Excursions

Half way between “lazy days” and “go, go go!”

Together with our local culture experts, we are curating both classic and extraordinary Rio day excursions. These adventures are in addition to our planned night life and exquisite dining experiences.

Text reading 'Cristo Redentor' in red cursive font on a black background.

Christ the Redeemer—Rio’s most iconic landmark stands atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. Our tour winds through the Tijuca Forest to the summit, where the 98-foot-tall statue stands in a cruciform pose. From the viewing platform, visitors can see Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, and the broad expanse of Guanabara Bay, offering a clear perspective on Rio’s most recognizable features.

A tall statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms against a blue sky.

Aerial view of Christ the Redeemer statue on a mountain in Rio de Janeiro at sunset, surrounded by green hills and cityscape in the distance.

Sugarloaf Mountain—one of Rio’s most iconic landmarks rises from the edge of Guanabara Bay, east of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain. Our tour begins with a cable car ride, stopping at Morro da Urca before ascending to the 1,300-foot summit. From the viewing platform, visitors enjoy a stunning view of Copacabana and Ipanema, Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, and the expanse of Guanabara Bay.

Stylized red text saying 'Pão de Açúcar' on a black background.

Sunset view of Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with boats in the water and city buildings in the foreground.

Cable cars traveling over green mountains with a city and bay below, with boats docked in the water.

A gondola cable car in mid-air with Mount Sugarloaf in the background, surrounded by trees and a body of water.

Futebol (soccer) is central to Brazilian culture, shaping national identity and daily life. Played everywhere from neighborhood streets to major stadiums, it brings together people across social and regional lines and remains a powerful source of national pride. We’ll experience this pride firsthand at a high-energy professional match inside historic Maracanã Stadium.

Stylized red cursive text reads 'Futebol @ Maracanã' on a black background.

A shirtless man with dreadlocks and a Brazilian flag shorts performing a high kick with a soccer ball in midair

Maracanã Stadium, built in 1950 for the FIFA World Cup, is Brazil’s largest stadium and one of the most iconic venues in world sport. Home to Brazilian futebol and host to legendary concerts by artists such as Madonna, Beyoncé, and Elton John, the arena’s size and energy make attending a match here a powerful cultural experience rather than just a sporting event.

Aerial view of a large stadium with a white roof, surrounded by city buildings and roads.

A packed soccer stadium filled with spectators watching a game under a large, well-lit roof with red lighting accents.

Set sail along Rio’s coast to explore the clear waters and island landscapes of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande. This boat tour visits select beaches and lagoons for swimming and snorkeling, with time to relax amid rainforest-covered scenery. Lunch is included, making for a well-paced day that combines natural beauty and leisure on the water.

Person swimming underwater surrounded by colorful fish, wearing swimming goggles and making a peace sign with both hands.

A crab walking on the sandy beach with sunlight casting its shadow on the ground.

A large boat with two tall masts is floating on a body of water near a forested shoreline. The boat has a deck filled with people wearing swimsuits and casual clothing, with some standing along the railing. The boat's side is decorated with black tires as bumpers, and there is a slide at the back with people on and around it.

Small island with palm trees and greenery surrounded by clear water, under a partly cloudy sky.

Aerial view of a small tropical island with green foliage, white sandy beaches, surrounded by clear turquoise water, and a small dock extending onto the beach.

Samba is central to Brazilian culture, blending African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences into a distinctly Brazilian art form. Rooted in Afro-Brazilian communities and later flourishing in Rio’s neighborhoods, it evolved from local expression into a national symbol of identity, creativity, and community—most visibly celebrated during Rio’s Carnival.

Stylized red script spelling 'Samba' on a black background.

A man in an elaborate pink and black feathered costume with a bejeweled mask, jewelry, and feathers during a parade or carnival.

Acadêmicos do Salgueiro (Samba School) offers visitors a year-round opportunity to see live samba at its rehearsal space in Andaraí, where percussion and dancers bring samba to life. Founded in 1953, Salgueiro is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most respected samba schools, known for dazzling artistry, strong community roots, and multiple Carnival championships.

Crowd of people dancing and celebrating in a shopping mall with holiday decorations, many wearing red.

Most days will include free time in the morning to relax at the beach, spend time with new friends, or simply sleep off the night before. Beaches have been carefully selected for safety and LGBTQ-friendly atmospheres, and include the Sheraton Resort’s private beach, Ipanema’s well-known gay section (yes—think very attractive Brazilian men), Leblon Beach, and the more secluded Prainha Beach.

Red cursive text reading 'Beach Relax' on a black background.

Sheraton Grand Rio Resort Private Beach

The Sheraton Grand Rio Resort offers a rare luxury in Rio—a private, secluded beachfront accessible only to hotel guests. It’s an ideal spot to start your day in peace or relax after exploring Rio.

Aerial view of a tropical beach with white sand, surrounded by green palm trees and hills, with blue ocean waves.

A beach with turquoise water, large rocks, and a sandy shore next to tall white and orange buildings surrounded by lush green trees.

A split image showing a tropical beach with turquoise water and a large rock formation in the ocean at the top, and an outdoor restaurant or bar with tables, chairs, palm trees, and a view of the beach and pool at the bottom.

Farme Gay Beach (Ipanema)

This beach is known internationally as Rio’s LGBTQ gathering spot. It’s lively, welcoming, and a hub of beach culture—sunbathing, socializing, volleyball, and people-watching, all set against Ipanema’s stunning backdrop.

Two men in swimwear enjoying themselves at the beach, one carrying the other on his back with waves in the background.

Sunny beach with golden sand, gentle waves, city buildings, and green mountains in the background under a blue sky.

Leblon & Copacabana Beaches

Leblon offers a relaxed, upscale stretch of sand with calm water, great walking paths, and a more local feel, while Copacabana delivers Rio’s classic beachfront scene with wide sands, lively cafés, and a vibrant mix of visitors from morning to night.

Prainha Beach

Prainha Beach is a quiet, scenic crescent cove on Rio’s western edge, framed by forested hills and rocky headlands. Far from the crowds of the city beaches, it offers clear water, soft sand, and a calm, natural setting ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the Atlantic scenery. With limited development and a protected feel, Prainha is a place to slow down and enjoy one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes near Rio.

Text in red cursive saying 'Buzios!' on a black background.

Just a few hours from Rio de Janeiro, Búzios is a stylish seaside getaway known for its clear waters and relaxed charm. Once a fishing village, it now blends small-town beauty with cosmopolitan flair. We’ll stay our last night in a seaside hotel near the town center with its boutiques, cafés, and music-filled bars. Optional activities include a buggy ride, shopping, beach time, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear sea where turtles are common visitors. In the evening, we’ll enjoy Búzios’s nightlife.

Aerial view of a coastal town with red-tiled roofs, a bustling harbor with boats, and green hills in the background under a cloudy sky.

People walking through a colorful outdoor marketplace near the water with trees and small shops, during sunset or late afternoon.

Sea turtle swimming underwater with a rocky ocean floor visible below.

Seaside outdoor restaurant with wooden tables and chairs under the shade of green leafy trees, along a rocky stone wall with boats on turquoise water and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Nighttime scene of a beachside restaurant with illuminated trees and people dining outside under umbrellas.