Brazil · GUIDED
28 reviewed
The good guided tours in Brazil go early, and the best of them vanish entirely over Carnival and New Year. Current prices, plus what separates each from the next, are set out below.
Walk with a local guide through Rocinha in Rio. Safe, respectful, and educational, with pickup from Copacabana or Ipanema for $36.
“It was an amazing experience. And our guide Ray, was the best. Very good in English and she made you feel comfortable, which was nice, when it’s your first time in a favela.”
Open-top jeep and easy hike in Tijuca National Park, with expert narration on Atlantic Forest reforestation and wildlife in 4 hours.
“Amelia was very accommodating. She made sure that everything we wanted to see was included in the tour. Our driver was terrific. He even showed us some different trails to see the best views. I would highly recommend and definitely worth the money.”
Rio’s Tijuca Rain Forest by open Jeep, with a guided waterfall hike, Chinese View and Emperor’s Table lookouts, plus hotel pickup.
“Wonderful experience and amazing tour guide. Would 100% recommend this tour to anyone seeking an adventure”
Santa Marta favela tour in Rio with local guides, Michael Jackson Square, samba, filming locations, and community projects, plus a tram ride.
“This was honestly the best part of our trip to Rio- I was sceptical and nervous it was exploitative of the poorer members of the population, but it was incredible. Completely run by locals who are obviously loved in the community and so passionate about what they do. It was very safe, everyone was so lovely, I learnt so much about the Favelas and Rio as a city - an amazing experience. If you do one activity in Rio - do this!!!!”
A 5-hour São Paulo highlights tour with a guide, from Jardins churches and Batman Alley to Paulista Avenue, MAC rooftop views, and the historic center.
“The guide was very professional. He spoke about the places we visited and explained in detail their historical and cultural significance. He didn't forget to include anecdotes and interesting observations. The journey in the air-conditioned bus with other tourists was very pleasant.”
A Santa Marta favela tour led by resident Gilson Fumaça, with cable car views, community projects, and real stories plus a home visit.
“I can recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in visiting a favela. We got an insight into everyday life in Santa Marta, learned about the police and gangs and the projects that are done by the guide for this community. At first we were afraid to visit a favela, but we felt very secure and save.”
Small-group Rocinha tour with local guides, capoeira and samba, a motorcycle ride, secret spots, and photo stops around Rio.
“The tour was astonishing. Gisele and Larissa were perfect guides, so fun but informative at the same time. It wasn’t just a boring tour but we visited a lot of cool spots and heard a lot of stories directly from guides that are local. Would recommend to anyone!”
Customize a private Rio tour with beach time, scenic viewpoints, and round-trip transport for 4 to 8 hours. Entry fees extra.
“Perfect guide and took the creativiteit op onze vragen. Very local sites seen RIO is great and now even more”
Lantern-lit sunrise hike to Morro Dois Irmãos from Vidigal, with a local motor-taxi ride and big Rio views of Cristo and beaches.
“Early start but well worth it, the views were spectacular in the clear night sky and into the morning sunset. Our guide Robinson was very helpful throughout, I’d highly recommend.”
Visit Pedra do Sal, learn Little Africa samba roots, and join a live street samba night with a local guide and included welcome drink.
“We were initially apprehensive about going to Pedra do sol after hearing mixed comments regarding safety. As soon as we met with our guide Gustavo and the lovely family that were also on the trip, we felt immediately at ease. Gastavo was brilliant, telling us about the history of the area and making sure that we had a great time. We can’t recommend this trip enough! Probably our favourite so far.”
Hit Rio’s top icons in 8 hours with a small-group guide, tickets for Christ and Sugarloaf, and an included buffet lunch.
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Rio Tour with Eduardo! What an incredible day! Eduardo took us to all the highlights — Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Selarón Steps, and more — while sharing great stories and local tips. Everything was smooth, fun, and well-organized. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Eduardo as your guide!”
Go to Maracana or Nilton Santos with hotel transfers, a local guide, and shaded general admission seats for a full Rio match day.
“Leo our tour guide was fantastic. He made sure we got in and out of the stadium without any problems and ensured we got the best seats available. A football match in Brazil is a must see.”
Small-group Rio bike tour with expert English guides, three itineraries, iconic sights, and optional lunch, from Copacabana to Lapa.
“Philip (who led trip) is a seasoned cyclist, who's been living in Rio for quite a while) - is also a good leader. One other (minor) positive was that the group was made up of northern Europeans - felt at home, again!”
Watch a Rio football match with a local guide, a reserved stand seat, and a drink, plus help with the pre-game entry steps.
“amazing highly recommend, sat us in better seats got a full experience of football and amazing view”
3-hour Vila Madalena and Beco do Batman street art crawl with guide Leticia, bar stops, photos, and local history, $43.
“Really fun tour and very different to any tours I’ve done. Leticia is super relaxed and approachable, she showed us amazing street art that we definitely wouldn’t have seen without the tour and mixing it up with bars makes for a nice atmosphere and allows you to easily talk to other people on the tour. We definitely had a fun few hours and recommend this tour 👍🏼👍🏼”
