each location. Your kind words about our guide's knowledge and organization mean a lot to us, and we'll be sure to share your feedback with the team. Thank you once again for choosing Brazil Expedition. It was a pleasure to be part of your trip to Rio, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future! Best regards, The Brazil Expedition Team
via Tripadvisor
Amazing city tour
I really enjoyed this city tour with Brazil Expeditions! It was actually the perfect way to spend one of my last days in Rio. They picked me up from my accommodation, which made everything so easy. The tour was around 7 hours and we managed to see so much in one day without feeling too rushed. We started at Christ the Redeemer, then went to Santa Teresa, the beautiful Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral, had lunch, stopped outside Maracanã Stadium, visited Rio's city centre, and finished at Parque Lage. I loved that I could see so many of Rio's most famous places in one day, and the guide was really friendly and shared lots of interesting information along the way. I definitely recommend this tour if you're visiting Rio. I had such a great day and I'm so glad I decided to do it before leaving the city!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that our city tour was the perfect way to spend one of your last days in Rio. It means a lot to us that you enjoyed the itinerary and were able to experience so many of the city's iconic landmarks in just one day without feeling rushed. We're also very happy to know that the hotel pickup, the organization of the tour, and your guide's knowledge helped make your experience even more enjoyable. Our goal is always to provide a fun, informative, and stress-free day for our guests. Thank you for choosing Brazil Expedition and for recommending our tour. We hope to welcome you back to Rio de Janeiro on your next visit! Safe travels and all the best!
via Tripadvisor
Big dude tour
Everything was amazing. Fhe christ Redeemer is amazing. One of the 7 wonders for a reason.
Response from the operator: It truly is one of the world's most iconic landmarks, and we're glad you had the chance to experience its beauty firsthand. Thank you for choosing Brazil Expedition. We hope to welcome you back to Rio de Janeiro for another unforgettable adventure! Best regards, The Brazil Expedition Team
via Tripadvisor
Perfect Intro to Rio with an Outstanding Guide
This tour was a great way to see the main highlights in a short amount of time. Everything was well-organized, and the itinerary covered all the must-visit spots, making it very convenient especially for first-time visitors. A special mention to our guide, Vanessa, who truly made the experience exceptional. She was very knowledgeable, engaging, and helpful in every way—always ready to answer questions and make sure everyone was comfortable throughout the tour. Her insights and friendly approach added so much value to the day. Overall, a well-planned and enjoyable tour that I would definitely recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that everything met your expectations. It means a lot to us that you found the experience well-organized and convenient. We’ll be sure to pass your lovely feedback on to Vanessa — she will be very happy to hear it! She truly is an amazing guide, and we’re glad she made your day even more special. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back in Rio in the future!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 2+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $38 to $73
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 58
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour cost?
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Prices start at $38 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rio de Janeiro usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rio de Janeiro is not rushed.
Is Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 166 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rio de Janeiro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 2. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 7-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour?
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Around 58 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rio de Janeiro can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rio de Janeiro and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rio de Janeiro within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?
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On Outty we rank every Rio de Janeiro experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included, Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Caves, Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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