Rio de Janeiro Private Tour with Christ & Sugarloaf Views

See Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps, Maracanã & more in one day

You’ll ride Rio’s iconic train to Christ the Redeemer with a local guide, wander Lapa’s colorful Selarón Steps, and gaze out from Sugarloaf Mountain after two cable car rides. Expect stories behind Carnival at Sambódromo and time inside Rio’s striking cathedral, with hotel or airport pickup making things easy.

Options for this experience

4 options

From US$ 189 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Pickup at the Rio port (Pier Mauá) 11 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 10:00 Guide in 4 languages Up to 15 per booking Cruise ship information: Please give the cruise ship name and the estimated time you will be waiting in the arrivals area for pickup, along with a cell phone number. Pickup is included.

Pickup at Rio's airports 11 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 10:00 Guide in 4 languages Up to 15 per booking Flight information: Please supply the airline and flight number, the drop-off location and a contact telephone number. Pickup is included.

Pickup from any hotel in Rio 11 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 10:00 Guide in 4 languages Up to 14 per booking Pickup is included

Monday Special Deal 08:00 Guide in 4 languages Up to 3 per booking Hotel, airport or port pickups at 8 am: Take the same private tour experience at a reduced Monday rate. Offered only on Mondays at 8:00 am. Pickup is included.

None of these options right for you? See 12 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Rio's iconic landmarks

• Take cogwheel train to Christ Statue
• Walk around and take photos
• Descend from Corcovado Mountain
• Visit Selaron Steps in Lapa
• See Lapa's white arches aqueduct
• Walk through Rio’s downtown to Mauá square
• Explore Porto Maravilha area
• Admire Museum of Tomorrow building
• View Eduardo Kobra's large mural
• Visit Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio
• See Sambodrome parade avenue
• Observe Maracanã football stadium facade
• Pass by Copacabana Beach
• Take cable cars up Sugarloaf Mountain
• Enjoy panoramic views from Sugarloaf

Stops and time spent at each 7 stops

1. Christ the Redeemer 40m
2. Lapa passing by
3. Museum of Tomorrow 10m
4. Rio de Janeiro Cathedral 15m
5. Sambadrome 10m
6. Sugarloaf Mountain 1h
7. Copacabana Beach passing by

What’s included

Your day includes private transport with hotel, airport or port pickup and drop-off anywhere in Rio de Janeiro city limits. A licensed local guide leads you through every stop (from Corcovado’s train ride to Sugarloaf’s cable cars), and all taxes plus parking fees are covered along the way for a smooth experience.

Times

• Every day 05:00 05:30 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Private 4 group tours ›

Live guide English, Spanish, German and Portuguese Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Book up to 8h before

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Infant seats available

Operated by Gregtur Turismo

Prices and times updated today

Traveler reviews

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The experience

The first thing I remember is the way the clouds hung low over Corcovado as we wound up through Cosme Velho. Our guide, Ana, handed me a tiny coffee from a street stall before we hopped on that old red train. She called it “the heartbeat of Rio.” The ride up felt slow but kind of hypnotic, with flashes of green from Tijuca Forest pressing right up to the windows. When we finally climbed those last steps and saw Christ the Redeemer up close, I just stood there for a second. It’s bigger than you think, almost quieting. Ana pointed out how the city wraps around Guanabara Bay like an embrace. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t do it justice.

We zipped past Maracanã Stadium after that (I could almost hear echoes of old matches), then stopped at the Sambódromo. Ana told us about Carnival rehearsals. She mimed some samba moves and made us laugh. The Metropolitan Cathedral surprised me. From outside it’s this concrete pyramid, but inside? Stained glass everywhere, colors spilling down onto stone floors. I didn’t expect to feel so small in there.

Lapa was next: Selarón Steps were crowded but somehow cheerful, all those tiles from around the world. Some guy played guitar at the bottom. His voice drifted up through the noise. We walked downtown toward Mauá Square where everyone seemed to be heading somewhere else: business suits mixing with street vendors selling grilled cheese on sticks (which smells better than it tastes). The Museum of Tomorrow looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. Ana said it’s become a symbol for Rio reinventing itself after the Olympics.

The last stop was Sugarloaf Mountain. Two cable cars later and suddenly you’re above everything: the city, beaches, boats bobbing in Urca below. The wind was salty and strong up there. I leaned against the railing just watching sunlight flicker off Copacabana far away. We could’ve stayed longer but hunger won out (there’s an all-you-can-eat steakhouse nearby if you’re curious). Anyway, I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home, you know?

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German and Portuguese.

How long does this private Rio tour last?

The private tour lasts approximately 7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel or airport pickup included in this Rio day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from hotels, airports or port within Rio de Janeiro city.

Do we visit both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain?

Yes, both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain are included in this tour itinerary.

Are entry fees or tickets included in this private tour?

The tour includes all taxes and parking fees during stops. Entry fees are not specifically mentioned.

Is lunch included during this Rio sightseeing tour?

No, lunch is not included but there is an option to eat at a local steakhouse buffet near Sugarloaf Mountain.

Can infants join this private Rio tour safely?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request for safety during transport.

Does this tour require high physical fitness levels?

No, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to provided details.