Rio De Janeiro-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

Morning

  • Arrive at Rio Galeão International Airport (GIG)
  • Take a taxi or metro (Line 1) to your hotel in Copacabana or Ipanema
  • Check-in to Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro or Hotel Belmond Copacabana Palace

Afternoon

  • Visit Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world
  • Take a stroll along the beach promenade, Avenida Atlântica
  • Stop for lunch at Restaurante Porcão, a popular spot for traditional Brazilian cuisine

Evening

  • Enjoy the sunset and views from Arpoador Rock, a scenic spot between Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
  • Head to Lapa neighborhood for dinner and live music at Café Lapa
  • Explore the streets of Lapa, known for its nightlife and street art

Things to know:

  • Be mindful of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water
  • Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to interact with locals

Day 2: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain

Morning

  • Start the day with breakfast at Café Colombo, a cozy spot in Ipanema
  • Take a taxi or metro (Line 1) to Corcovado Mountain, home of Christ the Redeemer statue
  • Visit the iconic statue and enjoy stunning views of Rio

Afternoon

  • Head to Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of the city and beaches
  • Take the cable car from Praia Vermelha to the top of Sugarloaf
  • Stop for lunch at Restaurante Mirante, a restaurant with great views

Evening

  • Explore the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa, known for its bohemian vibe
  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante A Barrigada, a popular spot for contemporary Brazilian cuisine

Things to know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Consider booking tickets in advance for Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain
  • Don’t miss the stunning views of the city from these iconic landmarks

Day 3: Beach Day and Street Art

Morning

  • Spend the day relaxing on Ipanema Beach, known for its beautiful sand and calm waters
  • Take a stroll along the beach promenade, Avenida Vinte de Junho
  • Visit the famous Escadaria Uruguai staircase, a popular spot for street art and people-watching

Afternoon

  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Jardim Botânico, known for its boutique shops and cafes
  • Visit the stunning botanical garden, Jardim Botânico Rio de Janeiro

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Confeitaria Colombo, a historic cafe with great pastries and people-watching

Things to know:

  • Don’t miss the street performers and musicians on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
  • Consider visiting the botanical garden in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Be prepared for crowds and noise at popular beach spots

Day 4: Tijuca Forest and Marapendi Lake

Morning

  • Take a taxi or bus (Line 242) to Tijuca Forest, a lush forest with stunning views
  • Visit the beautiful Marapendi Lake, a tranquil spot for nature lovers
  • Enjoy breakfast at Restaurante do Mirante, a restaurant with great views of the lake

Afternoon

  • Explore the scenic trails and waterfalls in Tijuca Forest
  • Consider booking a guided hike or tour to explore the forest’s hidden gems

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Rio Carioca, a restaurant with great seafood and views of Guanabara Bay

Things to know:

  • Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of Tijuca Forest
  • Consider visiting the Marapendi Lake early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions in the forest

Day 5: Downtown Rio and Museum

Morning

  • Take a taxi or metro (Line 1) to Downtown Rio, a historic neighborhood with great architecture
  • Visit the stunning Cathedral of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro

Afternoon

  • Explore the iconic Praça XV, a beautiful square with great views of Guanabara Bay
  • Visit the world-class National Museum in Quinta da Boa Vista, a former imperial palace

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Porcão, a popular spot for traditional Brazilian cuisine

Things to know:

  • Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of the cathedral and Praça XV
  • Consider visiting the National Museum in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Be prepared for crowds and noise in Downtown Rio

Day 6: Last Day in Rio

Morning

  • Spend the day shopping for souvenirs or exploring your favorite neighborhood
  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Café Colombo

Afternoon

  • Visit the stunning Arpoador Rock, a scenic spot with great views of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
  • Take one last stroll along the beach promenade, Avenida Atlântica

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurante Confeitaria Colombo

Things to know:

  • Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and insect repellent for the rest of your trip
  • Consider visiting the Arpoador Rock early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Be prepared for a bittersweet goodbye as you leave this beautiful city behind

Transportation:

  • Metro: The most efficient way to get around Rio, with six lines and 57 stations.
  • Bus: An affordable option for shorter trips, but be aware that traffic can be heavy.
  • Taxi: A convenient option, especially at night or during rush hour.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and noise in popular areas.
  • Don’t miss the stunning views from iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
  • Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to interact with locals.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Consider booking tickets in advance for popular attractions.

Other things of interest:

  • New Year’s Eve Celebration: Rio is famous for its Carnival, but the New Year’s Eve celebration is also a must-see event.
  • Carnival Parade: If you’re visiting during Carnival season (February or March), don’t miss the iconic parade in Sambadrome.
  • Street Food: Try some delicious street food at Féria, a popular spot for snacks and drinks.

Where to stay:

Consider staying in Copacabana or Ipanema, two of Rio’s most famous neighborhoods. These areas offer great access to beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.

Where to eat:

Try some delicious Brazilian cuisine at Restaurante Porcão, a popular spot for traditional dishes like feijoada and churrasco.

Other recommendations:

  • Visit the stunning botanical garden, Jardim Botânico Rio de Janeiro.
  • Explore the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa, known for its bohemian vibe.
  • Don’t miss the street performers and musicians on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.