Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more

Outty Ranking 67 4.8 · 33 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $75
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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 33 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more worth booking?

Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more is a 3-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $75 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 33 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (33)
Duration
3 hours
From
$75 per person

With this tour you will have the chance to see and visit the main attractions in Downtown Rio, the oldest part of Rio de Janeiro!

What you get

    About this experience

    With this tour you will have the chance to see and visit the main attractions in Downtown Rio, the oldest part of Rio de Janeiro!

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide
    • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Mosteiro De Sao Bento

      The Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, more commonly known as the Mosteiro de São Bento (Monastery of St. Benedict), is a Benedictine abbey located in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The abbey was founded by Benedictine monks who came from the state of Bahia in 1590. It is still operational today, along with the Colégio de São Bento (St. Benedict College) nearby. The façade was part of the original Mannerist project and featured a centralized edifice with three archways at the entrance, as well as a triangular gable. Two towers crowned by pyramidal spires flanked the entryway. After passing through the entrance archway, the building houses a tiled porch and iron gates from the nineteenth century.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    2. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian

      With architecture inspired by the Mayan pyramids of Mexico, the conical shape is believed to give proximity to God. Four stained glass windows run from floor to ceiling forming a cross at the top. Acoustics are "heavenly" here!

      30 minutes here

    3. Maracana

      The Maracanã Stadium, was inaugurated in 1950 to host the World Cup. It is the largest stadium in Brazil, with capacity for more than 78 thousand fans. The "Maraca", as it is also called, besides the games of the national champions, is the Brazilian and of other great international competitions, is the stage of the great musical spectacles.We will not go inside it and will make a quick stop outside, at Bellini's statue, for pictures visit.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Forte Duque de Caxias

      Fort Copacabana is a military base at the south end of the beach that defines the district of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. The base is open to the public and contains the Museu Histórico do Exército (Army Historical Museum) and a coastal defense fort that is the actual Fort Copacabana.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Arcos da Lapa

      The Carioca Aqueduct is located in the centre of the city, in the Lapa neighbourhood, and is frequently called Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches) by Brazilian people. Since the end of the 19th century the aqueduct serves as a bridge for a popular tram that connects the city centre with the Santa Teresa neighbourhood uphill, the Santa Teresa Tramway.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Escadaria Selaron

      Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Selaron Steps', is a set of world-famous steps in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They are the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón who claimed it as "my tribute to the Brazilian people. In 1990, Selarón began renovating dilapidated steps that ran along the front of his house. At first, neighbours mocked him for his choice of colours as he covered the steps in fragments of blue, green and yellow tiles – the colours of the Brazilian flag. It started out as a side-project to his main passion, painting, but soon became an obsession. He found he was constantly out of money, so Selarón sold paintings to fund his work. It was long and exhausting work but he continued on and eventually covered the entire set of steps in tiles, ceramics and mirrors.

      30 minutes here

    7. Botafogo Beach

      Botafogo is a beachfront neighbourhood. It is a mostly upper middle class and small commerce community, and is located between the hills of Mundo Novo, Dona Marta (which separates it from Laranjeiras) and São João (which separates it from Copacabana). The word Botafogo also refers to a Latin American ballroom dance move, named so because the area of Botafogo is where it originated.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Praia do Flamengo

      Flamengo is located between Catete and Botafogo districts on the edge of Guanabara Bay. The beachfront area is dominated by the Brigadier Eduardo Gomes Park, also known as Aterro do Flamengo, built on nearly 300 acres (1.2 km²) of land reclaimed from the bay and completed in 1965. The park features gardens designed by well-known Brazilian landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. Rua do Lavradio

      Lavradio street is a famous place in Lapa district because it has several antique shops, bars and restaurants that attract people all the time. On the first weekend of each month there is a street fair that concentrates national and foreign tourists and locals who know of the local fame. The bars occupy the streets with small tables and several stalls market everything, which gives a respectable agglomeration

      20 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Rio de Janeiro

    Pick up at the Hilton Copacabana hotel is at 1:30pm

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Pick up at the Hilton Copacabana hotel is at 1:30pm

    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
    Carioca Tropical Tour Operator

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking
    • Children up to 5 years old with ID and on the lap will be free

    Photos

    São Bento Monastery, Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more in Rio de JaneiroRio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more in Rio de Janeiro, photo 3Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more in Rio de Janeiro, photo 4Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more in Rio de Janeiro, photo 5Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more in Rio de Janeiro, photo 6Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more in Rio de Janeiro, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    33 verified traveler reviews for Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    30
    4 star
    1
    3 star
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    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Vivienne_B · October 2026

    This trip was really...

    This trip was really enjoyable. My guide, Victoria, was very knowledgeable and passionate about Rio de Janeiro, her English was excellent and she had a lovely disposition. The highlights for me were the Seleron Steps and St Benedict’s monastery (Victoria is very good at keeping a surprise!). I can’t remember our driver’s name but they made a good team! Thank you.

    via Viator

    gregory_l · April 2025

    Very unprofessional...

    Very unprofessional company. Late for pick up for almost 1 hour. Driver drive van very fast and guide make little comments. On each spot we stay not more than 5-10 min with little comments

    Response from the operator: Hi Gregory, I'm sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy your tour. As you know, we offered you a complimentary second tour when you decided to end the initial one due to rain, and this was free of charge. Please note that weather conditions are beyond our control. This tour typically lasts 3-4 hours, during which we visit many historical sites in the center of Rio, where all customers are welcome to disembark and explore. Our guides are specialists in the city's rich history. Regards,

    via Viator

    Ravi_P · December 2024

    Monica was knowledgeable,...

    Monica was knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate, offering insightful stories, local history, and vibrant cultural experiences. Highly recommended for exploring the city!

    via Viator

    NIAN_Z · December 2024

    Good Rio city tour.

    This Rio de Janeiro city tour is worth to take. It covers most of the key sight seeing spots for people who are short of time to stay.

    via Viator

    memetgorgeous · December 2024

    Excellent

    Monica was good n knowledgeable in her job…she toured us around according the description of the tour.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $75 to $88
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    12
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Carioca Tropical Tour Operator, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.5 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Carioca Tropical Tour Operator runs

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)83
    Review evidence (18% weight)54
    Booking momentum (14% weight)47
    Value for money (12% weight)63
    Listing quality (10% weight)57
    Local standing (8% weight)59
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.

    How much does Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more cost?

    +

    Prices start at $75 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 Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 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 Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 33 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 Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more?

    +

    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 Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more?

    +

    Around 12 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?

    +

    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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio, Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more?

    +

    Included: Professional guide; Transport by air-conditioned minivan; and Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only). Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 34 listed pickup locations in and around Rio de Janeiro. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rio de Janeiro. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more?

    +

    Across 33 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Rio Downtown Tour with Selaron Metropolitan Cathedral and more.

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