• Luis Darin Private Tour Guide In Rio - Your journey begins with a visit to Parque do Penhasco in Leblon. The route to the first attraction will vary based on your hotel location. The tour is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle driven by your guide.

• Morro Dois Irmaos - Located at the base of a massive seaside mountain at the end of Leblon Beach, Parque do Penhasco offers the best views of Leblon and Ipanema beaches. From here, you can see the lush mountain vegetation contrasting with the bustling city intersections. After taking some photos and enjoying the viewpoint, we will proceed to the Chinese Pagoda inside Tijuca National Park.

• Mirante Do Leblon - A great vantage point at the end of Leblon Beach.

• Leblon Beach - Depending on your hotel location, we may pass by this beautiful beach in the most expensive neighborhood in South America.

• Ipanema Beach - Known for its beauty and vibrant atmosphere, Ipanema Beach is a must-see. Don’t miss the chance to see Tom Jobim’s statue and capture stunning photos of the beach and Dois Irmãos hill.

• Arpoador Beach - A large rock at the end of Ipanema Beach, considered one of the best spots in Rio to watch the sunset during the summer.

• Museu Historico do Exercito e Forte de Copacabana - This fort at the tip of Copacabana Beach offers some of the best views of Copacabana.

• Copacabana Beach - This world-famous beach is also home to many of Rio’s hotels.

• Avenida Atlantica - The most famous seaside avenue in Copacabana.

• Praia do Leme - Located at the very end of Copacabana Beach, Leme Beach is the perfect spot for a photo of Copacabana.

• Leme - A quieter beach at the far end of Copacabana.

• Forte Duque de Caxias - This fort, built in 1776 as a lookout for incoming ships, is a hidden gem. To reach the summit of the 183m (600-ft.) hill, we’ll walk for 20 minutes on an 800-meter cobblestone road through a natural preserve maintained by the Brazilian Army. The area is home to various Brazilian fauna, and it’s common to see marmoset monkeys, tropical birds, and lizards along the way. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Copacabana Beach, Corcovado Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Guanabara Bay.

• Mirante do Leme - The best spot to take a picture of Copacabana Beach.

• Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon - A beautiful tidal lagoon connected to the sea and surrounded by a bike lane.

• Botanical Garden - Established in 1808 by Portuguese prince Dom João VI, the garden was initially a site for acclimatizing exotic plant species brought by the Portuguese. During our walk, we’ll see majestic imperial palm trees and the orchid and bromeliad greenhouses. The garden is also a prime spot for observing local wildlife, including capuchin and marmoset monkeys, toucans, red-throated guans, and other species.

• Floresta da Tijuca - The largest reforested urban forest in the world, Tijuca Forest covers 10% of the city and houses the Tijuca National Park.

• Vista Chinesa - Built to commemorate 100 years of Chinese immigration to Brazil, this pagoda is surrounded by tropical forest and offers a spectacular view of the southern part of the city. We’ll reach the monument by driving up a winding asphalt road through Tijuca National Park, passing a couple of waterfalls along the way. It’s not uncommon to see capuchin and marmoset monkeys here. After visiting the Chinese Pagoda, we’ll drive to the Dona Marta viewpoint for another breathtaking view of Rio.

• Cosme Velho - Drive through this neighborhood, which was once home to many embassies when Rio was the capital of Brazil.

• Mirante Dona Marta - This viewpoint offers one of the most incredible views of the city, including the Christ Monument, Sugarloaf Mountain, Maracanã Stadium, Guanabara Bay, and Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. It’s also the best spot to take a perfect picture of the Christ monument. After leaving Dona Marta, we’ll drive to Parque das Ruinas in the Santa Teresa district.

• Santa Teresa - A picturesque and well-preserved colonial-style area that emerged in the mid-1800s, now an artsy neighborhood full of bars, cafés, and restaurants offering a variety of food options, including the best açaí and cheese bread in Rio. The area is great for photos, with painted murals, street art, cobblestone streets, and souvenir shops, including one listed in Lonely Planet for its locally made items.

• Largo dos Guimaraes - The central part of the Santa Teresa district.

• Centro Cultural Municipal Parque das Ruinas - Located in Santa Teresa, this former home of a prominent female art supporter is now a cultural center in Rio’s most authentic and picturesque district. Our last stop is a lookout on the rooftop of this cultural center, offering breathtaking views of downtown, Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf, and Corcovado mountains, well worth the climb up three flights of stairs.

• Carioca Aqueduct - Also known as Arcos da Lapa, this aqueduct once supplied the city with water from rivers in Tijuca Forest. Now, it serves as a passageway for the tram connecting Downtown Rio and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.

• Aterro Do Flamengo - A large park area crossed by an expressway.

• Local guide
• Tolls and parking fees included
• Free entry to all attractions
• Fuel surcharges covered
• Private car transportation

• Meals or drinks (if any)

This excursion takes you to four hidden gems in Rio, providing an authentic snapshot of the city. You’ll get to appreciate the city’s most remarkable view, away from the hordes of tourists at popular sites.

Ideal for those who admire beautiful sights but prefer not to endure long lines at the major attractions.

I’ve handpicked the top four cost-free viewing locales in Rio.

Parque do Penhasco
Chinese Pagoda
Mirante Dona Marta
Parque das Ruinas

The tour includes transportation to and from your hotel in Rio, the cruise port, or airport.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• All tours are private and conducted in air conditioned vehicle.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.