Hiking and discovery in Rio de Janeiro - 4 Days
Speaking from experience, we honestly believe that Rio de Janeiro has to be one of the greatest cities in the world. With excellent weather all year round, beautiful beaches, spectacular mountains offering breathtaking views, relaxed and friendly locals along with excellent food, it really is one of our favourite destinations. One thing that will also strike you is the passion for fitness and health here. With many cycling and running routes, small workout areas and numerous hiking trails, Rio has plenty to offer to help people reach their fitness goals.
This short itinerary gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the city by means of hiking as well as visiting all the main sites. It will require a certain level of fitness, but the reward for some of the more challenging climbs is simply spectacular!
Itinerary and Specifics
Highlights:
- Climb up to Christ the Redeemer - a fascinating hike to see one of the 7 wonders of the world up close
- Visit the Sugar Loaf - another vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the city
- Experience the Maracana stadium, the home of soccer in Brazil - this sport is a true religion here!
- Enter the Tijuca national park, a beautiful nature reserve which offers multiple hiking trails, including the Pico da Tijuca - the highest peak in Rio
Included:
- 5 Star Accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast Basis (4 nights)
- Meet and Greet at Airport
- Transfers to and from hotel
- Expert driver/guide
- Comfortable touring vehicle
- Local knowledge, recommendations and help with any bookings you want to make
- Maracana stadium tour
Not included
- Flights - purchase your own flights in and out of Rio
- Gratuities minimum recommended $20 per person per day
- Lunches and dinners
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive in Rio, meet and greet at airport before transferring to hotel. Once you have arrived you will have some free time to relax and settle before we take you to the Sugar Loaf - an iconic landmark offering sensational views of the city. Once we are done we can then provide recommendations for restaurants in the area - there are numerous options available depending on your preferences!
Day 2
After breakfast we will take you to the Botanical Gardens - a tranquil setting that gives you the first taste of true nature in Brazil. From here we will start the hike up to the Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer. The hike itself is a little over 2 hours, however once you get to the top there is an opportunity to refresh and refuel at the summit with the on site cafe and restaurant. Take in the incredible, iconic views all around you - it is a truly unforgettable experience! You can choose to either hike back down again or take the cable car back down. We recommend taking the afternoon for some downtime at the hotel - maybe indulge in a spa treatment or relax by the pool with a cocktail before heading out for dinner.
Day 3
Today we head to the Tujica national park - a stunning nature reserve offering numerous hiking trails. You can choose from the various trails however we recommend the Tujica Peak - the highest one in Rio. Although it will take all morning to get up and back down again, the views are simply breathtaking from the top! There are even a few waterfalls with natural pools offering you the chance to refresh should you wish to jump in. At the bottom we will break for lunch before heading to the Maracana stadium for a tour. Even for non soccer fans this is a must - the sport is a true religion in sport and the stadium itself is extremely historic!
Day 4
Our final day will allow the legs to recover as we take you on a city tour. We will ensure all the key remaining sites are included such as the Teatro Classico as well as the opera house. We will also take you to the district where the Carneval takes place, allowing you the opportunity to learn more about this fun filled festival that takes place in Spring time each year.
Day 5
Depart Rio to either link up with another Global Dream Travel tour, or return home having hiked and explored this amazing city!