Rio de Janeiro: Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio & Olympic Boulevard Tour

Rio’s revitalized port, marine wonders and bold art in one day

You’ll ride through Rio de Janeiro’s transformed port zone with a local guide, meet sea creatures at AquaRio, snap photos by Kobra’s massive mural, and step inside the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow: all with hotel pickup included. Expect lively street scenes, surprising moments of calm beneath aquarium glass, and maybe even a new way of seeing Rio by day’s end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. AquaRio1h 30m · entry included
2. Museum of Tomorrow1h 30m · entry included

Visit Aquarium, Murals, and Museum

• Get picked up at hotel
• Drive to Boulevard Olímpico
• Walk through Porto Maravilha
• Visit Maua Square
• Visit AquaRio aquarium
• Stop for photos at Kobra Mural
• Visit Museum of Tomorrow

The experience

“You know, Cariocas never used to come here,” our driver Paulo said as we rolled into Porto Maravilha. He grinned in the rearview mirror, like he still couldn’t quite believe how much the place had changed since the Olympics. I could see why: old warehouses now painted in wild colors, kids chasing pigeons across Mauá Square. There was this faint salty smell from the bay mixed with something sweet: maybe coconut from a nearby vendor. It felt like a city waking up differently.

AquaRio was next. I’m not usually an aquarium person (fish are fish, right?), but walking under that glass tunnel with sharks gliding overhead was… oddly calming? The light shimmered blue on everyone’s faces. Our guide Ana pointed out a seahorse so tiny I almost missed it. She said they’re symbols of luck here. I tried to get a photo but just ended up with blurry fins and my own reflection. There were families everywhere, little kids pressing their noses to the tanks and squealing at every new creature.

After that, we wandered along Olympic Boulevard to the Kobra Mural. It’s huge: like, you have to step back into traffic just to fit it all in your camera frame (don’t do that). Five faces staring out in these wild colors and shapes. I remember Ana telling us each one represents a different continent. Some locals were selling cold drinks nearby and laughing at tourists trying to pronounce “Boulevard Olímpico.” I gave it a shot. Li laughed when I butchered it in Portuguese.

The Museum of Tomorrow looks like something from another planet: white spikes against Rio’s sky. Inside was all mirrors and interactive screens about climate and technology. Honestly, some of it went over my head but there was this one room full of swirling lights that made me feel weirdly hopeful about what comes next for us humans. When we stepped outside again, the sun had shifted and everything looked sharper: the water, the mural colors, even people’s voices seemed brighter somehow. Still thinking about that feeling now.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup and drop-off (from main South Zone hotels), entry tickets for both AquaRio and the Museum of Tomorrow if selected at booking time, plus all taxes and fees taken care of so you can just focus on exploring Rio’s revitalized port area with your local guide before heading back home again.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese09:00

Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese09:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SundayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by C2Rio Tours & Travel

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

Is hotel pickup included for this Rio tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from main hotels in Rio's South Zone.

What is AquaRio?

AquaRio is South America's largest marine aquarium with over 5,000 animals from 350 species.

Can I visit the Museum of Tomorrow on this tour?

Yes, entry to the Museum of Tomorrow is included if you choose the ticket option.

Are entrance fees covered?

Entrance fees for AquaRio and Museum of Tomorrow are included if you select that option during booking.

How long does the day trip last?

The tour covers several stops including AquaRio, Olympic Boulevard/Kobra Mural, Mauá Square, and Museum of Tomorrow within one day.

Where does the tour start?

The tour includes pickup from most main hotels in Rio's South Zone. Not from hostels or B&Bs.