Favelas

Rio de Janeiro

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DESTINATIONS brazil riodejaneiro Do & See Favelas

Favelas

The favelas are Brazil's gloomily famous shanty towns. Once a shelter for war veterans and freedmen, they have now become the symbol of social and economic inequalities in the country. A guided tour of these communities represents a unique opportunity to understand the locals' living conditions, their challenges and their daily struggles. If you have the chance, visit the famous favela named Rocinha to discover a whole different side of Rio de Janeiro. Visits are only recommended as part of a supervised guided tour and may be unsafe to do on one's own.

Do & See

Visiting Rio feels like coming home. A home that looks different than usual, but where everyone can reunite with a part of themselves they didn't know existed. Among the myriad of activities available, the places to be discovered and the people to meet, the throbbing Rio de Janeiro is able to satisfy everyone's needs and hopes, inadvertently providing a tailor-made experience.

Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer

Standing on top of Corcovado Mountain, 710 meters above sea level, Christ the Redeemer overlooks the metropolis below with outstretched arms. The statue named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, embraces the whole city, welcomes and protects, yet appears to keep a watchful eye on locals and visitors. Venture up …

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain

Timidly emerging from the waters of Guanabara Bay, this 395 meters tall, egg-shaped mountain is one of the tourists' favourite destinations in Rio de Janeiro. Check the weather forecast to be sure of going on a clear day, and venture up to the top of the mountain to enjoy an astonishing 360-degree view including …

Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Held seven weeks before Easter, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a five-day extravaganza of bright colours, energy, and samba music. From Friday to Ash Wednesday, the town comes to life and becomes the scene of breathtaking shows, samba school exhibitions, and parades of floats. The Carnival is an ode to the happiness and …

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Admire Rio's flora and fauna in the botanical garden which sits right next to the Tijuca National Park, naturally attracting different animal species to settle. If you check their schedule, you can participate in night strolls through the park or listen to an educational lecture in the …

Museu do Amanhã

Museu do Amanhã

Translated to English, The Museum of Tomorrow is an exhibition that combines science and art and shows its visitor, among other things, the future developments mankind will face in biodiversity, technology, climate change and growing population. Launched in 2015, this place is a great way to explore the unknown in an interactive …

Monastery of São Bento

Monastery of São Bento

A rather unremarkable facade hides a rare abundance of gems: opulent and gilded carvings from the 17th-century Baroque and Rococo styles embellish the interior, in addition to two magnificent statues of the Saints Benedict and Scholastica and an ornate high …

The Beaches of Rio de Janeiro

The Beaches of Rio de Janeiro

The State of Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its many breathtaking beaches. Copacabana is probably Rio’s most famous beach: located in the vibrant neighbourhood of the same name, it is almost 6 km long, home of the New Year celebrations and the official venue of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Tourists meet …

Escadaria Selarón

Escadaria Selarón

Considered a must-see in Rio de Janeiro, the Escadaria Selarón is not an ordinary staircase, but rather the life's work of a Chilean painter named Jorge Selarón, his odd obsession and his romantic homage to the city that adopted him. The 'Escadaria' is made up of 250 steps and over 2000 tiles: stretch your …

Samba Schools

Get a peek behind the scenes of Rio's Carnival on a lively cultural tour. Explore the Carnival Factory and learn how the parade's famous floats and costumes are produced. Listen to commentary on the history of samba and carnival, then visit the dressing rooms to try on some costumes and take some photos. Welcome drinks of …

Mirante Dona Marta

Mirante Dona Marta

This popular lookout point offers a beautiful view over the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Given its proximity to the city, many photographers prefer to shoot from here rather than climb to the top of Corcovado. The two places, however, are very close and easy to visit on the same …

Hang Gliding over Rio de Janeiro

Hang Gliding over Rio de Janeiro

Hang gliding really is one of the best experiences the city has to offer. Take a flight from one of the many hills surrounding Rio de Janeiro and glide smoothly through the gentle Brazilian wind. There are different companies offering hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro, and even if the place of departure may change, …

AquaRio

Being the largest aquarium in South America, AquaRio holds up to 8000 animals of 350 different species in their tanks. Stroll through tunnels amidst the marine animals to admire the colourful fish and corals. An exciting experience not only for families but also for anyone with an interest in …

Rio das Ostras Jazz & Blues

Rio das Ostras Jazz & Blues

In its first 15 years of life, this outdoor festival has established itself as one of the most important events in the country, featuring some of the best performers in the world. Held in the city of Rio das Ostras, surrounded by golden sandy beaches, green hills and crystal-clear waters, the event offers 4 …

Aventureiro Sustainable Development Reserve

Aventureiro Sustainable Development Reserve

The Aventureiro Sustainable Development Reserve is located southwest of Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro’s largest island, in Angra Dos Reis Bay. The reserve, established in 1990, features extraordinary unspoiled nature, and many animal species and is home to the ancient caiçaras fishing …

Favelas

The favelas are Brazil's gloomily famous shanty towns. Once a shelter for war veterans and freedmen, they have now become the symbol of social and economic inequalities in the country. A guided tour of these communities represents a unique opportunity to understand the locals' living conditions, their challenges and their daily struggles. If you have …

Municipal Theater

Municipal Theater

The twentieth-century Teatro Municipal magnificently overlooks Praça Floriano, contrasting against neighbouring modern skyscrapers with its splendid facade. The theatre is a symbol of architectural renovation promoted by the early 1900s republican regime and is inspired by Paris of that period. Its luxurious interiors are decorated with statues, paintings, and frescoes. You can attend one of …

Sitio Roberto Burle Marx

Sitio Roberto Burle Marx

Former property of the famous Brazilian landscape architect and artist Roberto Burle Marx. The residence and its 100-acre gardens house an extensive exhibition synthesizing the artist's genius, ideas and innovation. A large number of plant species, their diversity and a revolutionary mix of nature and art make this collection one of the most important …

National History Museum

National History Museum

The National Historical Museum in Rio de Janeiro is renowned for the quality of its exhibitions and its ability to chronologically and interactively present the history of Brazil. Six permanent and a few temporary exhibitions will guide you from the prehistoric era to the present day, using both historical finds and multimedia …