TRAVEL TIPS

Tours

City Tours

Be a Local. This well-established outfit conducts walking tours of Rocinha that make various stops inside the community, as well as trips to soccer matches, speedy city tours, and lively nocturnal visits to samba school rehearsals. On Sunday night, the fun favela funk-party tour (R$65) includes transport, entrance, and admission to a VIP area—be prepared to be the focus of locals' amorous attentions, and to head home just before daybreak. Rua Barata Ribeiro 111, Rio de Janeiro, 021/7816–9581; www.bealocal.com. From R$65.

Brazil Expedition. This reliable tour company runs a hugely popular city tour–known as the Big Dude tour–which takes a scenic route through Tijuca National Park to the Christ statue before visiting other key Rio landmarks such as Santa Teresa and the Lapa Steps, with an optional visit to Sugarloaf Mountain. Other recommended excursions include trips to samba school rehearsals (August–February) and an interesting street-art tour. The English-speaking guides are knowledgeable and friendly. Rio de Janeiro, 021/9998–2907; 021/9376–2839; www.brazilexpedition.com. From R$200.

Favela Tour. If you're interested in learning more about the favelas that cling to Rio's mountainsides, Favela Tour is the way to do it. Led by Marcelo Armstrong, this highly respected outfit conducts tours twice daily through Rocinha and Vila Canoas. Marcelo pioneered favela tourism in Rio and offers tours in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Tours are informative but not voyeuristic, and there are opportunities to buy locally produced arts and crafts as you tour the communities. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price. Rio de Janeiro, 021/3322–2727; 021/9989–0074; www.favelatour.com.br. From R$90.

Rio Cultural Secrets. This quality outfit has enthusiastic, knowledgeable English-speaking private guides who whisk visitors around the city in comfortable air-conditioned cars. Popular trips include visits to Tijuca National Park and Rio's Botanical Gardens, soccer games, and city tours that take in major attractions such as Sugar Loaf and the Christ statue. Rio Cultural Secrets can also take visitors up to the imperial city of Petropolis, around an hour's drive from Rio. Rio de Janeiro, 21/98031–2692; www.rioculturalsecrets.com. From R$140.

Rio Free Walking Tour. Expert English-speaking guides lead free tours through Centro each weekday. Rain or shine, the guides will take you on a three-hour morning stroll, explaining the history of downtown Rio's major buildings, streets, statues, and monuments. The walk is followed by lunch at a pay-by-weight buffet restaurant. Tours leave from in front of the Theatro Municipal at 9:30 am Monday through Friday. There's no need to book in advance, just look out for the yellow-shirted guides. Although there's no charge, tips are welcomed. Rio de Janeiro, 021/97214–5095; www.riofreewalkingtour.com. Free.

Rio Hiking. This professional outfit leads hiking and climbing trips in Rio and the wider Rio de Janeiro state. All equipment is provided, guides are bilingual, and there are treks, tours, and adventure trips to suit all levels of experience. Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro, 22241–090. 021/2552–9204; www.riohiking.com.br. From R$210.

Helicopter Tours

Helisight. With landing pads at Morro da Urca (the smaller peak next to Sugarloaf), Lagoa, and Dona Marta view point in Tijuca National Park, Helisight conducts helicopter tours that pass over the Christ the Redeemer statue, the beaches of the Zona Sul, and other iconic sights. Prices start at R$260 for a seven-minute flight, while hour-long trips over this majestic city will set you back more than R$1,500. Conde de Bernadotte 26, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, 22430–200. 021/2259–6995; 021/2542–7935; 021/9602–1224 ; www.helisight.com.br. From R$260.

BACK TO

Ready for a trip of a lifetime to Rio De Janeiro?

CONTACT US TODAY