Rio de Janeiro: Christ by Train, Sugarloaf & Barbecue Lunch

Summary

Colorful selarón steps, sugarloaf cable car rides and brazilian barbecue in rio

You’ll feel Rio’s energy on this day trip: ride the train through Tijuca Forest to Christ the Redeemer, stroll Selarón’s mosaic steps, pause at Maracanã Stadium, then savor endless barbecue before gliding up Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car. Expect laughter, local stories, and views you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

So right from the start, we almost missed our pickup because I thought “main entrance” meant something else — turns out in Rio, everyone just knows where to wait. Our guide, Camila, waved us down with this huge grin and didn’t seem bothered at all. The van was already half full with people from France and Argentina chatting about football. It was humid but not too hot yet, that sticky air you only get near the ocean. We rolled past Copacabana Beach and Ipanema — both way more chaotic than those postcard photos. There were surfers out even at 8am, and a guy selling coconuts who yelled something I didn’t catch.

The train up Corcovado through Tijuca Forest is slower than I expected (in a good way). You get these quick flashes of green and then suddenly the city opens up below you — it’s honestly hard to describe how big Rio feels from above. At Christ the Redeemer there were crowds but also this hush when the clouds shifted and everyone just stared for a second. Camila explained some history but mostly let us wander; I ended up next to a family from Bahia who offered me some homemade cheese bread. Still warm — I can taste it now.

We stopped outside Maracanã Stadium for a photo (no time to go in), then drove by the Sambadrome where Camila told us stories about Carnival floats getting stuck mid-parade — she made it sound like total chaos but fun chaos. The Metropolitan Cathedral was cooler inside than out, all concrete angles and stained glass that made weird colored shapes on our faces. The Selarón Steps were busy but somehow still felt personal; each tile tells a story if you look close enough. Some kid tried to sell me a magnet shaped like a flip-flop — I caved.

If you pick the full-day option (which we did), there’s this lunch at a churrascaria where they keep bringing skewers until you can’t eat anymore. The grilled pineapple was my favorite, hands down. After that came Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car — two rides up, wind in your face, Rio spread out like some wild painting below us. Someone started singing quietly in Portuguese on the way down; maybe just for themselves or maybe for all of us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rio highlights: Christ, city, Sugarloaf

• Pass Copacabana Beach
• Pass Ipanema Beach
• Board train to Christ the Redeemer
• Pass Tijuca Forest
• Visit Christ the Redeemer statue
• Stop at Bellini Statue
• Drive by Sambadrome
• Visit Metropolitan Cathedral
• Visit Selarón Steps
• Enjoy Brazilian barbecue lunch
• Take cable car to Urca Hill
• Take cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain

Top questions

How long does this Rio de Janeiro day trip take?

The full-day tour including Christ by Train, Sugarloaf Mountain & lunch lasts approximately 8–9 hours with pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for all areas?

Pickup is included from main hotels in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon & Leme; Barra da Tijuca pickup is only available for the full-day option.

Do I need tickets for Christ the Redeemer or Sugarloaf?

No—tickets for both Christ by Train & Sugarloaf cable car are included if you book the full-day option.

Is lunch included on every tour?

The Brazilian barbecue lunch is only included with the “Christ by Train, Sugarloaf & Lunch” full-day tour option.

Are drinks included at lunch?

No—drinks are not included at lunch; only food is covered in the barbecue buffet.

Can children join this Rio day trip?

Yes—children of all ages can join; those under 2 are complimentary if they don’t occupy their own seat.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide provides live commentary in English, Spanish, Italian, French & Portuguese.

Does this tour run if it rains?

Yes—the tour operates rain or shine; bring appropriate clothing just in case.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from main South Zone hotels (plus Barra da Tijuca for the full-day option), tickets for both Christ by Train and Sugarloaf cable car (if selected), guided city tour commentary in multiple languages inside an air-conditioned vehicle, stops at iconic sites like Selarón Steps and Maracanã Stadium (external), plus an all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue lunch if you choose that option before returning comfortably to your hotel in the evening.