Rio: Sunrise Dona Marta, Christ the Redeemer & Selarón Steps Tour

Summary

Watch Rio light up from Dona Marta then meet Christ before the city wakes

You’ll watch Rio wake up from Dona Marta Lookout at sunrise, stand almost alone beneath Christ the Redeemer before crowds arrive, and wander through colorful chaos at Selarón Steps with a local guide. Hotel pickup, breakfast, and entry fees are included—just bring curiosity (and maybe an extra coffee).

What’s the experience like?

The van was already waiting when I stumbled out of my hotel at 4:55 am—honestly, I almost bailed when my alarm went off. But there’s something about seeing Rio de Janeiro before it’s properly awake. Our guide, Rafael, handed out coffee (lifesaver) as we drove up to Dona Marta Lookout in the dark. I could hear birds starting up somewhere in the trees, and the air smelled kind of sharp and green—different from later in the day when everything gets sticky.

We reached the lookout just as this weird pinkish light started spilling over Sugarloaf Mountain. It was quiet except for someone’s phone camera clicking and Rafael pointing out where favelas hug the hillsides. The city looked almost gentle from up there—I didn’t expect that. We had a quick breakfast right there (just some pão de queijo and fruit, nothing fancy but honestly perfect), and then headed straight to Christ the Redeemer. No lines at all; it felt like we had the place to ourselves for a few minutes, which is wild considering how packed it usually gets. I tried to take a selfie but mostly just stared at those arms stretching out over everything.

After that, we zigzagged down into the city center for our last stop—the Selarón Steps. The tiles are even brighter in real life than on Instagram, and people were already starting to trickle in with their cameras. Rafael told us stories about Selarón himself (apparently he’d trade tiles with travelers?), and I tried reading some of the languages on them—Li laughed when I butchered a bit of French. There’s graffiti everywhere, old houses leaning into each other, and that sticky-sweet smell from a nearby bakery drifting over everything. We lingered longer than planned—no one seemed in a rush to leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise, Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps

• Board the tour
• Watch sunrise at Dona Marta lookout
• Have a small breakfast
• Visit Christ the Redeemer early
• Explore Selarón Steps in city center

Top questions

What time does this Rio sunrise tour start?

The tour starts around 5:00 am with hotel pickup included.

Is breakfast included on this day trip?

Yes, a small breakfast is provided after sunrise at Dona Marta Lookout.

How many people are in each group?

The tour runs with small groups of up to 6 people.

Are tickets for Christ the Redeemer included?

Yes, shuttle tickets for Christ the Redeemer are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for kids or wheelchairs?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available if needed.

Which Rio landmarks are visited during this day trip?

You’ll visit Dona Marta Lookout for sunrise, Christ the Redeemer early morning, and Selarón Steps in downtown Rio.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, round-trip transportation from hotels in South Zone, Downtown & West Zone is included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in central Rio zones by air-conditioned van with just five other travelers max; entry tickets for Christ the Redeemer by shuttle; a simple local breakfast after sunrise; plus stories and guidance from an accredited trilingual guide throughout.