10 Best Activities in Rio de Janeiro

There is no shortage of fun activities in Rio de Janeiro, as it is a multicultural city with something for all ages. Upon arrival you will find many attractions on the beach and in the mountains. For example, you can take advantage of some of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, such as taking a jeep ride through the jungle, learning to cook authentic Carioca food, climbing the Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car or the Christ the Redeemer on the cog railway.

Also, don't miss the football activities in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the carnival parades that are very popular in the region. Hiking is also an ideal option, especially in winter as temperatures are mild and there is little chance of rain. Of course, you can't miss exploring the favelas whose peculiar secrets will make you fall in love with them.

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and move to a magical and peaceful location less than twenty-five minutes from the centre. The Tijuca Forest National Park is a beautiful place in Rio de Janeiro that is worth a detailed tour. Specifically, it is an urban forest where you will find different species of animals such as monkeys, sloths, birds and butterflies. This Carioca jungle offers outdoor plans, including hiking, taking advantage of a jeep tour and enjoying the best views of the city.

You'll find guided options from 63 euros, which last approximately four hours. On this type of experience you'll probably pass by magical and refreshing waterfalls, such as the Cachoeira dos Macacos and the Vista Chinese viewpoint, which is ideal for appreciating Rio from the top.

Brazilian gastronomy offers unique dishes, which have Portuguese, African, Spanish and indigenous influences. An ideal activity if you are planning to spend at least 3 days in Rio de Janeiro, is to delve into the Carioca cuisine. It is the perfect opportunity to try traditional dishes and have a great time with family or friends. These classes are usually held for small groups to ensure that they are tailor-made.

These types of experiences start from 72 euros per person and usually focus on the preparation of at least six Brazilian recipes. Popular dishes include:

• Feijoada: a mixture of black beans and pork, which is a must on Brazilian tables. It is the most consumed traditional dish and is often accompanied by rice or chard.
• Brigadeiro: when it comes to desserts, Brazilians immediately think of this delicious chocolate preparation. Specifically, it is a hot cake that is accompanied by butter and condensed milk, for an explosion of flavours.

Rio de Janeiro's carnivals are considered the best in the world, with exotic dances, traditional costumes, traditional floats and rhythms adding flavour to this iconic celebration. It takes place at the beginning of the year, but Brazilians prepare all year round, especially in the city's samba schools. Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, you can immerse yourself in the Carioca culture and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on behind the scenes.

A visit to the Rio de Janeiro Carnival Samba School is an exclusive activity that will allow you to experience an authentic Brazilian parade at any time of the year. You can immerse yourself in a spectacle of typical carnival dances and rhythms from around 93 euros per person. Generally, you will be able to enjoy the show from a private box with privileged views, as well as having a tour guide and return transfers. It's an experience dedicated to small groups that allows you to connect with Brazilian culture in the front row.

Whether in the big stadiums or on the small fields of the favelas, the sport steals the hearts of the locals. Rio de Janeiro's football activities are undoubtedly exciting and from February to August is the season of matches between the local teams. Mostly, they are played at the Maracana and Nilton Santos stadiums.

Brazil is the country that has won the most editions of the World Cup, and this is due to the effort and passion with which the locals take the sport. In fact, in 1950 the Maracana hosted the iconic tournament and the team was runner-up. There are many ways to attend a match, but we recommend booking a guided tour, as this is usually the best way to get comfortable seats, learn about the history of this iconic sport and secure transport to and from the match.

Rio is a challenging city, where definitely no one gets bored. If you like adrenaline-filled activities, then you have to sign up for a tandem paragliding flight. It's the best way to fly over the colourful beaches, get a glimpse of the most iconic buildings and pass close to the peak of the main hills. You can't miss this experience, especially if you want to create unforgettable memories during your holiday. The biggest advantage of this type of skydive is that you will receive training and experience the experience with a professional instructor.

Please note that traditional skydiving requires some professional knowledge and skills to jump solo, while tandem skydiving is ideal for beginners. The briefing session will help you learn the safety rules and protocols that should not be overlooked during the flight.

In addition, the best tours in Rio de Janeiro usually offer these activities, starting at 147 euros per person. Avoid doing these adventures on your own, as permits and professional equipment are required.

Another fun option is a hang-gliding experience in Rio de Janeiro, which allows you to soar and feel like a free bird. It is a technique suitable for beginners, but more uncomfortable than parachuting. It is usually performed from the mountains and is perfect for getting a close-up view of Christ the Redeemer, the favelas and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Sugarloaf is a popular natural monument in Rio de Janeiro, due to its natural beauty and the panoramic views that can be enjoyed from the hill. You can walk up the trails, however it is an activity for experts that requires a certain level of fitness. It is best to enjoy the aerial cable car ride, which is comfortable, safe and fast. It has two sections, since the first stop is at the Morro de Urca and then it continues the journey to Sugarloaf.

To live this experience, I recommend you buy tickets to Rio de Janeiro's Sugarloaf in advance, some of which usually include a guided tour of this spectacle of nature. Additionally, round-trip tickets for the cable car start at 35 euros per person, and the best thing is that they are flexible: you have a week to use them after purchase. If you want to live this experience, get ready because from the heights you will be able to appreciate the following:

• The Atlantic Forest
• The Tijuca and Corcovado massifs
• The image of Christ the Redeemer
• Guanabara Bay and Botafogo Cove
• The Serra do Mar and its peak "Dedo de Deus".

Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is an iconic monument, known worldwide. Many people venture to the top via the trails, however the sections are not suitable for everyone. The most comfortable and ideal option if you are travelling with children is the cog railway. This transport will take you to the top of Corcovado and usually includes skip-the-line access to the statue. The advantage is that the ride is short but rewarding as you'll get the best views of the city.

The rack railway will take you up to 710 metres, with return tickets costing approximately 30 euros. The return time is flexible, so you can explore at your own pace. Note that the best Christ the Redeemer tours in Rio de Janeiro take you to see this iconic statue that can be seen from several different points. It's considered a protective monument, and light shows and other activities are organised at the top to commemorate special dates such as New Year's Eve.

The local beaches offer year-round activities not to be missed due to their tropical climate without snowfall, which allows the water temperature to remain pleasant. A stroll along Guanabara Bay will take you away from the stress, so it's an adventure not to be missed during your holiday. The bay borders the Atlantic Ocean and the most pleasant way to tour it is on board of the best cruises in Rio de Janeiro. It is a relaxing experience where you can observe the contrasts of this Brazilian city.

This type of experience takes you sailing close to the urban area of Rio, without going too far from the shore. You will get another perspective of the main monuments, such as the Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro. You'll also get a glimpse of Sugarloaf Mountain, and you'll even see many people enjoying a tandem paragliding or hang gliding jump.

You're also likely to pass close to Copacabana beach and within metres of Flagstone Island, a hidden archipelago that is not very crowded. Plus, from the comfort of the sea you'll get a glimpse of picturesque neighbourhoods such as Botafogo, Urca and Flamengo. These types of experiences usually include lunch on board, and even Brazilian barbecue is usually served. The price for this activity starts from 48 euros and the cost can include a private guide, transport and the cruise itself.

Brazilian favelas have become iconic, due to their peculiar charm. In fact, many have evolved and are considered must-see tourist spots. They are characterised by colourful houses, music in every corner and life full of contrasts. The best favela tours in Rio de Janeiro take you to the most emblematic favelas including Santa Marta, Rocinha and Vidigal. The Rocinha favela is one of the most popular, due to its lively and festive atmosphere, where tourists are openly welcomed by families.

There are usually walking tours that take you to see street art and projects that seek to continue improving the area. It's a very nice experience, ideal for getting an in-depth look at life in the favelas. On the other hand, the Vidigal favela tours allow you to discover the local contrasts and climb up Dos Hermanos hill. From the heights, you will be able to appreciate the Corcovado mountain where Christ the Redeemer is located, Pedra da Gávea and the Rocinha favela.

You can't miss a tour of the Santa Marta favela, where you will learn about daily life and enjoy points of interest, such as the statue of Michael Jackson. In this area, the handicraft shops and the typical colourful houses stand out. You can also take the Santa Marta tourist tram or the Santa Marta cable car. A guided tour of the favelas usually costs between 30 and 50 euros.

Certainly far from the crowds, you can take advantage of relaxing activities on the Pedra da Gávea mountain, which lies beyond Copacabana and Ipanema, about an hour from the centre. This adventure is a natural spectacle from the heights, and to get there you have to cross the Tijuca jungle of Rio de Janeiro, so it can be considered a double ride. Keep in mind that you will be approximately 844 metres high, so it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with health problems.

A good option to join this adventure are the best excursions from Rio de Janeiro, you can organize them on your own or hire a guide to take care of the itinerary for you.

To get to the Pedra da Gávea mountain it is very important to bring a hiking equipment for safety reasons. This way, you will be able to reach the summit without any inconvenience and practice a low intensity climb on the Carrasqueira path. You can find guided hiking activities from 51 euros per person, which usually cover transfers.