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Marvels of Rio: Corcovado & Sugarloaf

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Join us for the ultimate Rio de Janeiro, Brazil adventure on our ‘Marvels of Rio: Corcovado & Sugarloaf Tour.’ Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of Rio with a City Tour, then ascend Corcovado for awe-inspiring views of the city. Next, journey to Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking panoramas. Enjoy a free day to explore Rio’s beaches and cuisine before departing with unforgettable memories of this iconic city

Day 1 : Rio De Janeiro

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the vibrant neighborhood of Copacabana. Rio de Janeiro, once the capital of the Portuguese empire and of Brazil until 1960, is fondly nicknamed “The Marvellous City” for its stunning landscapes nestled between lush mountains and sparkling seas. Renowned for its cultural richness and economic significance, Rio boasts iconic landmarks such as the Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar), Corcovado, and the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Infused with vibrant energy and the carefree spirit of its locals, known as Cariocas, Rio offers something for every traveler, whether it’s experiencing the exhilarating Carnaval, unwinding amidst nature, or indulging in the luxuries of cosmopolitan living. Rio de Janeiro truly has it all!

Overnight at selected hotel
Meals: B/-/-

Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Photo: f11photo

Day 2 : Rio De Janeiro – Corcovado, Sugarloaf & City Tour

After leaving the hotel, our tour embarks on a picturesque journey starting from Copacabana beach, cruising along Botafogo beach, and passing by the majestic Guanabara Palace, the official residence of the State Governor. Our first stop is Corcovado Hill (704m), home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, offering guests breathtaking panoramic views of Rio. Named one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, this colossal monument is a must-see. Continuing to the Urca district, we visit the renowned Sugar Loaf, where guests ascend Urca Hill (215m) via cable car, then onto the Sugar Loaf (395m) for a 360-degree view of the city. After descending, we head to a local Churrascaria for a traditional Brazilian BBQ lunch. Following lunch, the tour includes visits to Maracanã Stadium and the Sambadrome, the Carnival parade venue. Passing through the historic center, we admire the Lapa Arches and stop briefly at the Selaron Stairs, a captivating urban masterpiece. On our return journey via Aterro do Flamengo, we pass notable landmarks like the Monument to the Fallen in World War II and the beaches of Flamengo and Botafogo.

Overnight at selected Rio hotel
Meals: B/L/-

Concorvado Hill, Christ the redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Photo: dndavis

Day 3 : Rio De Janeiro – Free Day

Enjoy a free day to soak up the energy of the bustling city. Relax on the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema or take a tour to explore the iconic favelas.

Overnight at selected Rio hotel
Meals: B/-/-

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Photo: cokada

Day 4 : Rio De Janeiro - Departure

Transfer to Galeao Airport, Rio de Janeiro, for onward travel.

Meals: B/-/-


Highlights

  • Breathtaking views from the towering Corcovado Mountain.
  • Take in the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, a symbol of Rio’s beauty and culture.
  • Ascend to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic vistas of Rio’s stunning coastline and cityscape.
  • Enjoy a scenic cable car ride offering unparalleled perspectives of Guanabara Bay and beyond.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro while exploring its most iconic landmarks.

Travel Tips

  1. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing suitable for exploring outdoor attractions. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, especially during peak hours.
  2. Stay Hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day, especially when exploring outdoor attractions like Corcovado and Sugarloaf.
  3. Pack Light: Carry only essential items such as a small backpack with water, snacks, camera gear, and personal belongings. Lightening your load will make it easier to navigate the attractions and enjoy the experience.
  4. Respect the Environment: Help preserve the natural beauty of Corcovado and Sugarloaf by disposing of trash responsibly and following designated trails and pathways. Respect wildlife and avoid feeding or disturbing animals.
  5. Be Mindful of Scams: Stay vigilant for potential scams or pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious when interacting with street vendors or individuals offering unsolicited services.
  6. Enjoy the Views: Take your time to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro from the summits of Corcovado and Sugarloaf. Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery and create lasting memories of your expedition.
  7. Follow Safety Guidelines: Adhere to safety guidelines and instructions provided by staff when riding the Corcovado train and Sugarloaf cable car. Pay attention to signage and warnings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and others.

Accomodation

  • 3 nights at Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel or similar

Weather Preparedness

Winter months (May to October) can be cooler in Iguazu Falls, so it is advised to prepare for this.  Rio de Janeiro is warm year-round, however there is a season where it rains from November to March due to the hot weather.  However, this generally does not affect tourism.  For Rio, essentials are warm weather clothes including swimsuits, comfortable shoes for the full-day tour, and sun protection.

Fitness Requirements

The Marvels of Rio: Corcovado & Sugarloaf Expedition typically involves moderate physical activity, so it’s advisable to have a reasonable fitness level. While transportation options are available for reaching the summits of Corcovado and Sugarloaf, visitors often have to navigate stairs, walkways, or trails to access viewpoints and attractions. Additionally, exploring the surrounding areas may require walking or hiking on uneven terrain. Visitors with mobility or physical limitations may find certain parts of the expedition challenging.

Christ the redeemer Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Duration
4 Days
Difficulty
Easy
Age
All ages
Contact Us Itineraries

Included

  • Accommodation: 3 Nights at Porto Bay Rio
    Internacional Hotel or similar
  • All tours accompanied by accredited bilingual guides
  • Private transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Meals: 3 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
  • All Entry fees and local taxes

Not Included

  • International and Domestic Flights
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals not specified.
  • Gratuities and Personal expenses.
  • Beverages for included meals unless specified otherwise.
Additional Information
  • Fancy, expensive looking jewellery.  Using this in the street (especially necklaces), is running a very high risk of a passing thief grabbing it, so best to avoid.
  • Taxis are readily available and relatively cheap, however Uber is our preferred recommendation for foreigners to get around.  It is generally far cheaper than a taxi, safe, and with no chance of being taken the long route and ripped off on the fare.  If you must take a taxi, get in the car and wait for them to start the meter before telling them your destination.  Often taxi drivers try to (illegally) negotiate a fixed fare with foreigners, which is always more than double what the meter would be.  However, as I said above, all of this can be avoided by using Uber.

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