Tours/Rio de Janeiro/Best of Rio Private Tour with Photo and drone video experience
Viator · Private tour

Best of Rio Private Tour with Photo and drone video experience

5.0(133)Rio de Janeiro1 hour
VIATOR5.0(11)TRIPADVISOR5.0(122)

Description

See Rio's most important sights during this 7-hour tour with an experienced local guide. You will purchase tickets for Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer at the entrance. • Take the cable car from Urca to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for spectacular views of Rio's landscapes. • Drive through the Tijuca Forest to the Paineiras Visitors Center, then ride to the top of Corcovado. See Christ the Redeemer and more spectacular views of the city and Guanabara Bay. • Visit the historic Parque Lage and Botanical Gardens at the foot of Corcovado Mountain. • Enjoy Brazilian cuisine for lunch. • Spend a while in the famous bohemian Lapa neighborhood where you will see the iconic Selaron Staircase and the Arches of Lapa, an 18th century aqueduct. • Walk down the Olympic Boulevard, passing the largest street art mural in the world painted by Eduardo Kobra, and visit Maua Square, which offers beautiful views of Guanabara Bay, Rio's Museum of Art, the Museum of Tomorrow, and other points of interest.

Tour Options

Private City tour of Rio
  • Private Tour: Pickup and drop-off Transportation and Tour guide. Tours every day. Duration: 7 hours high ending car: air conditioning up to 3 people per car Pickup included
Private luxury Van
  • private Van: Leather Seat air conditioning Duration: 7 hours customized Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission not included120 min

Sugarloaf Mountain is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rising 396 m (1,299 ft) above the harbor, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. It is known worldwide for its cableway and panoramic views of the city and beyond

Admission not included120 min

Christ the Redeemer is an Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, created by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, in collaboration with French engineer Albert Caquot. Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida fashioned the face. Constructed between 1922 and 1931, the statue is 30 metres (98 ft) high, excluding its 8-metre (26 ft) pedestal. The arms stretch 28 metres (92 ft) wide.

30 min

Originating from an old sugar mil, the park makes part of the historic memory of the city. In 1957, it was tumbled by the “Instituto do PatrimônioHistórico e ArtísticoNacional” (IPHAN) like as historical and cultural heritage of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Projected in 1840 by the the English landscaper John Tyndale, the wonderful garden with Romantic and European style share the attention with the native forest of Mata Atlântica. Also highlight imperial palm tree, the rivers and artificial island, a part from caves spread over the park and the inlaid aquarium on the walls with a lot of fishes. So wanted by families, especially on the weekends, Parque Laje have a good structure good structure for the amusement of children with toys and a large outdoor area. Picnic is very common the park.

30 min

The staircase, which is between Rua Joaquim Silva, in Lapa, and Rua Pinto Martins, in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, is just five minutes from Arcos da Lapa. A work by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, the staircase brings together several tiles from various parts of Brazil and the world. All colorful, it was the scene of U2 and Snoop Dogg clips, in addition to being a place chosen by locals and thousands of city visitors for photographs.

40 min

The Port Region experienced its peak and decline in just over a century. From a fishing village to the main port in the country, the area was also the gateway and home for the slaves, giving the region the nickname “Little Africa”, the number of blacks who lived there being such a big one. From 2010, with the beginning of the works of the Porto Maravilha project, which revitalizes the urban area while preserving the history of this region, several historical points were rediscovered. From Jardins do Valongo to Cais da Imperatriz, through modern projects such as the Museum of Art of Rio and the new Museum of Tomorrow, the project developed the tourist and economic potential of the region, forming a legacy for future generations. In this context, we selected some points of tourist interest in the Port Region of Rio de Janeiro, forming a great historical and cultural itinerary of this important region of the city.

60 min

The Mirante Dona Marta literally translates to ‘lookout,’ and visitors to the site will get just that — an incredible view of some of Rio de Janeiro’s best sights, often without the crowds. Standing there one can see the long stretches of lush forest and white sand beach below, and even take in the famous sights of the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain. The area functions as a helipad and observation point, with panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and Copacabana. At 1,200 feet (364 meters) high, it provides excellent sunrise and sunset vistas and photo opportunities of the natural surroundings and the city below. Many who know Rio well cite it as their favorite viewpoint.

60 min

Rocinha is a favela located in the South Zone of the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It stands out for being the largest favela in the country.

Pass by

The Pedra Bonita ramp is located within the Tijuca National Park area. Good option to visit.

Pass by

Located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, with access through the North, South, and West Zones, Tijuca National Park (Parna Tijuca or PNT) protects the largest man-replanted urban forest in the world, spanning 3,953 ha of Atlantic Forest. It is the most visited National Park in Brazil, receiving more than three million visitors per year, including Brazilians and foreigners of all ages.

Pass by

Want a great place to cool off in Rio de Janeiro besides the beaches? Know that there are many waterfalls in the city and some are not so well known. This is the case of Serra do Mendanha Waterfall.

Pass by

In 1990, Jorge Selarón began to renovate some steps of the staircase, which was in a poor state of repair and which passes in front of his house. At first, the neighbors mocked the bizarre color combinations as he mixed the steps with bits of blue, green and yellow tiles, the colors of the Brazilian flag. It started as a hobby for his main passion, painting, but soon became an obsession. Selarón was almost always broke and then sold paintings to finance his venture. It was a long and tiring work, but the artist went on with the work and finally covered the entire set of tiled, ceramic, and mirrored steps.

Pass by

Presidente Costa e Silva Bridge, popularly known as the Rio – Niterói Bridge, is a bridge that crosses Guanabara Bay in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It connects the municipalities of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói. Its name is in honor of Arthur da Costa e Silva, president during the military regime in Brazil (1964–1985) who gave the order for the construction of the structure.

Pass by

The Niterói Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) is a museum of Brazilian contemporary art located in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The work was inaugurated on September 2, 1996. Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, MAC became one of Niterói's postcards. It is mainly intended for works belonging to Brazilian contemporary art from the 1950s until today. The museum has a collection of 1,217 works from the João Sattamini Collection. A collection assembled since the 1950s by collector João Sattamini, constituting the second largest collection of contemporary art in Brazil.

Pass by

Copacabana Fort is located at the tip of Copacabana, at the end of the beach and neighborhood of the same name, in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Pass by

Fort Duque de Caxias, formerly known as Vigia Fort, Espia Fort and Leme Fort, is located in the Leme district of Rio de Janeiro.

Pass by

The Telegraph Stone Trail is one of the most sought-after trails in Rio de Janeiro and is located in the Pedra Branca State Park.

Pass by

The CCBB is a cultural center that consists of exhibition rooms, three theaters, a library, cinema, and a video room. It is housed in an art deco-style building located in what used to be the financial district of Rio de Janeiro.

Pass by

The cultural center jerusalem is a site that houses the first-century jerusalem model d. C. An incredible place for anyone who wants to learn about the history of Israel and Jewish culture.

Pass by

Ruins Park is a place full of stories to tell. The place was a house that served as a meeting point during Brazilian modernism, with incredible appearances such as Tarsila do Amaral and Villa Lobos. The ruins blend with a restoration architecture with glass and metal, making the place even more peculiar.

Pass by

Ruins Park is a place full of stories to tell. The place was a house that served as a meeting point during Brazilian modernism, with incredible appearances such as Tarsila do Amaral and Villa Lobos. The ruins blend with a restoration architecture with glass and metal, making the place even more peculiar.

Pass by

Originally from an old sugar mill, the park is part of the city's historical memory. In 1957, it was listed by the Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) as the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Pass by

The Rio de Janeiro Municipal Market - CADEG occupies an area of 100,000 m². With 706 stores and rooms, it has several segments of commerce and services with national and imported products, such as cod, cereals, vegetables, fresh fruits, pulp, dairy, beverages, disposables and decoration, standing out as a market reference. wholesaler for food professionals since its inception. In addition, it is known as the largest flower distributor in the state, selling an average of half a million flowers per month. In 2018, CADEG was listed as a Public Official Heritage of Rio de Janeiro.

Pass by

Famous for its crescent-shaped beach, Copacabana is one of Rio's liveliest neighborhoods. It attracts locals and tourists for uninterrupted activities on its sands and boardwalk. Among the skyscrapers overlooking the beach are the Art Deco-style Copacabana Palace hotel and the lush Copacabana Fort, which houses a military museum. Farther into the neighborhood, laid-back cafes and casual bars fill the quiet streets.

Admission not included50 min

The imposing and modern architectural project of the French Christian Portzamparc, with its concrete sails hoisted between the sea and the mountains of the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, the Cidade das Artes Bibi Ferreira has become a point of reference in the city for its innovative design and for bringing a region lacking in spaces for quality artistic performances a cultural center that offers, among other facilities, one of the best equipped concert halls in South America.

Highlights

Choice of morning or afternoon departure to suit your plans
For more details and updates, check out our Instagram page @caiolocalguide
Fluent English speaking personal guide
Visit your choice of Rio attractions: Christ the redeemer, Sugar loaf, selaron steps and more.
Amazing drone videos.
Awe inspiring, professional-quality ''Instagram worthy" photography
Tour customized to your specifications
Hassle-free hotel pickup and comfortable round-trip private, air conditioned transport

What's included

Included
Choice of morning or afternoon departure to suit your plans
For more details and updates, check out our Instagram page @caiolocalguide
Fluent English speaking personal guide
Visit your choice of Rio attractions: Christ the redeemer, Sugar loaf, selaron steps and more.
Amazing drone videos.
Awe inspiring, professional-quality ''Instagram worthy" photography
Tour customized to your specifications
Hassle-free hotel pickup and comfortable round-trip private, air conditioned transport
Not included
tickets of attractions
Lunch

Pickup Locations & Times

Traveler pickup is offered Your tour may start from your hotel, B&B, apartment, airport or pier terminal. We can pick you up and drop you off anywhere in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
133 reviews
5
131
4
1
3
0
2
1
1
0

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(133)

M
M2780CIjohnp
July 15, 2026
Perfect for Instagram - and definitely worth the price

Well worth the price. Caio, the friendly guide picked us up at our hotel along with a driver. The driver saved probably an hour of hunting for parking then walking to the destinations. The guide was able to cut us through some very long lines and saved us at least 2 hours. So worth the price just for that. If you are looking for Instagram photos, this is the tour for you. Caio is an excellent photographer and knows all the spots to take amazing photos from. He even has a drone but we chose not to use it. He suggested Brazilian BBQ for lunch which turned out to be a Brazilian Steakhouse. Very pleasant and yummy but took up 2 hours of our tour so everything else was rushed. We went to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf. Christ was worth it to check off a man-made wonder of the world. While there you also have great views of the harbor and check off a natural wonder of the world at the same time!! Sugarloaf was a little disappointing with super long lines so we had to pay extra for premium tickets to get to the top. I'd have been fine with just looking at it from the bottom & going to see something else but Caio was determined to get to the top for some sunset photos. As a 58 year old man, I am not too concerned about Instagram or fancy photos so my main suggestion is for there to be more of a discussion about what is important and what is not.

S
Sophia_V
May 30, 2026
A Fantastic Photographer who knows the city well!

There’s no doubt that Caio knows the ins and outs of the city well. We were strapped for time and he knew that but he still managed to take us to see Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer in 3.5 hours. On top of all that, he is a FANTASTIC photographer. You won’t be disappointed with his pictures of your family! Thanks Caio!

P
pclin72
April 2, 2026
Enrich my stay in Rio.

Caio is a very good guide. Enthusiastic about what he does. I had good time walking on this tour with him.

6
685javierac
February 12, 2026
Best Guide!!

Excellent guide, great photos, explained every detail of the tour, very welcoming and friendly, made our experience very pleasant. Recommended 100%!

K
K1575LElucianas
January 16, 2026
Best guide in Rio

I had an excellent experience with our guide, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From the very beginning, he demonstrated outstanding professionalism, kindness, and respect toward everyone in the group. His education and manners truly stood out, making the entire experience pleasant, comfortable, and well organized. He was always attentive, patient, and willing to answer questions, explaining everything clearly and with genuine enthusiasm. One of the highlights of the experience was his photography skills. The photos he took were absolutely amazing—well composed, perfectly timed, and beautifully capturing both the landscapes and the emotions of the moment. He clearly knows how to find the best angles and lighting, and he made sure everyone felt comfortable and confident while being photographed. The final results exceeded all expectations and became unforgettable memories of the trip. In addition to his technical skills, his friendly and respectful attitude made a big difference. He treated everyone with courtesy and warmth, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the tour. It was evident that he truly cares about providing the best possible experience. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I would definitely choose his services again without hesitation.

E
E1690QYtp
December 20, 2025
Terrific: Knowledgeable guide with an eye for photography

My colleague and I had only a few hours to see the highlights of Rio on a Saturday morning and Caio made it happen! He was organized (confirmed plans and pick up the night before), punctual, knowledgeable (he shared lots of insights into the city) and engaging. Even though we only used half of the hours the fee would normally cover, we were more than satisfied with the experience. Pros: 1. He took us to a few public locations with fabulous views and NO crowds. 2. As a licensed guide, he was able to help us navigate the standard queues. 3. As a knowledgeable insider, he found a "back door" up to Corcovado that saved our trip! 4. He knew folks at each location and that made a big difference with parking, access and time. Cons: 1. It's a fast-paced adventure! If you want a more leisurely tour, be sure to discuss it in advance. 2. He takes pictures. A LOT of pictures. Think: hundreds. For some folks, that's a plus! Be sure to discuss the kind of experience you want in advance. (He does take GREAT pictures, though!)

M
Mai_N
November 28, 2025
Caio was dedicated to...

Caio was dedicated to giving us the most out of our full day tour. He was also committed to getting us memorable shots in the iconic locations in the city. We would not have been able to experience as much as we did on our own. Thank you, Caio!!!

D
dayanecA9060FN
November 22, 2025
Best tour guide!

Absolutely stunning photos! The quality and lighting are top-notch, truly professional work. The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and polite, making the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommend both the photography and the guide's expertise

7
754karateb
September 22, 2025
The most incredible experience

Caio was absolutely incredible. Treated us like family and actually looked out for us. The way he navigates through lines nothing like it, made us feel like VIP's, saved us atleast 2 hours of line waiting time. His pictures are professional and he know exactly where to go and how to take it and his camera equipment is top of the line. 11/10!!

1 people found this helpful
T
T1142DAdeborahn
May 18, 2025
Nice!

Caio was very knowledgeable of the places he took us to . Appreciated that we could get to the places we needed to go to quickly and the best photo spots !

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