Day-by-day plans for 3, 5, and 7 days — organised to make the most of your time.
Three focused days covering Rio's unmissable highlights — ideal for a first visit or a short stopover.
Start early with the cog train to Christ the Redeemer (buy tickets online the evening before) to beat the clouds. After lunch in Santa Teresa, explore Lapa's arched aqueduct and its bohemian street art.
Morning at Sugarloaf Mountain — take the cable car to Morro da Urca first for the less-crowded lower viewpoint, then continue to the summit. Afternoon at Copacabana beach; evening stroll along the mosaic promenade.
Morning on Ipanema beach at Posto 9; afternoon in the magnificent Jardim Botânico (botanical gardens, free). Evening: try a traditional churrascaria in Leblon, then head to a Lapa samba bar.
Adds Tijuca Forest, a football match, and deeper neighbourhood exploration.
Christ the Redeemer by cog train at 7am. Afternoon: wander Santa Teresa by tram, ending at Bar do Mineiro for the classic pastéis and cold beer.
Sugarloaf cable car. Afternoon on Ipanema, sunset from the Arpoador rocks at the eastern end of the beach — free, spectacular, and a local tradition.
A driver or guided hike into Tijuca National Park — the world's largest urban forest. Destinations: the Chinese Pagoda viewpoint (Vista Chinesa), the Cascatinha waterfall, and the Pico da Tijuca summit trail.
Morning: guided tour of Maracanã stadium. Afternoon: the Feira de São Cristóvão (northeastern Brazil's culture transplanted to Rio) for live forró music and regional food.
Búzios (3h each way by bus) is a beautiful peninsula of 23 beaches beloved by Brigitte Bardot. Ilha Grande (2.5h ferry) is car-free with pristine Atlantic Forest beaches.