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Rio de Janeiro (State) Small group activities

Our most recommended Rio de Janeiro (State) Small group activities

Tijuca National Park Small-Group Hike to Pedra Bonita

1. Tijuca National Park Small-Group Hike to Pedra Bonita

On this 5-hour tour you will discover the beautiful Tijuca National Park and admire magnificent views of Rio de Janeiro as you enjoy hiking your way to some of the highest peaks in the area. An easy trail takes the group to one of the most stunning summits of Rio de Janeiro with a 1-hour walk. From the top of Pedra Bonita at 696 meters (2,283 feet) and through a unique angle you will see the famous and majestic Pedra da Gavea, one of the highest monoliths (844 meters/2,769 feet) in the world that ends directly in the ocean. Stop at another viewpoint in the park along the way. The trail goes through the Atlantic Rainforest inside the Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world. On the way up, discover the history of Rio de Janeiro and Tijuca Forest, and all about the coffee farms that used to exist there, its golden years, and the reforestation that took place in the 19th century. The tour also drives you from the South Zone to the Tijuca Mountains. Hike: EASY (3,5km=2.2mi) / 2h / elev. gain 203m (667ft) Fitness is required to hike on rainforest rough terrain, up and downhill.

Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Adventure

2. Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Adventure

First, listen to a short briefing from the world's most safe and experienced Hang Glider tandem pilots. They will tell you about the take-off and other aspects of hang gliding before you get airborne. Then, glide smoothly through the tropical air after about 7 steps over the edge of the platform. Any fear you may have will soon disappear and you will experience a very unique sense of tranquility. Enjoy bird's eye views of Rio de Janeiro's main attractions, including Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado, Copacabana, Ipanema, Lagoa and Niteroi city on the other side of Guanabara Bay. Land safely on a sandy beach in São Conrado and enjoy some refreshments as you watch others come in to land. The entire activity will be photographed and recorded on cameras attached to the glider so that you can share your adventure with your friends and family back home. 

Rio de Janeiro: Vidigal Favela Tour and Two Brothers Hike

3. Rio de Janeiro: Vidigal Favela Tour and Two Brothers Hike

Experience the mystique of the Vidigal favela and discover a peaceful community that emerged in the city around 1940. Get stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from one of the most interesting locations in Rio de Janeiro. Start your hike in Vidigal, and experience the favela like a resident. Use the transport system that circulates the neighborhood and rub shoulders with the locals. Follow your guide in a group through the forest and head to the first viewpoint. Look down at the favela of Rocinha and see one of Latin America's largest slums. Continue to the next viewpoint for a breathtaking view of Pedra da Gávea and Pedra Bonita. See Corcovado in the other direction before going to the summit of Two Brothers hill (Morro Dois Irmaos). From there, it's possible to see all the famous beaches of Rio spread out before you, including Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. Hike for approximately 4.5 hours to turn your favela tour into a true adventure. Experience the warmth of the Vidigal community and get a better understanding of the social divisions in Rio de Janeiro. 

Rio de Janeiro: Paragliding Tandem Flight

4. Rio de Janeiro: Paragliding Tandem Flight

You'll start with a short briefing from some of the world's most experienced tandem pilots where you will learn about the take-off procedure and other important aspects of paragliding. Then, take off with your pilot over the edge of the mountain to paraglide smoothly through the tropical air. Any fear you may have will soon disappear and you will experience a very unique sense of tranquility only possible with non-motorized, open-air flight. After enjoying the beautiful views over Rio de Janeiro, you'll land smoothly on São Conrado Beach. You'll also receive the exclusive pictures and videos taken during your adventure to share with your family and friends at home.

Rio: Tijuca Forest & Horto Waterfalls Circuit Tour

5. Rio: Tijuca Forest & Horto Waterfalls Circuit Tour

Experience the Horto Waterfall Trail and the Secret Waterfall Circuit! The tour consists of hiking trails with a moderate level of difficulty and some natural obstacles that you have to overcome. The place is beautiful and extremely pleasant, offering beautiful flora and wild animals for you to observe. Start the Horto Waterfall Trail and the Secret Waterfall Circuit towards the Jequitibá Waterfall, following trails and waterfalls until arriving at the famous Waterfall of the Shower, also known as Box Waterfall by the design and format that the rock presents. The Horto Waterfall Trail and the Secret Waterfall Circuit are an excellent alternative to get away from the overcrowded beaches of the city.

Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea Guided Hike Tour

6. Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea Guided Hike Tour

Hike one of the most famous rock formations in this wonderful city, the Pedra da Gavea. Summit at 842 meters and take in the spectacular views of the Bay of Guanabara and some of the main beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Also, see majestic views of famous mountains in nearby Tijuca National Park, such as Pico da Tijuca, Bico do Papagaio, Pedra Bonita and Corcovado. During your adventure along the Pedra da Gavea trail, you may also spot some wild animals of the Carioca Atlantic Forest! There are many animal and bird species that live in the greater Tijuca National Park area. Bring your camera and capture the panoramic views this special spot has to offer.

Rio de Janeiro: Maracanã Stadium Football Match Tickets

7. Rio de Janeiro: Maracanã Stadium Football Match Tickets

Watch a live football match at the world-famous Maracanã stadium accompanied by an expert, bilingual guide who will ensure you have an exciting and safe experience. Live this passion that unites all Brazilians cheering and singing alongside thousands of fans. Maracanã is where Brazilians from all regions meet, driven by the inexplicable passion for their clubs. Watching the football match can be fun, but getting there can be stressful. Our planning lets you to focus on the experience hassle-free, with assistance on everything to keep you on pace of the event. With the tickets in hand, we set off by metro from Ipanema neighborhood towards the stadium. Once in the stadium, walk through the doors and quickly immerse yourself in the surrounding atmosphere, the energy of the crowd cheering as one, the live action and the opportunity to do “the wave”, among other things, will make your day memorable. In this experience, we will take you to witness the games of two of the most important football clubs in Brazil, Flamengo and Fluminense, playing national and international matches at Maracanã, a stadium where these rival clubs share their management. We will meet with the local fans, sing the chants, raise the flags, support the players and hear stories about the past and future heroes of these fields.

Tijuca Forest: Adventure & History Half-Day Hike

8. Tijuca Forest: Adventure & History Half-Day Hike

Visit a variety of lesser-known attractions in the Tijuca Forest National Park on the Tijuca Forest tour circuit. On a 6-km-long walk, hike along trails made in the 19th century, a period when this area was occupied by coffee plantations. Discover the history of the park, the world’s largest replanted urban forest. Along the circuit, visit the Cascatinha Taunay, the largest waterfall in the National Park, the Mayrink Chapel from 1850, the Cova da Onça Suspension Bridge, the Eucalyptus Forest which houses an old slave cemetery, and the Morcego’s Grotto, the largest gneiss cave in Brazil. Next, cool off at the Baronesa Cascade waterfall. Then, start the journey back to the starting point passing the former residence of Barão d’Escragnolle, one of the park’s managers in the past (now The Esquilos restaurant). Also see the Wallace Fountain, with a sculpture representing goodness, charity, sobriety and simplicity, a gift from the English philanthropist Richard Wallace to Brazil and produced inFrance in 1870. This circuit combines adventure, history, nature, a waterfall shower, among other things, passing through hidden spots and attractions that reveal the richness and personality of Rio de Janeiro and its tropical rainforest. Hike: MODERATE (6km=3.7mi) / 3h / elev. gain 354m (1,161ft) Requires good fitness to hike on rainforest rough terrain, up and downhill

Petrópolis: Imperial City Tour

9. Petrópolis: Imperial City Tour

In the past, Petrópolis was the place where the Brazilian imperial family, as well as many other important people from high society, used to spend their summer vacations. Nowadays, people come from all over the world to see the well-preserved villas and palaces where they stayed.   Your tour begins with pick-up from your accommodation between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. You’ll then take the approximately 1-hour drive to Petrópolis on a comfortable air-conditioned bus. On the way, you’ll catch beautiful views of the mountains and the green spaces of the National Park of Serra dos Orgãos. Once at the city, start your visit with Quitandinha Palace, which used to be the biggest casino hotel in Latin America. Take some pictures at the palace, and then continue with a tour of the Imperial Museum, once the summer house of Emperor Pedro II. There, you’ll be able to see many important artifacts from the imperial family, such as jewels and the Emperor’s diamond crown. Your guide will teach you about the history of the Brazilian Empire and about the everyday life of the imperial family.     After a break for lunch, you’ll visit São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral, a marvelous Gothic building which is the mausoleum of the imperial family. Afterward, explore the city and see its German-engineered architecture. Stop in at the Crystal Palace, an erstwhile events venue for the imperial family. Finally, you’ll visit the Flowers Watch and see the Santos Dumont house. Arrive back in Rio at approximately 7:00 PM. Upgrade your tour to include a visit to a beer factory which makes the oldest beer in Brazil. Learn about the history of beer during a 1-hour tour with tastings included.

Rio de Janeiro: Tijuca Peak Guided Hike

10. Rio de Janeiro: Tijuca Peak Guided Hike

Hike inside the urban rainforest of Rio de Janeiro and get back to nature in Tijuca National Park. Climb Pico da Tijuca for stunning views at the highest point in the forest at an altitude of 1,021 meters above sea level. Experience one of the most beautiful trails of Rio de Janeiro, starting at the entry gate to Tijuca National Park and travel through several sections before arrival at the summit. Discover the amazing waterfall of Cachoeira das Almas and get breathtaking views from the peak of Tijuca Mirim. See a legendary staircase carved into rock and more.

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What people are saying about Rio de Janeiro (State)

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 55 reviews

Overall, it was a smooth and excellent experience with our guide, Alex Hike: the hike itself was moderate difficulty. The two viewpoints on top were excellent with amazing views of the city. We had an excellent spot for a snack to take in the views and enjoy. During the entire trek, we didn’t see a single other person and some parts of the path were quite untouched resulting in a great experience Guide: our guide Alex was extremely friendly, entertaining and knowledgeable. He was very respectful and gave us a lot of insights on not just the flora and fauna but also into the history of Rio. He even gave us excellent food recommendations during our ride back. Overall, an excellent experience and highly recommended

Sergio was a great guide! Very funny and knowlegeable about the mountain and the favela. Make sure to get ready for some good exercise. Because the hike can be difficult for those who are not in shape. But the view is magnificent!!

Thomas was a great guide, not only did he know how to mountaineer but he had all the proper gear and used safe practices. He was also a great entertainer teaching us about the history of RIO and Brazil, I would highly recommend

Mauricio was super smooth, seemed like one of the best gliders. He gave me clear simple instructions and we had a great flight. Very freeing. The only bad part was how short the flight itself was, under 10 minutes.

The flight was very nice. The pilot is very profesional and careful. The agency request you must be 30 minutes before the flight. We don’t know why if they put you on the air 2 hours late.