Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps & Sugarloaf Sunset Tour

Summary

Christ statue views, mosaic steps and golden Sugarloaf sunset in Rio

You’ll ride through Rio’s famous beaches, stand beneath Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, wander colorful Selarón Steps with your guide sharing stories, then glide up Sugarloaf Mountain for sunset views over Guanabara Bay. Expect hotel pickup and entry included — plus small surprises along the way that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

Leaning out the van window, I caught my first glimpse of Copacabana’s curve — sunlight bouncing off beach umbrellas, someone selling coconuts right by the road. Our guide, Mariana, waved at an old friend as we rolled past. She pointed out a statue of a poet whose name I can’t pronounce (she tried to teach me — didn’t go well). The city just felt alive; even before we’d left the street, I could hear samba from somewhere down an alley.

The climb up Corcovado was slower than I expected — traffic snaked through Tijuca’s thick green. At one point Mariana joked about monkeys stealing snacks (I didn’t see any but honestly kept checking my backpack). When we finally stood under Christ the Redeemer, it was quieter than I thought it would be. The breeze up there had this salty-sweet smell, maybe from the sea below? People took turns snapping photos with their arms outstretched — some serious, some just laughing at themselves. I tried too. Still not sure what to do with my hands in those photos.

Selarón Steps were next — all those tiles from around the world pressed together like a patchwork story. A local kid darted past us balancing a football on his head (show-off). Mariana explained how Jorge Selarón spent years adding new pieces; she pointed out a tile from Portugal and another from Japan. It’s easy to miss details if you rush here. We lingered until someone started playing guitar nearby and honestly, that moment sticks with me more than any postcard shot.

The final stretch: Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car. The sun was dropping fast so everyone crowded one side for that view over Rio — gold light spilling across rooftops and boats bobbing in Botafogo Bay. There was this hush for a second as we reached the top; even Mariana went quiet. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home. So yeah, if you’re after a half-day tour of Rio de Janeiro that hits Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps and ends with sunset at Sugarloaf… this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Christ Redeemer and Sugarloaf

• Pass by Copacabana Beach
• Pass by poet statue at Copacabana
• Pass by Ipanema Beach viewpoint
• Stop at Visitors Center
• Pass by Tijuca Forest
• Van ride to Christ the Redeemer
• Visit Christ the Redeemer statue
• Photo stop at Selarón Steps
• Cable car to Urca Hill
• Cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain
• Admire sunset at Sugarloaf

Top questions

How long does this half-day Rio tour last?

This guided tour covers an afternoon and finishes at sunset on Sugarloaf Mountain.

Is hotel pickup included for all areas in Rio?

Pickup is included from main hotels in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Leme and Barra da Tijuca.

Are entrance fees for Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf included?

Yes, entry fees for both Christ the Redeemer (by van) and Sugarloaf Park are included.

Is there live commentary during the tour?

Your guide provides live commentary in English, Spanish or Portuguese throughout the tour.

Can children join this day trip to Christ the Redeemer?

Yes, children are welcome; kids 4 and under are free if they don’t occupy a seat.

Does this tour run if it rains?

The tour operates rain or shine in Rio de Janeiro.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What sights are included besides Christ statue?

You’ll also see Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, Tijuca Forest, Selarón Steps and Sugarloaf Mountain.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes roundtrip transportation from main hotels in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Leme or Barra da Tijuca by air-conditioned van; entrance fees to Christ the Redeemer via van; entry to Sugarloaf Park with cable car rides; all taxes and handling charges; plus a professional guide offering live commentary throughout your guided half-day tour of Rio de Janeiro before returning after sunset.