The 15 best things to do in Rio de Janeiro (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio

   Outty Ranking95

   Experienced and award-winning Guide: With years of experience and hundreds of 5-star reviews, Rodrigo Índio is a local Guide passionate about the mountain and fully committed to its safety and fun. Safety first: The cro. 90+ Club at 95/100, 5.0/5 from 505 traveler reviews, 6h from R$295, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

   Outty Ranking94

   Discover the best of Rio de Janeiro in a full-day tour that combines convenience, comfort, and expert guidance. This experience includes lunch, admission tickets, and transportation for a seamless exploration of the Marv. 90+ Club at 94/100, 4.9/5 from 2,983 traveler reviews, 6h from $75, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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3. 

   3. Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Caves

   Outty Ranking94

   Skip the gridlocked city traffic and the crowded tour buses. Just 40 minutes from Rio's famous beaches lies a protected UNESCO World Heritage wilderness where the dense jungle canopy blocks out the city chaos. This is a. 90+ Club at 94/100, 4.9/5 from 1,424 traveler reviews, 5h from R$200, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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4. 

   4. Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls

   Outty Ranking94

   This tour is all about experiencing the best of Rio - hiking to stunning peaks, exploring hidden caves, and cooling off in waterfalls within the incredible Tijuca National Park. Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for w. 90+ Club at 94/100, 4.9/5 from 1,144 traveler reviews, 5h from R$390, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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5. 

   5. One Day Tour in Rio de Janeiro: All Inclusive

   Outty Ranking94

   The most classic ride of all! With outings every day, rain or shine, and last approximately 8 hours, you will be able to know the most iconic attractions of Rio de Janeiro: Cristo Redentor, Sugar Loaf, Selarón Staircase. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 582 traveler reviews, 7h from $130, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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6. 

   6. Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide

   Outty Ranking94

   Have a real experience of what the Favela was like and today! Russo Guia, has been working for 20 years within Vidigal, 17 years in a small local business, and for over 2 as a guide. With it you will have an experience. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 434 traveler reviews, 2.5h from R$100, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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7. 

   7. Private SUV : Telégrafo Stone, 18 beaches, sunset and photography

   Outty Ranking93

   "FIRST CLASS" TO THE TELEGRAPH ROCK A) SHARED Groups: Tuesdays and Thursdays (meeting point) B) PRIVATE Groups WITH PROGRESSIVE DISCOUNTS: Mondays, wednesdays and Fridays (hotel pick-up) Never on weekends and holidays t. 90+ Club at 93/100, 5.0/5 from 373 traveler reviews, 9h from $74, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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8. 

   8. Rio de Janeiro Sunset Sailing Tour with Drinks

   Outty Ranking92

   Travelers can experience Rio de Janeiro’s sunset from a premium sailing yacht on Guanabara Bay. The cruise passes historic fortresses and the Museum of Contemporary Art, offering panoramic views of Sugarloaf Mountain and. 90+ Club at 92/100, 4.9/5 from 1,020 traveler reviews, 3h from $65, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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9. 

   9. Cooking Class in Rio with 9 Recipes & Unlimited Caipirinhas

   Outty Ranking92

   Wander into our Ipanema hideout and let the culinary capers begin. Whether you're a kitchen newbie or a seasoned foodie warrior, our class is the perfect mix of fun, learning, and outright delicious mayhem. You'll be. 90+ Club at 92/100, 4.9/5 from 1,131 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $95, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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10. 

    10. Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Boat Tour with Swimming, Drinks & Snacks

    Outty Ranking91

    Board at Marina da Glória and cruise Guanabara Bay on a 3-hour boat tour timed to put you on the water at exactly the right moment for sunset. The group is capped at 11 passengers — no crowds, plenty of space on board, a. 90+ Club at 91/100, 5.0/5 from 296 traveler reviews, 3h from $64, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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11. 

    11. 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide

    Outty Ranking91

    Visiting the Rocinha favela, one of Rio's hundreds of "favelas" (the Brazilian term for a slum or shantytown) and the largest in the country, is a local experience that gives you the chance to see Brazil from another poi. 90+ Club at 91/100, 4.8/5 from 948 traveler reviews, 3h from R$20, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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12. 

    12. Private Custom Full-Day Highlights in Rio: Only the Best Sights!

    Outty Ranking91

    Enjoy the most complete private day tour in Rio de Janeiro with flexible itineraries built just for you. Visit iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps, and Sugarloaf Mountain, then add on stops such as S. 90+ Club at 91/100, 4.9/5 from 797 traveler reviews, 8h from R$1,083, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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13. 

    13. Tijuca Forest Half-Day Hike (Small Group or Private)

    Outty Ranking90

    A half-day hike guided tour in Tijuca Forest National Park, one of the biggest urban rainforests in the world. Our experienced guides will take you on an amazing adventure hiking up one of the most stunning summits in Ri. 90+ Club at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 230 traveler reviews, 5h from $62, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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14. 

    14. Private Walking and Cultural Tour Rocinha-Rio de Janeiro

    Outty Ranking90

    Favela Brothers is a family run tour company, operated by the brothers Maka and Obi Basilio, both born and raised in Favela da Rocinha. We decided to organize guided tours within the community in which we live to offer a. 90+ Club at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 251 traveler reviews, 3h from $65, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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15. 

    15. Morning Sailing Tour in Rio de Janeiro - DDRio

    Outty Ranking90

    Enjoy some of Rio de Janeiro's most spectacular sights from the water, in the soft light of the morning. Sailing in the morning also means stronger, steadier winds on Guanabara Bay, giving this tour some of the longest t. 90+ Club at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 216 traveler reviews, 3h from $54, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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