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Ready-made itinerary · Rio de Janeiro

5-day itinerary in Rio de Janeiro

Spending 5 days in Rio de Janeiro lets you combine the classics with time to enjoy each place. This plan brings together the top-rated experiences, spread across mornings and afternoons, with breaks for meals. The best time to follow it is from May to September.

2 days3 days5 days
Most reviewed activity in Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Full-Day Tour + Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain by Minibus★ 8.6 · 338 reviews · from US$ 103 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →
Day 1 Arrival and the first classics
11:00
Rio's Historic Center Free Walking Tour Free tour

If you're in Rio de Janeiro and you want to explore the top landmarks, don't miss out on this free tour of the historic centre of Rio. You'll love it!

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13:00
An unhurried lunch

Take a break at a restaurant in Rio de Janeiro to recharge before the afternoon.

15:00
Rio Historic Center & Selarón Steps Free Tour Free tour

If you've just arrived in the Cidade Maravilhosa, this free tour of Rio de Janeiro is the perfect way to start exploring the historic center

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17:00
Rio Sunset Sailing Tour from US$ 53

Experience a beautiful sunset over Rio de Janiero, sailing the bay as night falls on board a luxurious yacht - a unique experience in the 'Cidade Maravilhosa'.

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20:00
Dinner and evening

End the day at an easy pace: local food and a bit of nightlife.

Day 2 Postcard views
06:30
Dona Marta Viewpoint Sunrise & Christ the Redeemer from US$ 98

On this tour in Rio de Janeiro, we'll see a spectacular sunrise at the Dona Marta viewpoint and the awe-inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer.

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13:00
An unhurried lunch

Take a break at a restaurant in Rio de Janeiro to recharge before the afternoon.

15:00
Rio de Janeiro Rocinha Favela Walking Tour from US$ 50

Experience the other side of Rio de Janeiro with this guided tour of the Rocinha favela, during which you'll discover its lesser-known spots.

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20:00
Roxy Dinner Show Tickets from US$ 78

At Roxy Dinner Show, you'll enjoy a show full of Brazilian traditions with an incredible staging. Plus, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner.

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Day 3 Longer tours
09:00
Rio Afro Culture + Samba in Pedra do Sal Free Tour Free tour

Discover the legacy of Rio de Janeiro's African heritage, reflected in its streets and famous carnival, when you take our fantastic free tour!

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13:00
An unhurried lunch

Take a break at a restaurant in Rio de Janeiro to recharge before the afternoon.

15:00
Rio de Janeiro Sailboat Trip from US$ 54

Admire the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain from a truly unique perspective with this unforgettable sailboat trip around Rio de Janeiro.

Book on Civitatis
20:00
Dinner and evening

End the day at an easy pace: local food and a bit of nightlife.

Day 4 At your own pace
09:00
Christ the Redeemer and Tijuca National Park Tour from US$ 55

Enjoy the majestic landscapes that surround Rio on this tour of the National Park of Tijuca and the neighbouring area. Amazing!

Book on Civitatis
20:00
Dinner and evening

End the day at an easy pace: local food and a bit of nightlife.

Day 5 Last tour and farewell
09:00
Tijuca National Park Cave & Waterfall Hike from US$ 77

Explore the nature of Rio de Janeiro on this hiking tour in the Tijuca National Park! You'll see stunning waterfalls and amazing caves on this Cave Trail.

Book on Civitatis
20:00
Dinner and evening

End the day at an easy pace: local food and a bit of nightlife.

Questions about the itinerary

How many days are ideal in Rio de Janeiro?
The ideal is to set aside 4–5 days for the main sights, without rushing. This 5-day itinerary covers the top-rated experiences, with breaks to eat and rest.
When is the best time to follow this itinerary?
The best window in Rio de Janeiro runs from May to September, when the weather is most comfortable and there is less rain. See the month-by-month detail on the best time to visit page.
Is five days in Rio de Janeiro too many or too few?
Our guide to Rio de Janeiro recommends setting aside 4–5 days for the main sights. With 5 days, the itinerary adds more excursions on top of the classics: the full-day excursion takes up a whole day, while shorter ones are combined in the morning and afternoon, with a break for lunch. If you prefer a shorter trip, see the 3-day itinerary as well.
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