Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Day Tour

Summary

See Christ the Redeemer Sugarloaf and Rio’s vibrant streets in one day

You’ll ride through Tijuca Forest up to Christ the Redeemer, take in city views from Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, wander Selarón Steps’ mosaic colors, and pause at Maracanã Stadium and Rio’s cathedral—all with a local guide and lunch in Copacabana included. Expect lively moments mixed with quiet ones that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing under Christ the Redeemer. The van ride up through Tijuca Forest was already something—windows fogged a bit from the morning air, and our guide, Paulo, kept pointing out trees I’d never heard of (I forgot most names instantly). When we finally stepped out at the top, there was this hush—even with all the people. The city just sprawled below us, clouds drifting in and out. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t catch what it felt like to be up there.

The day trip from Copacabana moved fast but never felt rushed. Sugarloaf Mountain came next—Paulo joked about vertigo as we crammed into the cable car (he winked at me when my knees wobbled). Up there, you get this salty breeze off Guanabara Bay and seagulls that seem way too bold. I watched two kids chase each other near the railing while their dad tried to get them to pose for a picture. It made me smile—felt like everyone was just a little lighter up there.

We stopped at Maracanã Stadium for photos (just outside), then rolled on to the Sambadrome. Didn’t realize how massive it is until you’re right there—Paulo told us stories about Carnival that made me wish I could see it for real someday. At Selarón Steps, I got lost in all those wild colors and tiles from around the world; some guy played guitar nearby and sang softly in Portuguese. Lunch was a buffet in Copacabana—rice, beans, grilled chicken—and I probably ate too much because everything tasted better after walking all morning.

The last stop was Rio’s Cathedral—a weirdly beautiful building inside, all cool stone and colored glass. I sat for a minute just listening to echoes bounce around while Paulo chatted with someone at the door. By then my feet hurt but I didn’t really care; my head was full of new things. Even now, sometimes I remember that view from Sugarloaf or how quiet it felt inside the cathedral—it sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Classic Rio de Janeiro full day tour

• Ascent by van through Tijuca Forest
• Visit Christ the Redeemer Statue
• Go up Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car
• Free time for photos on Selarón Steps
• Stop for photos at Maracanã Stadium and Belleni Statue
• Stop for photos at Sambódromo do Rio
• Visit Rio de Janeiro Cathedral
• Lunch at buffet restaurant in Copacabana

Top questions

How long is this Rio de Janeiro day tour?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple stops including Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Is lunch included on this Rio tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a buffet restaurant in Copacabana (drinks and desserts extra).

Do we go inside Maracanã Stadium?

No, you visit the external area of Maracanã Stadium for photos only.

Are entrance tickets included for Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf?

Yes, entry fees for both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain are included.

Is hotel pickup available?

The tour includes pickup; check details when booking for specific locations.

How much time do we spend at Selarón Steps?

You’ll have about 20 minutes of free time for photos at Selarón Steps.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join; strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What attractions are visited during this day trip?

The tour visits Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium (outside), Sambadrome, Rio Cathedral, and Copacabana.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from central locations in Rio de Janeiro, entrance tickets for both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain (with cable car rides), guided stops at major sites like Selarón Steps and Maracanã Stadium’s exterior, plus a buffet lunch in Copacabana before returning late afternoon or early evening.