Rio de Janeiro: Christ, Sugarloaf & Selarón Steps Day Tour

Summary

See Rio’s icons in one day—Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selarón Steps and more with lunch and tickets included

You’ll wind through Rio de Janeiro’s iconic sights—from Christ the Redeemer’s sweeping views to climbing Selarón’s colorful steps—with a local guide leading you every step. Enjoy lunch at a Brazilian buffet and ride up Sugarloaf Mountain for sunset light over Guanabara Bay. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments you’ll want to hold onto long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

"Don’t rush—Rio will show herself when she’s ready," our guide Paulo said as we crawled through morning traffic near Copacabana. I remember the window was cracked open just enough to let in that mix of sea air and exhaust—oddly comforting. We’d barely started but I already felt like I was somewhere completely different from home. Paulo pointed out a group playing footvolley on Ipanema Beach (we only glimpsed it from the van), and laughed about how Cariocas always find time for a game, no matter what’s happening in the world.

The drive up to Christ the Redeemer wound through Tijuca’s tangled green—somehow even the air felt thicker there. At the top, stepping out into sunlight so bright it made me squint, I could smell sunscreen and hear a dozen languages at once. The statue is massive up close, but it was actually the view that got me: Guanabara Bay curling around all those hills, tiny boats like confetti below. There were people quietly hugging or just staring out; someone handed me a slice of mango while we waited for photos. I didn’t expect that part—the little kindnesses between strangers.

Lunch was at this buffet place Paulo swore by (he told us to try feijoada if we ate meat). Honestly, I piled my plate too high with farofa and salad because everything looked good. Afterward, we wandered through Lapa—the arches are even bigger than they look in pictures—and climbed the Selarón Steps. The tiles are wild: names scratched into blue squares, broken bits of red ceramics from places I’ve never been. Some kids were selling cold coconuts at the bottom; one of them tried to teach me how to say “Escadaria” properly but gave up laughing when I tried.

Sugarloaf Mountain was our last stop. The cable car ride is quick but my stomach still did a little flip (heights aren’t really my thing). Up top, there’s this gold-pink light over Rio that makes everything feel softer—even the city noise seems far away. On the way down someone played bossa nova on their phone and for a second it felt like we were floating above everything else. That view—I still think about it sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Rio sightseeing tour

• Pass by Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
• Drive through Tijuca National Park
• Visit Christ the Redeemer statue
• Have lunch at buffet restaurant
• Explore Selarón Steps in Lapa
• Pass by Lapa neighborhood arches
• Drive through Rio’s downtown area
• Pass by Botafogo beach
• Pass by Flamengo Park
• Visit Rio de Janeiro Cathedral
• Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car

Top questions

How long does this full-day Rio tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with stops at major attractions including Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Is lunch included on this Rio de Janeiro sightseeing tour?

Yes, lunch at a self-service buffet restaurant is included during your day trip.

Are entrance tickets for Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf included?

All attraction tickets are included in your booking for this tour.

Does this Rio tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup is provided depending on your location in central Rio de Janeiro.

Will we visit both Copacabana and Ipanema beaches?

The route may pass by Copacabana or Ipanema beaches depending on your hotel location and traffic conditions.

Is this day trip suitable for families or older travelers?

This tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your licensed guide speaks Portuguese and English (bilingual).

Can vegetarians or vegans find food options at lunch?

The buffet restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan choices along with salads and hot dishes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Rio de Janeiro, entry fees for all attractions like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with a bilingual local guide throughout, plus an all-you-can-eat Brazilian buffet lunch before returning to your hotel in the evening.