See the City: Rio de Janeiro tours

There are so many things to see in Rio de Janeiro that it can be difficult for the uninitiated traveler to pick out the best options. Often, a tour is the best way to explore an area of the city. Within the city, there are great cultural and architectural sights. There are also plenty of opportunities in the nearby mountains, coastal waters and beaches, and Brazil's forests. These are some of the best Rio de Janeiro tours available, all of which offer a fantastic glimpse into a featured location, and are sure to have something of interest for everyone.

Tours by Bus, Boat, and Helicopter

Bus tours through Rio de Janeiro are a great way to see the city. You can explore the downtown area and its rich history and culture, or head farther out to Sugarloaf Mountain at Guanabara Bay to soak up some nature.

While at Guanabara Bay, you can also take a boat tour and see the beautiful turquoise water and abundant sea life. These boat tours are offered on old wooden schooners and take you all over the bay, from the naval yards to a unique sea view of the Fortaleza Santa Cruz on the other side. They are especially appealing for those traveling with children because they offer fresh fruit, which keeps the young ones smiling and occupied while parents can enjoy the great scenery.

For an especially breathtaking tour and view of the city, consider reserving a helicopter tour of Rio de Janeiro. They are fairly expensive, costing anywhere from $75 per person for a 6-minute flight to $300 for a 12-minute jaunt, but you'll get to see attractions like the Statue of Christ and Rio's neighborhoods in a unique and unforgettable way. This can be an especially appealing Rio de Janeiro tour for groups who don't enough time to travel the city by foot or motor.

Favelas Tour

Rio de Janeiro's favelas are a fascinating world unto themselves, but they are too difficult and dangerous to navigate for most outsiders. These shanty towns are set on the hills overlooking the prosperous Rio de Janeiro, and are a visual representation of the large gap between poverty and wealth in Rio de Janeiro. Rather than attempting to tour them by yourself, consider booking a professionally licensed guide to take you through these areas.

Inside the favelas, you'll be able to get a sense for the unique society that has been constructed amidst the shacks and narrow streets.

While a trip through the favelas isn't for the faint of heart, it can be a rewarding experience if you're up for it. There are very few places in the world like the shanty towns of Brazil, and a tour through them is something you won't soon forget.

Outdoor Tours

There are many Rio de Janeiro tours that take advantage of the cities stellar access to nature. You can book hiking tours that will show you some of the less explored areas surrounding the city, as well as scuba tours in Rio's magnificent waters. While the hiking tours of Rio de Janeiro can be demanding at times, you'll be rewarded with excellent views of the city, mountains, and ocean below.

We usually recommend seeking help from your hotel concierge when selecting and booking tours, but in the case of Rio de Janeiro tours we suggest you do it yourself. You can be confident that the person on the other end of the phone speaks your language, and you won't have to pay any of the fees your hotel concierge might charge.

Rio de Janerio tours let you explore the city from any number of aspects and vantage points, and it's just up to you to decide how you'd like to see the city.

Find more information on Rio de Janeiro tours.