Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 6 hours 5
(43)

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Begin at a local square, see Rio’s icons from new angles, and follow your host into leafy corners you wouldn’t find alone.

What makes this experience special

Your host takes you from Rio’s iconic heights to hidden hillside streets, adjusting as you go for a day that moves with your pace and curiosity.

Key highlights

  • Stroll jungle trails before ascending to Christ the Redeemer
  • See famous landmarks with context, calm, and space to reflect
  • Discover creative corners and calm cafés in Santa Teresa
  • Pause at a hilltop ruin with panoramic views over Guanabara Bay
  • Glimpse the Selarón Steps from a quieter, crowd-free lane
  • Choose your rhythm, pause where it clicks, skip what doesn’t
  • Option to end by the marina, where the city softens by the sea

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

6 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses
Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Largo do Machado, Largo do Machado - Catete, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Largo do Machado, Largo do Machado - Catete, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Parque Lage

A quiet oasis where nature, art, and old grandeur meet.

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Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Step into a quiet oasis where jungle paths wind past tiled courtyards and crumbling stone. The distant silhouette of Christ watches from above as you follow shaded trails, rest beneath the palms, or simply slow down in one of Rio’s calmest, most atmospheric corners.

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Santa Teresa’s Artistic Corners

A creative hillside neighborhood with surprises at every turn

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Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Descend into Santa Teresa, where quiet streets curve past colorful murals and leafy enclaves. Your host might lead you toward tucked-away studios or suggest a pause at a café with a view. Whether you linger or keep moving, the pace and the path are up to you.

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Ruins Park (Parque das Ruínas)

Architecture, memory, and a breeze over the bay

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Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

A crumbled mansion turned cultural space, with stairs that climb into the wind. Some guests linger inside with the art, others head straight to the rooftop platforms for full views over the water and the layers of the city.

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Selarón Steps from the Quiet Side

A sideways glimpse of Rio’s most famous mosaic

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Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Rather than join the crowd below, your host may lead you to a tucked-away lane where the steps unfold slowly. Maybe you’ll walk down, or just stay a while, spotting tiles from Ghana, Japan, or hand-painted notes tucked into the wall.

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Optional Close: Glória Marina Promenade

If time and energy allow, a soft landing by the water

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Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

As the day winds down, you might stroll by the marina, where retirees play dominoes under trees and the city exhales. A final moment of calm, shaped by how your day unfolded.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Exploring grand architecture together

Exploring grand architecture together

City strolls and bright conversations

City strolls and bright conversations

Laughs on the move

Laughs on the move

A colorful embrace against iconic tiles

A colorful embrace against iconic tiles

Relaxing on the water with friends

Relaxing on the water with friends

Capturing memories inside a stunning landmark

Capturing memories inside a stunning landmark

Immersed in Latin America's Colorful Fiesta Spirit

Immersed in Latin America's Colorful Fiesta Spirit

City strolls and bright conversations

City strolls and bright conversations

Balcony views and happy family vibes

Balcony views and happy family vibes

Exploring Latin America's Bustling Streets with New Friends

Exploring Latin America's Bustling Streets with New Friends

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Essential Rio: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Taco Time and Local Flavors Shared Around the Table

Taco Time and Local Flavors Shared Around the Table

Smiles Over the Mercado Sonora Skyline

Smiles Over the Mercado Sonora Skyline

Good Company, Great Tacos, and Cold Cervezas

Good Company, Great Tacos, and Cold Cervezas

Capturing Moments by the Iconic Talavera Tiles

Capturing Moments by the Iconic Talavera Tiles

Tasting local flavors, one bite at a time

Tasting local flavors, one bite at a time

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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Here’s what travelers think of our experiences worldwide

Anshu Aug 2025

Connie was extremely kind and knew Montreal in great detail having grown up there. She was accommodating as we made some changes from the original plan and showed me different areas that I would not have known to see otherwise. I'd definitely go on another tour with her someday!

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Richard H Aug 2025

Our tour was exceptional. Stella was outstanding. We gained a significant amount of knowledge from Stella and she was delightful to be around. This beautiful city is steeped in history. Stella also provided insight into the origins of the Horse Race and we witnessed immense pride among the people involved. Furthermore, Stella went above and beyond to ensure we located the meeting point, as it was our first time driving in Italy, and she also assisted us in finding our way back to the parking area. Her helpfulness was greatly appreciated.

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Christina Aug 2025

Patrick was knowledgeable and customized the experience for us. He was patient and helpful when we wanted to explore shops and allowed us move along the tour at our own pace.

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Mary Aug 2025

We loved our tour of Monmartre with Pascal. The tour was fun and hit all of the spots where artists lived and painted. We stopped in the area center and bought lovely watercolor pieces to take home. I highly recommend.

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Oksana Aug 2025

My tour guide was Ana Maria. She was wonderful. She planned the day perfectly, so not I was only able to see the things on my list but also much much more. Ana Maria was easy going and a pleasure to spent the day with. Thank you for this great experience.

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Sarah Aug 2025

Mat provided a beautifully customized tour of Munich for us as first time visitors. He took us to city highlights and off the beaten path locations. We learned history, fun facts and so much about the people of Munich and how they compare to other regions of Germany. There was never a dull moment during our six hour walking tour. Mat is a wealth of knowledge - history, culture, political and social topics. He also made the BEST restaurant recommendation for our dinner that night. It was the highlight of our trip.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.