Christ the Redeemer and Rio Hot Spots Private SUV Tour

Lookouts and corners that bigger vans usually never reach

Step into a private Toyota Land Cruiser and let it take you up to lookouts and corners that vans skip, including the top of the Selarón Steps. This private day tour of Rio de Janeiro runs past the city's famous monument and mountain, through artsy Santa Teresa and Urca, with snacks and soft drinks on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Rio's iconic landmarks and neighborhoods

• Visit Christ the Redeemer monument
• See Dona Marta Lookout
• Explore Santa Teresa neighborhood
• Visit Selarón Steps
• Pass by Lapa aqueduct
• See modern conical landmark with colorful glass
• Overview of Historic Center of Rio
• Pass by Flamengo Park
• Pass by bay area linked to Queen Carlota Joaquina
• Visit Urca neighborhood and Urca wall
• Decide on Sugarloaf Mountain activities

Stops and time spent at each 11 stops

1. Christ the Redeemer 2h
2. Dona Marta Lookout Entry included 30m
3. Santa Teresa 30m
4. Selarón Steps Entry included 30m
5. Lapa passing by
6. Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro Entry included 30m
7. Centro 30m
8. Flamengo Park passing by
9. Enseada de Botafogo passing by
10. Urca Entry included 1h
11. Sugarloaf Mountain 30m

What’s included

• Your own private vehicle.
• Wi-Fi in the vehicle.
• Air conditioning inside.
• Light snacks, soft drinks and fruit on the go.
• Professional photos as an add-on.
• Parking charges taken care of.

Times

Looking for another day or time? ›

• Every day except Tuesday and Sunday 11:30

Information

Ride a private 4x4 past Rio's lookouts, Santa Teresa's back paths and the Selarón Steps, with snacks on board and a local guide beside you.

Group Private 3 similar group tours ›

Live guide English, Spanish, French and Portuguese Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. You can choose from 2 pickup points. See the pickup points

Book up to 4h before

Ages Adult (3 to 80 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Infant seats available Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

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The experience

The day opens with the Land Cruiser climbing toward the monument that has watched over Rio for almost 90 years, a view you already know before you reach the statue. Next is the Dona Marta Lookout, a stop many tours rush past. Here the view is one of the best in the city for photos, and you have time to linger. Santa Teresa follows, where artistic streets open onto corners and paths that vans tend to avoid.

At the Selarón Steps, the colorful open-air artwork covers the whole staircase, and the 4x4 takes you up to the top so you see it from above as well. Lapa's old aqueduct passes by, an 18th-century arch line that now carries you across to Santa Teresa. Urca comes next, with its famous wall where locals gather and corners full of great photo spots. Snacks, fruit and soft drinks keep the hours easy.

Sugarloaf Mountain ends the route, and the choice is yours there. You can stay for lunch and ride the cable car, head back to your hotel, or move on to another spot you prefer. Whenever possible, the guide adds an overview of the Historic Center, from the 1808 arrival of the Portuguese royal family to the city's changes and the move to Brasilia. The area feels safe and well policed, and taxis and rideshares are close by.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Does the tour stop at Dona Marta Lookout?

Yes, it stops there, and entry is included. The viewpoint is one of the best for photos across Rio, and the tour stays long enough for real picture-taking rather than rushing past.

Can you go to the top of the Selarón Steps?

Yes. The 4x4 takes you up to the top of the steps, so the visit covers the artwork from above as well as from the base.

Is the Historic Center of Rio included in the tour?

Only whenever possible: the guide adds an overview of the Historic Center, covering the arrival of the Portuguese royal family in 1808 and the city's changes up to the move to Brasilia.

Can I get professional photos during the Rio tour?

Yes, professional photography can be added to the tour as an add-on, arranged alongside the rest of the day.

What can you do at Sugarloaf Mountain?

You decide there: stay for lunch and take the cable car, head back to your hotel, or move on to another spot you prefer.

Operated by Alvaro @Saffo_phototour. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated today