Rio de Janeiro
ALTERNATIVE TOURS
Alternative Tours
Selva Jeep Aventura en el Parque Nacional de Tijuca
Just a few steps from the streets of Rio lies the thriving oasis of Tijuca, the world’s largest urban rainforest. Contained within the city limits, this lush jungle is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife. You will nter the Tijuca Rainforest in an open jeep, truly emphasizing the contrast between the stone jungle of Rio and the lush green backdrop of Tijuca.
Feel the refreshing spray of the Monkey’s and Taunay Waterfalls, pausing to soak in impressive views of Rio and its surroundings at Vista Chinesa. No visit to the rainforest would be complete without actually hiking the trails under the canopy and interacting with this amazing ecosystem. Enjoy an approximately 20 to 30 minute hike along a pleasant trail as you see the plants, animals, butterflies and birds of the rainforest.
Includes: Roundtrip Transfer to Most Hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Barra, Santa Teresa and Centro
Rio de Janeiro Favela Tour
You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning and embark on an adventure to the stone jungle of Rio and the lush green Tijuca Rainforest. Get a closer look at the contrast between the harsh realities of a local favela and beauty of the Tijuca Rainforest .
See life inside the Favela da Rocinha, the largest favela in Brazil, as you take a guided walking tour through the streets and alleys. Meet the locals and gain insight into the challenges these communities face. Learn how even through such difficulties the people of the favela are able to smile and welcome visitors.
After this amazing anthropologial experience, you will be dropped off back at your hotel at the conclusion of the tour.
Includes: Roundtrip Transfer to Most Hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Barra, Santa Teresa and Centro
Samba Soul Experience – Visita al almacén de la escuela de samba
There is no better way to get inside Rio’s Samba Culture than this. Although the famous Carnival Parade happens once a year, the ongoing work on the backstage happens every day. You will go to the Cidade do Samba and visit the Academicos da Grande Rio warehouse and contemplate their costumes, allegories and curiosities. A guide will lead you through a tour where the Carnival Spirit will get inside of you. Learn about the history of Samba and Carnival Parade. And after seeing so many carnival costumes, why not try them on? Feel like a local, get your camera and share this moment with your best shots. In the end, make a toast with the traditional Caipirinha to celebrate the Samba Spirit!
Inclusions:
-Guided Visit to Grande Rio’s Warehouse
-Professional Tour Guide
-Drinks (Water and Caipirinha)
Exclusions:
-Food
Recorrido a pie de Río histórica
This is a different and unique walking tour designed to give you a feel for the legends and stories woven through the narrow streets and old historical buildings of downtown Rio.
The walk includes a visit to many interesting points, such as the São Bento Monastery, Candelaria (the candle-makers), Praça XV, the “Travessa do Mercado”, Imperial Court, the cultural centre located in the beautifully-restored Banco do Brasil, the House France-Brazil, Ouvidor (the listeners) Street and Gonçalves Dias Street with the traditional Colombo Bakery.
The walk continues on down Uruguaiana Street, Carioca Square up to the Metropolitan Cathedral where passengers will meet the transportation that will take them back to their hotels.
Includes: Roundtrip Transfer to Most Hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana
Samba en Río – Clase de Samba
When in Rome do like the Romans. When in Rio, learn Samba! You’ll only feel like a local when you do what the locals do and go where the locals go. You might think that there is no way you’ll learn Samba in one night, but you’ll get the hang of it. You will know enough to stand out from the many Brazilians that have never risked a step! Rio is exciting with a lot of beautiful things to see, but don’t forget to experience it too!
The tour offers different options:
Class and Samba Night Out
After the one hour express Samba course in Copacabana, you’ll be able to take it to dance floor and see what Rio’s nightlife is all about. You’ll go where the locals go, and with the steps you learned, you’ll feel right at home! Admissions to the Club not included. You may also want to choose the Samba Night Out Only, in case of being a pro!
Private Class
If you are looking for a private class, this is your choice to learn Samba quickly and privately.
Inclusions:
-Professional Dance Instructor. (if option selected)
-Class. (if option selected)
-Transportation from the Studio to the Club (if option selected).
Exclusions:
-Transportation to the Studio and Back from the Club.
-Admissions to the Club – Vary Between R$25 and R$40
-Food and Drinks.
Visita a pie de Santa Teresa y Selaron Pasos
Meet us at Cine Odeon right in front of Cinelândia Metro Station. The common way to get up to Santa Teresa is by Tram through the Lapa Arcs (Arcos da Lapa) a former aqueduct, but the tram line is temporarily deactivated, so we go up by bus. From there the little cobblestone streets invite you to be acquainted with the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa. The neighborhood has a complete different vibe from the rest of Rio. Here Old Rio comes alive. Santa Teresa is a neighborhood where casualty and tradition meet.
It is full of artists who find in Santa Teresa an inspiring scenery and way of life that helps them create their art and work on their craft whatever that is. At night, it hosts the bohemian crowd of Rio, who dodge the most popular places and go for the lesser known little spots amongst Santa Teresa’s inspiring architecture.
In Santa Teresa there is a wild variety of interesting places to get to know. From the Ruins Park (Parque das Ruínas) where you get to see one of the most beautiful views of the lesser known Rio, to the random exhibits organized by the different artists’ workshops around the neighborhood.
Leave Santa Teresa’s treasured little secrets behind as you walk down the Selaron stairway steps to reach Lapa. The beautiful steps done in ceramic by artist Jorge Selarón are one of a kind. The Chilean Selarón was in love with Rio and that love shows on these very steps. The pieces of ceramic were placed on top of the paintings done by the locals who were decorating the stairs in show of support for the National Soccer Team in 1994’s World Cup, won by Brazil.
The Selarón Steps, the Ruins Park, the bars and the cobblestone streets are just a bit of what Santa Teresa is all about, but walk through its streets and you’ll see why the neighborhood is one of Rio’s hidden gems.
Includes: Public Transportation Fees
Aventura Tours – canoa hawaiana
Rio de Janeiro has a singular coast with beautiful mountains, rainforests, beaches and wild islands. If you want to see this from a different perspective, our hawaiian canoe (also knows as polynesian canoe) tour is the perfect choice. Starting at Urca Beach, we are able to visit many points of interest inside Guanabara Bay. With ideal conditions, we will head to open sea and visit Fora Beach, just beneath the amazing Sugar Loaf mountain, where we will stop to cool down and swim for a while. Great exercise and unforgettable experience.
Inclusions:
-Roundtrip Transfer to Most Hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana
-Professional Tour Guide
-Instructor
-Safety Equipment
Excursión en bicicleta – Playas y Laguna
Rio de Janeiro is widely known for its beach lifestyle, principally along the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. We start this tour from Copacabana and cycle towards Ipanema, immortalized by Tom Jobim’ song, Girl from Ipanema. After that, a stop at Arpoador for a panoramic photo of the coastline of Rio. We then cycle along Ipanema and Leblon before turning in towards the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. We will ride its bike path until we get to Jardim de Alah ( Allah´s Garden), there is a cannal that connects the Lagoon to the sea, and separate the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon.
The canal leads us to Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, surrounded by the most fancy neighborhoods of Rio (Lagoa, Ipanema, Leblon, Gávea and Jardim Botânico), framed by mountains and embraced by the Christ Redeemer, Rodrigo de Freita´s Lagoon impresses by its sunset and the gold reflex on its silent waters. We will ride the Lagoon bike path, passing by 3 parks, which are the best equipped areas of entertainment of the city. Our guides will tell you how the Rio´s football clubs rivalry started at the lagoon, by the time rowing was the most popular sport of Rio de Janeiro, in the end of the 19th century.
This tour is recommended for those people looking to see the beach lifestyle of Rio as well as discover a newer part of the city that few tourists go to. If you’re looking for an excellent day out cycling the coast of Rio’s southern beaches, this is surely the tour for you!
Inclusions:
-Professional Tour Guide
-Bike and Equipment
-Personal Accidents Insurance.
Exclusions:
-Food and Drinks
-Transportation to the meeting point
Tour en bicicleta – Lapa y el centro
This tour is a comprehensive biking experience in the city and will take you to numerous natural and historical attractions of Rio de Janeiro. The tour starts at Copacabana, one of the most famous beaches in the world, and goes through the neighborhood of Botafogo, Praia Vermelha, and Urca. After that we’ll visit Botafogo’s beach and its amazing view of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Flamengo’s Park is also on the itinerary with its attractions: Estácio de Sá’s Monument, Flamengo’s Beach and the Museum of Modern Art.
Getting to the Historical Center of Rio, we will ride through streets, squares and buildings that are part of Brazilian history and describes it chronologically. We´ll ride all the historical attractions such as Candelária’s Church, Tiradentes Square and the Imperial House, presenting all the relevant facts of Brazilian history along the way.
After that, we’ll get to Lapa, the traditional bohemian district of Rio, and visit the worldwide famous Selarón Steps and Archeduct. We will finish with a stop to Cinelândia where we will discuss the history of the square and the surrounding buildings’ importance.
The tour ends with us arriving at Bike Rio Cafe, which has the option to take showers, order food, beer and/or coffee. It is the perfect, relaxing way to end this tour and reflect on the sights seen and information absorbed.
Inclusions:
-Professional Tour Guide
-Bike and Equipment
Exclusions:
-Food and Drinks
-Transportation to the meeting point
