Best Day in Rio: Selarón, Catedral , Christ , Sugarloaf, AquaRio

9 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Um dia alegre em família no Pão de Açucar — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Escadaria Selarón, um lugares mais fotografados do mundo — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore Rio de Janeiro's iconic landmarks in a day filled with culture and stunning views. Begin at the breathtaking Mirante do Leblon and take in the views of Leblon and Ipanema beaches. Visit the vibrant Escada Selarón and the famous AquaRio. Next, ascend to Sugarloaf Mountain via the famous cable car for panoramic vistas. Finally, experience the awe of Christ the Redeemer, the 7th Wonder of the World, with a scenic train ride through the Atlantic Forest. This personalized tour offers exclusive insights from a certified guide and includes comfortable transportation for up to 4 people.

Duration of approximately 10 hours with 5 unique stops
Exclusive, certified guide provides insider knowledge
Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for up to 4 guests
Includes lunch break and stunning photo opportunities

Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Car Tours Additional fees

At a glance

Duration: 9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–4
Guide: Portuguese, English, Spanish
Operated by: Lux Carioca

Ages: Children (2–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–59 years) · Seniors (60–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation: Carro modelo Hyundai Creta 2026 com ar condicionado confortável para até 4 passageiros
Included: Acompanhamento de Guia Certificado pelo Ministério do Turismo

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Tickets Bondinho Pão de Açucar, Cristo Redentor (subida trem), AquaRio, Maracanã (Estádio e Museu)

Itinerary

Praia do Leblon

5 min

This is our first photo stop at the viewpoint of Leblon beach, one of the most elegant and prestigious neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. Located in the South Zone, it borders Ipanema and is known for its more tranquil, residential, and sophisticated atmosphere. We will deboard for 5 minutes. Next, we will continue driving along the coast, passing by the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.
Ipanema Beach

Passing by

Before us lies the famous Ipanema Beach, immortalized worldwide by the song "The Girl from Ipanema," by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes. This song helped spread the name of the neighborhood around the world, making Ipanema a symbol of bossa nova and the Carioca lifestyle.
Copacabana Beach

Passing by

In front of us is Copacabana Beach, which stretches for approximately 4.5 kilometers, framed by this iconic black and white wave-patterned promenade. Inspired by the sidewalks of Lisbon, its design has become one of the most photographed tourist attractions in Brazil. Copacabana emerged at the end of the 19th century and developed rapidly after the opening of the Túnel Velho, which connected the area to the city center. For decades, the neighborhood was the most elegant address in Rio, the stage for grand balls, casinos, and luxury hotels.
Escadaria Selaron

30 min

We are in one of the most iconic and photographed places in Rio de Janeiro: the Selarón Steps. This staircase connects the neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa and is a true open-air work of art. It was created by the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, who arrived in Brazil in the 1940s and fell in love with Rio de Janeiro. According to him, this staircase was his way of declaring his eternal love for the city. The construction began in 1990 and, interestingly, it was never really considered completed. Selarón said he would only finish it on the day of his death, which became one of the most striking curiosities of the place.
AquaRio

1 h 30 min Admission not included

In the largest marine life aquarium in Latin America, you will see sharks, rays, and dozens of species of fish. Find the famous "Nemo," the fish character from the Walt Disney animated film, and walk thru the aquarium tunnel to take amazing photos.
Sugarloaf Mountain

2 hours Admission not included

Welcome to one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Brazil and the world: the Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car, here in the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro. We are in the neighborhood of Urca, one of the most charming and tranquil in the city. The journey is divided into two stages: first to Morro da Urca and then to the top of Pão de Açúcar, which reaches approximately 396 meters above sea level. Curiously, this cable car was inaugurated in 1912, being the first cable car in Brazil and the third in the world. At the time, it was considered a true engineering feat and, to this day, it operates with the highest safety standards.
Santuario Cristo Redentor

2 hours Admission not included

Now, about our trip: the Corcovado Train, popularly known as the "little train," was inaugurated in 1884, long before the existence of Christ the Redeemer. It was the first electric train in Brazil and played a fundamental role in transporting the statue's pieces during its construction. The route is approximately 3.8 kilometers long and crosses the Atlantic Forest, where it is possible to spot coatis, monkeys, native birds, and lush vegetation. Before us stands the Christ the Redeemer, inaugurated on October 12, 1931. We are located approximately 710 meters above sea level, within the Tijuca National Park, the largest reforested urban forest in the world.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Barramares Flat
Windsor Barra Hotel
Internacional Airport
Santos Dumont Airport
BarraBella Apart-Hotel

and 5 more pickup points

We pick you up in a private car at your address and take you back. It can be at the hotel reception or at the entrance of the building where you are. Your private guide will be wearing a shirt with the Lux Carioca logo. You will receive a message to let you know they are on their way.