Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf & Selarón Steps Tour with Tickets

Summary

Christ statue sunrise, Selarón’s colors and Copacabana waves in one day

You’ll ride up Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, stand beneath Christ the Redeemer’s outstretched arms, stroll across Selarón’s mosaic steps, and catch glimpses of Copacabana’s waves—all with tickets sorted and lunch included so you can just soak it in.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it: I almost missed our pickup because I was distracted by the smell of pão de queijo from a street cart. But the van was right on time, cool air blasting (thank god), and our guide Mariana grinned like she’d seen this a hundred times. “Don’t worry,” she said, “we’ll get you your snack later.” That set the tone—easygoing but somehow everything ran smooth. First stop was Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable car creaked a little as we rose up, and my palms were sweaty but not just from nerves. Up top, the city looked half-dreamed—mist curling around buildings, sea breeze sticky on my skin. I tried to take a selfie but ended up laughing at my hair flying everywhere. Mariana told us stories about old Rio as we leaned over the railing.

After that came Christ the Redeemer. There’s something weirdly quiet about that place even with all the people—like everyone’s holding their breath for a second. I caught a whiff of sunscreen and incense (someone had a little candle tucked away) and just stood there staring out over Rio. Lunch was buffet style—not fancy but good, especially the feijão. I sat next to an older couple from Minas Gerais who insisted I try farofa with everything (“No excuses!”). We drove past Maracanã stadium (just a photo stop) and then rolled along Copacabana beach—the sand almost blindingly white in midday sun, vendors waving bags of chips at us through open windows.

The last bit was my favorite: Selarón Steps. The tiles are wild—every color you can think of, some chipped or faded from years in the sun. A kid zipped past us with a soccer ball; Mariana pointed out her favorite tile (“From Portugal! My grandmother sent one too”). I tried to say “obrigado” properly and got teased for my accent by another traveler—fair enough. By then I was tired but didn’t really want it to end. There’s something about seeing all these places in one day that makes them blur together in your memory—in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rio de Janeiro city tour highlights

• Visit Sugarloaf Mountain
• See Christ the Redeemer statue
• Visit Rio de Janeiro Cathedral
• Stop at Sambadrome souvenir shop
• Photo stop at Maracanã Bellini statue
• Panoramic drive along Copacabana beach
• Visit Selarón Steps

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Rio tour?

No, pickup is from a meeting point; transport is air-conditioned.

Are entrance tickets to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf included?

Yes, both tickets are included in your day trip from Rio de Janeiro.

Is lunch provided on this city tour?

Yes, there is a self-service buffet lunch included (drinks and desserts not included).

Can you visit inside Maracanã Stadium on this tour?

No, only an external photo stop at Maracanã is included.

Are drinks or desserts part of the lunch?

No, drinks and desserts are not included; only buffet lunch is covered.

Is this Rio de Janeiro city tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide is bilingual; exact languages may vary but usually Portuguese/English or Spanish.

How long does it take to reach Sugarloaf Mountain from central Rio?

The drive is short; expect less than 30 minutes depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport between sights from a central meeting point in Rio de Janeiro, entry tickets for both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain cable car rides, plus a buffet-style lunch (excluding drinks or dessert), all led by an accredited bilingual local guide who keeps things relaxed yet organized throughout each stop.