Things to do in Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. In high season, tours can take longer due to traffic and the large volume of people in the city.

Embark on a guided tour of Rio and see important highlights, including Christ The Redeemer and Selaron Steps. Ride a cable car to Sugar Loaf and take in the sunset views overlooking Copacabana Beach. Begin your tour with a visit to the Corcovado Mountain. After a 20-minute drive to the base of the statue of Christ the Redeemer through the Tijuca Forest, enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding landscape. This 710-meter-tall (about 2,330 feet) statue is Brazil's main monument and a World Heritage Site. Next, head towards the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro and Selarón Stairs before reaching Sugar Loaf by sunset. Located in the Urca neighborhood, it is one of Rio's icons. Board a cable car and ride to the Urca Mount station before continuing on in a cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf. At the top, enjoy the beautiful and panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world while overlooking the Copacabana Beach from the top of Sugar Loaf.

Have a night out and experience the local culture on this pub crawl in Lapa, the most bohemian neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. Discover classic places frequented by locals and tourists, taste different flavors of cachaça, drink a free caipirinha, try some samba moves at a live concert and end the night in a nightclub with a DJ playing Brazilian and international rhythms. Do all this accompanied by a local guide who is an expert in the region (limited people per guide, ensuring that you'll always have a guide nearby taking care of all the fun and safety). Meet your guide and start the night at a classic cachaça bar and taste different flavors (at least 4) of cachaça, the main brazilian liquor. Then, move on go to the Arcos da Lapa, an iconic tourist spot in the city. Get to know the famous food and drink stalls and drink a free Caipirinha. Next, take a break to learn about the history and take pictures of the beautiful Selarón, a grand staircase made of colorful tiles. Continuing the party, go to a Samba bar with live music. Immersion in the carioca culture and get to know the local rhythms. Finally, visit a nightclub to close your night with a flourish. Enjoy Brazilian funk, pop, and reggaeton and have fun until the club closes.

Start your tour in comfort, with convenient pickup from the main hotels in the South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Leme) and Barra da Tijuca. Your adventure begins with an ascent to Corcovado Mountain, where you'll have the option to either ride by van or board the train, according to the option purchased, both weaving through the lush Tijuca Forest. At the summit, behold the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Rio's breathtaking landscape. Continue your journey to the legendary Maracanã football stadium, known for its imposing architecture and storied history. Then, venture to the renowned Sambódromo, the vibrant venue of Rio's annual Carnival parade, where you can immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage. Please note that both visits are external, allowing you to appreciate these landmarks from the outside. Explore the modern Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, an architectural gem influenced by Mayan pyramids. Delve into the intriguing blend of ancient inspiration and modern innovation as you discover this iconic landmark on your tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant artistry of the Selarón Steps, an extraordinary staircase adorned with colorful tiles from around the world. Named after its creator, Jorge Selarón, a Chilean painter and sculptor, this iconic landmark stands as a testament to his dedication and passion. Experience the array of colors and cultures adorning each step, making it a must-see destination in Rio de Janeiro. Choose to indulge in a authentic all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse, included in select options. Opt for the "Christ the Redeemer by Van, Sugarloaf, Selaron, BBQ Lunch" or "Christ the Redeemer by Train, Sugarloaf, Selaron, BBQ Lunch" package for a complete gastronomic experience. Following lunch, continue the tour with a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain. Please note that there are tour options available, some of which include admission tickets to the Sugarloaf. However, if this option is not chosen, clients will have free time during the visit. Enjoy the breathtaking views and iconic sights of Rio as you ascend to the summit via the iconic cable car.

Get to know Rio de Janeiro in a vibrant and unforgettable way with the Rio Samba Bus! This tour combines culture, music and incredible views as you explore the Marvelous City. Our itinerary covers more than 30 must-see attractions, such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Lapa and Christ the Redeemer, with 24 strategic stops in a Hop On Hop Off format that allows you to get on and off at your leisure, exploring each destination in your own time. On board, the experience is enriched with a special soundtrack, bringing the best of MPB, samba and other Brazilian rhythms that rock the trip and connect you to the soul of Rio. And to make everything even more special, we have a presentation by a samba school dancer from the Rio Carnival, with typical costumes and all the energy of the greatest show on earth. Experience Rio Carnival while you discover the city's sights! The route includes everything from the iconic Copacabana waterfront to the Aterro do Flamengo, the Arcos da Lapa, the Escadaria Selarón and the Sambódromo. You'll also pass by the entrance to Christ the Redeemer on the Corcovado train, through the Tijuca Forest, and enjoy charming stops such as Largo do Boticário and the gastronomic streets of the South Zone. Get your ticket and experience the best of Rio de Janeiro with music, samba and culture on the Rio Samba Bus! ✨

Begin your tour at Downtown (“Centro”), where you will get the tram (“bondinho”) to the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa. You will drive over the Arcos da Lapa, the aqueduct used to connect water from Santa Teresa to Downtown and one of Rio’s most traditional postcards. At Santa Teresa, you will experience an interesting local atmosphere. Walk through the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, a bucolic area in Rio de Janeiro. Located on a hillside, Santa Teresa has become a district of cultural interest because of its architectural value and prime location, famous for its winding, narrow cobblestone streets and a favourite spot for artists and tourists. A flair similar to Montmartre, in Paris. You will visit the Ruins Park, a public park with an art gallery built around the ruins of a mansion. Take a minute to enjoy the city’s landscape, in particular the Downtown area and the Sugarloaf Mountain. Up next, you will walk down the colorful Selarón Steps, one of Rio’s landmarks, and arrive at the district of Lapa, the zone with the most traditional nightlife. Take a stroll in the Passeio Público, the oldest public park in South America, to reach Cinelândia, a lively spot in Rio thanks to its bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Among many remarkable constructions in the area, you will notice the Theatro Municipal, Rio de Janeiro’s most traditional theatre and opera house, as well as the Biblioteca Nacional, Brazil’s most important library. Your last stop will be at Confeitaria Colombo, a permanent member of all must-see cafés rankings around the world. Enjoy the opulent art nouveau decoration with huge stained glass, tiles, and mirrors imported from France, Portugal, and Belgium. You can finish your tour tasting one of the Brazilian traditional snacks – such as the coxinha de frango (‘little chicken thigh’) – or desserts – such as the brigadeiro (‘brigadier’) in what was one of Rio de Janeiro’s most prestigious places at the beginning of the 20th Century.

Explore the main tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro on a guided tour. Visit Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Metropolitan Cathedral, Sambadrome, Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium (external area), and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch. Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue. On this tour, we take a van to the top of the mountain and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Visit Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak that rises from the harbor. Take a cable car to the top and enjoy views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet. Maracanã Stadium, one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. (Stop for photos of the Bellini statue in the stadium's external area.) Metropolitan Cathedral, a modernist-style building with a pyramid shape. Sambadrome, a stadium that hosts the city's famous Carnival parade. Selarón Steps, a colorful staircase made of tiles from all over the world.

Our team offers a transfer service, picking you up from various areas of Rio de Janeiro, including the City Center, South Zone, some North Zone neighborhoods, airports, and other convenient locations along the way. The trip from Rio de Janeiro to Vila do Abraão - Ilha Grande takes approximately 4 hours (van ride + maritime crossing), though this time may vary due to traffic conditions. Please check the location of your accommodation on Ilha Grande, as in some cases a private boat may be required; our drop-off will be at the Vila do Abraão Dock. Our drivers will take you to the crossing point at the Conceição de Jacareí Tourist Dock and provide all necessary boarding instructions. We have various departure times from the Conceição Dock to ensure convenience and avoid delays! Our vans or cars are brand new, equipped with air conditioning, security cameras, satellite tracking, and insurance to ensure your peace of mind during the journey. We operate daily with three departure windows for your convenience, and the trip runs even on rainy days.

You can choose to be picked up early in the morning to head to the most incredible landmark in Rio de Janeiro: The Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado Hill and beat the crowd or relax in the Hotel or at the beach and take a later tour. Start at Copacabana Beach and pass Botafogo Beach and the Palácio Guanabara, the official residence of the State Governor. See the old mansion houses of the coffee barons in the Laranjeiras and Cosme Velho districts. Arrive at Tijuca Forest and board the vehicles of the National Park Authority at Paineiras. Then, go to the top of the Hill to see the Christ the Redeemer statue and be amazed by the magnificent landscape. If you wish to visit Sugar Loaf, continue along Botafogo Beach to reach Praia Vermelha. Then, board the cable car to ride up Sugarloaf Mountain for a 30-minute stop to enjoy the views and its natural beauty. You can also choose to be dropped off at the same pickup point and enjoy the rest of your day. Upgrade with the full-day option that includes a downtown city tour and a visit all of the well-known landmarks in Rio de Janeiro .

This specially designed 7-hour tour around the city of Rio de Janeiro provides a unique chance to see the attractions of Rio de Janeiro with a professional English-speaking tour guide showing you all around. The day tour starts with pick-up at your hotel or hostel in Rio (pick up only at some areas in Zona Sul)*. Your first stop will be at Christ Statue (ticket included) to avoid the crowd we arrive early there. From there, you will visit Parque Lage at Tijuca National Park and get a glimpse of the greenest tropical rainforest. This is the best spot to check how nature and the urban area can coexist, tropical plants, and wildlife. After that, stop for lunch (not included) and then hit the road again, this time to visit Maracana Stadium from outside, then go towards the Centro to go to Cinelandia (Municipal Theater) from outside and the Cathedral (visit inside). Then finally we will visit the Selaron Steps at Lapa and Santa Teresa Neighborhood. At the end of your day you will be offered the option to be dropped off (in case you are not in the pick up cover area we will drop off at a meeting point) at Sugarloaf Mountain in time for enjoying the sunset or to be dropped off back at your hotel or hostel. *We board guests at the following locations: Centro- Meeting point at Lapa Flamengo/Gloria- pick up included Botafogo- Meeting point at Novotel Botafogo Copacabana-pick up included Ipanema- pick up included Leblon- meeting point at Ipanema