Start your trip with a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue, located at the peak of Corcovado Mountain. This impressively beautiful monument has an unmatched view of Rio de Janeiro from above. You can reach the mountain with a scenic train ride through the Tijuca forest.
Spend the morning taking a cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain viewpoint, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city's harbors and beaches. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring Copacabana Beach, where you can soak up the sun, swim, and indulge in some street delicacies.
Take part in a guided tour of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, one of the top ten gardens in the world. You'll be surrounded by fascinating tropical plants, including Amazonian giant water lilies, tree ferns, and orchids. Then, head to Tijuca forest for an enchanting jungle trek and enjoy the outdoor spa treatment from its freshwater rainforests.
Lapa neighborhood is a great place to experience the liveliness, local cuisine, music, and culture of Rio de Janeiro. Finish the day with a visit to one of the most vibrant and colorful steps in the city, the Escadaria Selarón, which is covered in tiles from over 200 different countries.
Spend the last day enjoying the tranquil surroundings of Parque Lage, which occupies more than half of the estate's vast gardens. It is sandwiched between Corcovado Mountain and the famous beaches of Rio, such as Praia do Leme and Praia de Ipanema.
The best way to travel throughout the city is by using the metro system or by hailing a licensed taxi with a reliable company. Uber and Lyft are also great options. Be cautious of the taxi’s authenticity when using them, and negotiate your ride before starting your journey. Keep in mind that fares may differ depending on the time of day and place to place.
If you have an extra day, visit the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, where you can rent a bike, walk to the Botanical Gardens, and tour the Olympic rowing course. If you have less time, you can combine the visits to Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains in a day. Keep in mind that Rio is vibrant, but some areas, especially Lapa, may not be safe at night and it is essential to move in groups in unfamiliar areas.
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) is located in the north of the city, and it is approximately a 30-minute drive from the center of Rio. Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is centrally located, but it serves only domestic flights.