Climb to the Corcovado, universally known symbol of the town of Rio.
By car, we climb to an elevation of 700 meters above sea level. Once on the summit, we take the time to appreciate the unique and enchanting panoramic view of the “cidade maravilhosa” (magnificent city).
Rio spreads under our feet, majestic and languid. This advantageous viewpoint gives us a better understanding of the physical and “social” topography of the town.
We descend via Santa Teresa, which used to be one of the wealthiest residential neighborhoods of Rio, at the time when the town was the capital of Brazil and all the principal powers where located there.
Surrounded by the agglomeration, the neighborhood has lost its exclusive character, and the wealth of the area has moved to the Southwest of Rio, to Barra da Tijuca.
Santa Teresa shelters today an unconventional population, constituting the bohemian quarter of modern Rio.
We stroll through this neighborhood to get a taste of its quaint and dated atmosphere.
Along its narrow and winding streets, we can admire some splendid houses dating from the 19th century and catch a glimpse of the soul of a Rio from another time.
The best way to realize this nostalgic trip is to take the bondinho, a little wooden tramway, and a miraculous vestige from the start of the 20th century, and the most famous symbol of Santa Teresa.
During the descent to Lapa, we visit the colored staircase or "Escadaria do Convento da Santa Teresa", decorated by Jorge Selarón.
This autodidactic Chilean artist is one of the best-known personalities of this neighborhood.
After exhibiting his paintings around the world, he settled in Brazil in 1983 and spontaneously decided to decorate this staircase with a multicolored mosaic in perpetual evolution.
His ambition is to link the neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa, by covering the staircases with thousands of azulejos (ceramic tile work). We might have the opportunity to see him at work…
We, later, reach the cable cart taking us to the summit of the Sugarloaf (el. 400 m.a.s.l.) the symbol of Rio, marking the entrance of the Bay of Guanabara. Return to our hotel at 17:00.
Entrance fee to Corcovado and Sugarloaf included. Meals not included. Night in hotel.
Option: Helicopter flight of a few minutes from the mirador of Dona Marta.

Recommended for lunch: the restaurant Sobrenatural
Near Largo Dos Guimarães, at the heart of Santa Teresa, Sobrenatural offers a charming and relaxing decor.

Departure from the hotel at 09:00 by minibus (group service, 4 to 9 person max). A specialized guide takes us on an "off-the-beaten-path" visit: the favelas. These incursions of a few hours in a different reality of Rio, gives us a complete and realistic vision of life in Carioca, far from the images of violence or of poverty that are the only ones transmitted by a media lacking originality.
At the heart of these popular and "lawless" neighborhoods (the favelas are originally illegal land occupations), Brazilians organize themselves and live in a dignified and solitary manner.
In the afternoon, visit of Rio’s city center, where in a few minutes we pass from a colossal avenue framed by imposing glass buildings to quaint, small streets and their little affordable shops. Many styles, one frame of mind, this is the best definition to describe the architectural cocktail of the center, where past and modernism coexist in harmony.
Among the possible visits (to be coordinated with the guide depending on opening times, of your centers of interest, of eventual manifestations organized that day): Imperial Municipal (replicate of the Opera Garnier in France), foundation Banco do Brasil, casa da França (old custom house), national History museum, largo da Carioca, convento Santo Antônio, metropolitan cathedral, plaza Tiradentes...
And if you feel like it, go for a cold beer at Luis’ bar where the decor seems to not have changed since its construction… at the beginning of the 19th century.
Return to the hotel at 17:00.
Entrance to museums and monuments included. Meals not included. Night in hotel.
Note 1: an association founded by people originally from the favelas organizes the visits to the favelas.
This association donates a significant part of their income to the inhabitants of the neighborhood by financing development or social projects.
In 2007, their contribution reached close to $ 22,000 US.
Note 2: For the visit of the center, avoid Sundays and holidays.
Recommended for lunch: the Confeitaria Colombo / except on Sundays

A bus picks us up at the hotel between 08:00 and 08:30.
Transfer to Itacuruça, little coastal town located about 1 ½-hour from Rio.
We embark at 10:30 on a saveiro for the traverse of the Bay of Sepetiba (group service).
Stops are planned on various sites great for swimming or snorkeling among hundreds of fish, as well as a lunch buffet on the island of Itacuruça (included).
Return to Itacuruça around 16:00, and then on to Rio de Janeiro around 17:00.
Lunch included. Dinner open. Night in hotel.
Option: private service / English-speaking guide.

At 09:00 our English-speaking guide meets us at the hotel.
Transfer to Tijuca national park. Located at the heart of Rio, this green oasis of 3,200 acres constitutes the largest urban forest in the world and offers the best day-hike options "around" and "inside" Rio.
Pedra da Gavea (851 m.a.s.l.), an impressive granite bloc on top of which stretches a large plateau, is the objective of our hike.
After a 3-hour hike at the heart of the Mata Atlantica (Atlantic forest), we reach halfway up the pedra (the stone). Fifteen more meters of actual rock climbing (moderate – and equipped for security) and we reach the summit. At mid-day, we picnic on the summit, from where we enjoy an astounding view over Rio and its beaches.
In the afternoon, 1½-hour walk to return to our vehicle, and then to the hotel.
Picnic included. Dinner open. Night in hotel.
Note: Hike reserved for experienced and fit hikers.
Option: English-speaking guide.

Here a few half-day options (morning of afternoon), which can be combined to your heart’s desires.
Private transportation.

BOAT TOUR IN THE BAY OF GUANABARA
At 09:00 / 14:00, our English-speaking guide meets us at the hotel.
After a short transfer, we embark (by wooden escuna or saveiro) at Marina da Gloria, the Carioca port.
A tour in the calm water of the Bay gives us a new perspective of the various sights: Sugarloaf, the fort at the entrance of the Bay, Niteroi and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), the forts of Niteroi, Presidente Costa e Silva bridge, ilha do Governador, the military port ilha Fiscal, ilha Villegagnon, city center … Return to the hotel at 13:00 / 18:00.
Note: snacks on board (fruits, water…).
Option: private service (morning and afternoon possible).

Recommended for lunch: the Porcão

BOTANICAL GARDEN
At 09:00 (or 14:00), our English-speaking guide meets us at the hotel.
We enter the lush botanical garden of which Cariocans are so proud. Each one of the 141 acres of the park shelters Brazilian and worldwide specimens of flora. The principal attraction of the garden, the Imperial Palm trees, where planted under the orders of prince Dom Joao VI, in 1809. These centennial trees are mixed with orchids, vitorias regia, bromeliaceous and flamboyants, in an atmosphere bathing in tropical scents.
We each have time to stroll at our pace, between ponds, and to enjoy the coolness and tranquility of the place. Return to the hotel at 13:00 (or 18:00).

NITEROI
At 09:00 (or 14:00), our English-speaking guide meets us at the hotel.
After crossing President Costa e Silva bridge (over 8 miles in length) linking Rio to Niteroi, we begin our visit by a stroll near the fort, from where we can enjoy a great view of Guanabara Bay and the Sugarloaf, its colossal guardian.
Guided visit of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), famous for its original architecture (the work of Oscar Niemeyer, emblematic architect of Brazil since his implication in the construction of Brasilia). Permanent and varied exhibitions, but always … surprising.
Finally, a stroll in the Park da Cidade to enjoy the outstanding view of Rio de Janeiro, located on the other side of the Bay. Return to the hotel at 13:00 (or 18:00).
Note: excursion of 3 to 4 hours recommended in the morning.

Recommended for lunch: Jurujuba

MARACANÃ STADIUM (soccer stadium)
At 09:00 (or 14:00), our English-speaking guide meets us at the hotel for the visit of Maracanã. This mythical stadium is known for being the largest in the world.
It’s occupancy for an event such as the world cup finals in 1950 (lost by Brazil against Uruguay), or the last game played by the King Pelé, was of 200,000 spectators.
Since all the places are seated now, the capacity has been reduced to half. The building stays nonetheless monumental, and its visit touching.
The visit of the museum located in its basement is particularly interesting. Trophies, relics and photos testify to the influence of Brazil in this sport as well as of the place "futebol" (soccer) holds in the heart of Brazilian people. Return to our hotel at 13:00 (or 18:00).

CIDADE DO SAMBA
At 14:00, we leave for the visit to the "cidade do samba", the town of samba, with our English-speaking guide. This large complex (10 times the size of a soccer field) was inaugurated in 2006 with a double objective.
First of all to bring together, under the same roof, the 13 best schools (the ones which participate in the principal parade of the carnival of Rio) in a place offering better conditions for the confection of the costumes, the construction of the allegoric floats and the fabrication of the instruments used during the carnival.
Until then, every school possessed its own structure, its "baracão", and most often semi-clandestine warehouses spread out through the whole city.  And for this month long preparation, some of them only had the city bridges to shelter their enormous platforms used during the parade.
This modern tool is also used to show visitors the backstage of the samba schools. We can visit the different workshops using a network of metallic bridges linking the huge buildings.  Each warehouse is equipped with an interior balcony allowing us to witness, from a height of 5 meters, the work of the craftsmen.
We are also invited to visit, at ground level, a "general" workshop, where we can observe costumes and instrument makers, and where every two hours (14:00, 16:00 …) a mini samba show is performed with a few musicians and a few "passistas", the best samba dancers.
Return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Entrance to the cidade do samba included. Note: The cidade do samba is only open to the public afternoons, and closed on Tuesdays.
It is mostly active (and therefore interesting to visit) between the month of November and the carnival (in general at the end of February).
Its visit ideally combines with the morning samba instruction and the evening show at the Plataforma or at the cidade do samba (shows only Thursdays)

TREK TIJUCA & ASCENT OF PICO DA TIJUCA
At 09:00 our English-speaking guide meets us at the hotel.
Transfer to Tijuca national park. Located at the heart of Rio, this green oasis of 3,200 acres constitutes the largest urban forest in the world and offers the best day-hike options "around" and "inside" Rio.
We pass by the "vista chinesa" and the "mesa do Imperador" that each offer a fantastic panoramic viewpoint over the city.
It takes 2 ½-hour to walk to the summit of pico da Tijuca, the highest point at 1,021 meters above sea level.
We relax on the summit, and enjoy the superb view over Rio spread out at our feet.
Note: this excursion is only done in the morning.
Possibility of extension at nearby Corcovado (see with us).

SUGARLOAF TREK
At 09:00 (or 14:00), our English-speaking guide meets us at the hotel.
Transfer to the base of the Sugarloaf, one of the emblematic sights of Rio. After a 2½-hour trek we are close to the summit, all we have left to do is a short 25-meter rock climb (moderate – equipped for safety) to reach the summit (400 m.a.s.l.).
After enjoying the view over Rio and Guanabara Bay, we descend with the cable car to the intermediate summit of Urca.
Another 30-minute hike on a forested trail and we reach our vehicle.
Note: excursion of 3 to 4 hours recommended in the afternoon.

PARAGLIDER FLIGHT OVER THE BEACHES OF RIO
At 09:00 (or 14:00), our English-speaking guide meets us at the hotel.
We head for pedra Bonita, take off area of the paraglider, for an original approach of the city of Rio.
After a complete instructional session, we take off for a short tandem flight over the beaches of Rio. Adrenalin and emotions rush through us during this silent aerial experience.
We land at São Conrado, where our guide awaits us to take us back to our hotel via the mythical beaches of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana.

SEA KAYAK IN GUANABARA BAY
At 09:00 (or 14:00), our English-speaking guide meets us at the hotel.
We head for Botafogo beach. After getting our equipment and listening to the security advice, we throw our sea kayaks in the smooth water of Guanabara Bay that we cross until we reach the shores of Niteroi.
This ecological tour allows us to enjoy, from a new perspective, numerous sights: Sugarloaf, the forts at the entrance of the Bay, Niteroi and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), the forts of Niteroi, Presidente Costa e Silva bridge …
Note: excursion of 3 to 4 hours recommended in the afternoon.

* Evening Rio Scenarium / except Sundays and Mondays
Our English-speaking guide picks us up at the hotel (time to be coordinated with him) to drive us to one of the “in” places of the Lapa neighborhood, one of the most animated of the city.
Rio Scenarium is a very surprising bar-restaurant. Old renovated house, it spreads over three stories (linked by a beautiful ancient elevator) an atmosphere “Art deco / antique".
Its owner often rents it to serve as movie set, and the decor stays in place when the Cariocas come in the evening.
There is live music every night and the Brazilians come to dance (sometimes all night) on a small dance floor in front of the band. No matter the style; here, what is important is to dance, to let oneself be swept by the rhythm of samba, forró, jazz-fusion, or to simply admire the show put by the carioca nocturnal life, with a caïpirinha in hand... People of all ages, of all social classes are represented and it is possible to see the show from the balconies of the upper stories offering a great view over the scene. The party often spreads pleasantly between tables of the different levels.
Our guide takes us back to the hotel before 01:00.
Included: English-speaking guide / entrance / round-trip transportation to the hotel
Not included: meal and drinks
www.rioscenarium.com.br
* Evening Plataforma
Our English-speaking guide picks us up at the hotel at 19:00 to drive us to the famous Plataforma where we will be presented with an array of Brazilian dances.
It is possible to dine on location while watching the colorful show.
Our guide takes us back to the hotel before 01:00.
Included: English-speaking guide / entrance / round-trip transportation to the hotel
Not included: meal and drinks
www.plataforma.com

* Evening Cidade do Samba / Thursday evenings only
Our English-speaking guide picks us up at the hotel at 18:30 to drive us to the cidade do samba, modern and functional complex sheltering the workshops of the 13 principal samba schools of Rio.
At 20:00 the show starts: about fifty "passistas" (best dancers from the samba schools) and a compact bloc of musicians offer us a first quality show.
After about forty minutes, we are invited to join the dancers for a re-enactment of a carnival parade.
Costume’s accessories are given to us; all we have to do is dress and dive in the heart of this explosion of joy and fantasy.
Our guide takes us back to the hotel before 01:00.
Included: English-speaking guide / entrance / round-trip transportation to the hotel / Brazilian cocktails (snacks and salgados) / drinks
www.cidadedosambarj.com.br

* Evening Samba school / only from December to Carnival
Our English-speaking guide picks us up at the hotel around 21:30 (coordinate pick up time with him). Departure for a popular neighborhood of Rio, to attend the pre-carnival meeting of a samba school.
Like for soccer, one is involved in a samba school since birth, and fidelity is an intangible rule. This act of belonging is celebrated at the headquarter/social club of the samba school, large warehouse entirely decorated with the colors of the school.
Starting beginning of December, the members meet there on the weekends, whole families and groups of friends, to prepare for the competition at the end of February.
Fabrication of the costumes, rehearsal of the song that is to be the school’s hymn during the next carnival, rehearsal of the orchestras, it’s in an informal atmosphere that the community celebrates its union and the joy to find themselves under the same banner.
Our guide takes us back to the hotel before 01:00.
Note: each samba school meets only once a week, preferably between Friday and Sunday. This soiree can only be organized those days.
Included: English-speaking guide / entrance / round-trip transportation to the hotel
www.aonde.com/indicacao/lazer/35071.htm