Rio de Janeiro: AquaRio, Museum & Olympic Boulevard tour

Summary

Experience Rio’s waterfront icons with a local guide

Walk through Rio’s vibrant waterfront with a local guide: see marine life at AquaRio Aquarium, explore Praça Mauá and Olympic Boulevard, snap photos at Mural Etnias, and pause outside the Museum of Tomorrow. With hotel pickup and entry ticket included, you’ll feel both guided and free to soak up those small moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through the tunnels of AquaRio when I realized how much I’d underestimated the place — it’s not just tanks and fish, you know? The air smelled faintly salty, like wet stone, and our guide, Lucas, kept pointing out these tiny creatures I’d never have noticed on my own. There was this moment with the stingrays gliding overhead — everyone went quiet for a second. It felt oddly peaceful in there, even with kids pressing their noses to the glass (I might’ve done that too).

Afterwards, we spilled out into the sun near Praça Mauá. The square is huge now — Lucas said it was all redone for the Olympics. There were people everywhere: vendors selling coconut water, someone playing guitar under a tree. We wandered along the Orla Conde by Guanabara Bay, passing cyclists and families out for a walk. The Mural Etnias is impossible to miss — 170 meters of color and faces staring right back at you. I tried to get a photo without someone’s head in it but gave up; honestly, it’s better with all that life around.

We stopped outside the Museum of Tomorrow (didn’t go inside — not included), but just standing there looking at that wild architecture against the sky was enough for me. Lucas told us about the Spanish architect who designed it; he seemed proud of how Rio keeps changing. Some folks from our group went off to try the Ferris wheel (the Rio Star), but I just sat on a bench for a bit watching boats move across the bay. Funny how sometimes you travel so far just to sit still and take it in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rio de Janeiro Highlights

• Visit AquaRio Aquarium
• Photo at Mural Etnias
• Walk Orla Conde
• Explore Praça Mauá
• See Edificio Joseph Gire
• Photo stop at Museum of Tomorrow
• Optional Rio Star Ferris Wheel ride

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Rio de Janeiro tour?

Yes, transfer to and from your hotel is included in your booking.

Does this tour include entry to AquaRio Aquarium?

Yes, your ticket to AquaRio is included in the experience.

Can I visit inside the Museum of Tomorrow during this tour?

No, only an external visit with a photo stop is included; entrance tickets are not part of this package.

Is lunch or food provided on this day trip?

No meals are included; you can buy snacks or drinks from local vendors along the route.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed throughout.

How long does it take to walk along Olympic Boulevard?

The walk is relaxed and depends on group pace; expect several stops along Orla Conde by Guanabara Bay.

Can I ride the Rio Star Ferris wheel during this tour?

You can choose to ride it as an optional extra; tickets are paid separately during the tour.

What happens if not enough people book this experience?

If minimum numbers aren’t met, you’ll be offered another date, different experience or full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry ticket to AquaRio Aquarium, guidance from an accredited local tourism guide throughout all stops including Praça Mauá and Olympic Boulevard, plus time for optional extras like riding the Rio Star Ferris wheel before returning comfortably at day’s end.