Rio De Janeiro 5 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Copacabana
- Morning: Arrive at Rio’s Galeão International Airport and take a taxi or bus to your hotel
- 10:00 AM: Check-in at your hotel and freshen up
- 11:30 AM: Head to Copacabana Beach for some sun, sand, and surf. Soak up the rays, take a dip in the ocean, or try out some water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking
- 2:00 PM: Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants along Avenida Atlântica, such as Café com Leite or Bar do Mineiro
- 4:00 PM: Visit the iconic Copacabana Fort, which dates back to the 19th century. Take in the stunning views of the city and the ocean from its walls
- 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at a local eatery like Restaurante Olympeia or Café com Leite (yes, they’re open for dinner too!)
- 10:00 PM: End the night with a stroll along Copacabana Beach as it comes alive with street performers and musicians
Day 2: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf
- 8:30 AM: Start the day with breakfast at your hotel or a local café
- 9:30 AM: Take a taxi or bus to the base of Corcovado Mountain, where you’ll find the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Take in the breathtaking views of the city and the ocean from its pedestal
- 12:00 PM: Head to Urca for lunch at a local eatery like O Pedro or Vila Velha
- 2:00 PM: Visit Sugarloaf Mountain, one of Rio’s most famous landmarks. Take a cable car ride to the top for stunning views of the city and Guanabara Bay
- 5:00 PM: Enjoy the sunset at Sugarloaf with a cold caipirinha in hand
- 7:30 PM: Have dinner at a local favorite like Bar do Mineiro or Casa de Feijoada
- 10:00 PM: End the night with a stroll along the waterfront, taking in the twinkling lights of the city
Day 3: Ipanema and Leblon
- 9:30 AM: Start the day with breakfast at your hotel or a local café
- 11:00 AM: Head to Ipanema Beach for some sun, sand, and surf. Soak up the rays, take a dip in the ocean, or try out some water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking
- 1:30 PM: Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants along Rua Visconde de Pirajá, such as Café con Leche or Restaurante Olympeia
- 3:30 PM: Explore the charming neighborhood of Leblon, known for its upscale boutiques and trendy bars. Stop by the famous Bar do Mineiro for a cold beer or caipirinha
- 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a local favorite like Restaurante Olympeia or Casa de Feijoada
- 9:30 PM: End the night with a stroll along Ipanema Beach as it comes alive with street performers and musicians
Day 4: Tijuca Forest and Maracanã Stadium
- 8:30 AM: Start the day with breakfast at your hotel or a local café
- 10:00 AM: Head to Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the world. Take a hike through its lush trails and visit the stunning Vista Chinesa viewpoint for panoramic views of the city
- 1:30 PM: Grab lunch at a local eatery like Restaurante Olympeia or Casa de Feijoada
- 3:30 PM: Visit Maracanã Stadium, one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history and architecture
- 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a local favorite like Bar do Mineiro or Café con Leche
- 9:30 PM: End the night with a stroll along the waterfront, taking in the twinkling lights of the city
Day 5: Carnival Parade and Lapa Neighborhood
- 10:00 AM: Start the day with breakfast at your hotel or a local café
- 11:30 AM: Visit the famous Samba School, where you can learn about the history and culture of Carnaval. Take a guided tour to get an inside look at the samba drums, costumes, and decorations
- 2:00 PM: Head to Lapa neighborhood for lunch at one of its many restaurants, such as Restaurante Olympeia or Casa de Feijoada
- 4:00 PM: Explore the charming streets of Lapa, known for its bohemian vibe and street art. Stop by the famous Bar do Mineiro for a cold beer or caipirinha
- 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at a local favorite like Café con Leche or Restaurante Olympeia
- 10:00 PM: End the night with a stroll along the waterfront, taking in the twinkling lights of the city and the sounds of the Carnaval drums