For Real, For Rio: Fun in Rio de Janeiro with Seung Lee

duration
6 days · 5 nights
travel date
Sep 15 – 20, 2025
activity level
Moderate
group size
15 (including your host)
transportation
Group transportation
Your TourHero
tourhero
Seung Lee
bio

Hi everyone. My name is Seung and I am 26 years old. I am a Korean American living in Brazil. I moved to Brazil a while ago after visiting Rio de Janeiro. I think Rio is the most beautiful city in the world with an unmatchable energy. Come enjoy the best country in South America with me.

Brazil > For Real, For Rio: Fun in Rio de Janeiro with Seung Lee

Want to get away from the chilly Fall weather and go somewhere warm? Join me for six days in the sunny Rio de Janeiro, where the sun, surf, and sand await! This trip will be an electrifying adventure through Rio's best. Right after landing, we'll hit the ground running with a visit to a Samba school, learning to play percussion instruments and how to sway to the rhythm that's become iconic at Rio's Carnival. We'll learn to pour ourselves a Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail. We'll get up close with the Christ the Redeemer statue with a trip to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Make sure your photo album has plenty of storage space, as there'll be plenty of stops at beautiful vantage points, such as Sugarloaf Mountain. A tour will take us to the best of Rio's beaches, from the famous Copacabana to the quiet Amores beach. Between all that, we'll get plenty of free time to find the best food joints and nightlife spots. To end the trip, we'll have a grand night at Bar de Lapa, one of the hottest bars located in the Lapa district. Typing that got me all excited! Reserve your spot, and let's go to Rio together.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · September 15, 2025 · Rio de Janeiro
Arrive at airport in Rio de Janeiro
Group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check-in at Novotel Leme (or similar according to availability)
Lunch (not included in price)
Guided visit to Samba School and workshop
Porto Maravilha visit
Museum de Manhã visit
Happy hour at Largo da Prainha by the Port
Free time and dinner (not included in price)
Day 2 · September 16, 2025 · Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast
Morro Dois Irmãos hike (approx. 2.5 hours)
Lunch (not included in price)
Tour Rio de Janeiro's beaches: Barra da Tijuca, Amores
Free time and dinner (not included in price)
Day 3 · September 17, 2025 · Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast
Sugarloaf Mountain visit
Caipirinha workshop
Lunch (not included in price)
Maracana Stadium visit
Free time and dinner (not included in price)
Day 4 · September 18, 2025 · Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast
Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer statue visit
Lunch (not included in price)
Mirante Dona Marta visit
Tour Rio de Janeiro's beaches: Praia de Copacabana, Arpoador, Leme, and Ipanema
Free time and dinner (not included in price)
Day 5 · September 19, 2025 · Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast
Historical center walking tour: Uruguaiana, Portuguese Royal Reading Room
Lunch at Confeitaria Colombo
Santa Teresa and Selaron Stairs visit
Farewell dinner at Toca da Traira
Grand night at Bar da Lapa
Day 6 · September 20, 2025 · Departure
Breakfast
Check out of accommodation
Group transfer from accommodation to airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · September 15, 2025
Visit a Samba school and Porto Maravilha

-Welcome to the electrifying Rio de Janeiro! The sun, sand, and lit party nights await us.

-A group transfer will take us to our hotel for check-in. Take some time to settle down and freshen up.

-We'll hit the ground running with a visit to a Samba school, the heart and soul of Rio's iconic Carnival, and a community hub of music, dance, and cultural expression. Learn how to play a percussion instrument and tap your feet to the beat from professional samba dancers.

-Our second stop is the 'Marvelous Port,' Porto Maravilha, a revitalized waterfront area in central Rio de Janeiro. Whether you're interested in art, architecture, or simply enjoying the scenic views of Guanabara Bay, Porto Maravilha offers a rich and engaging experience.

-While at Porto Maravilha, we'll visit the Museum de Manhã (Museum of Tomorrow), an applied sciences museum that explores the future of society and civilization.

-Enjoy coastal views while sipping on happy hour cocktails at Largo da Prainha by the Port.

Day 2 · September 16, 2025
Hike up an iconic peak, then see the sea on a beaches tour

-Put on your athleisure wear and walking shoes. We're hiking up Morro Dois Irmãos, or 'Two Brothers Hill'! Awaiting us at the end of the hike up the iconic twin-peaked mountain is a breathtaking view of Rio de Janeiro. Bring your cameras!

-Dip your toes in the sand at Barra da Tijuca beach, Rio's longest beach that's a haven for surfers and sunbathers looking for a less-crowded alternative to Copacabana and Ipanema.

-Head to Praia dos Amores, or 'Lovers' Beach'. The beach is located at a secluded spot nestled between rocky cliffs, providing couples and anyone looking for tranquility with an intimate hideout away from the hustle and bustle of Rio.

Day 3 · September 17, 2025
Get an all-Brazilian experience by visiting Sugarloaf mountain, mixing a Caipirinha, and seeing Maracana Stadium

-The day's adventures begin with a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the most distinctive landmarks of the city. Check this one off the Rio bucket list!

-Learn how to make a refreshing glass of Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail. The sweet, citrusy drink is perfect for Rio's tropical climate, and you'll head home knowing how to pour a glass of it at the next mixer.

-You can't talk about Brazilian sports culture without talking about football. We'll visit the temple of Brazilian football, Maracana Stadium, and bask in all its glory.

Day 4 · September 18, 2025
See Rio de Janeiro from different perspectives

-Synonymous with Rio de Janeiro is the Christ the Redeemer statue, perched atop Corcovado Mountain at 700 meters above sea level. The monument is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and we'll get up close to it to feel its grandiosity.

-If you can't get enough of Rio's views, we'll head to another vantage point at Mirante Dona Marta. Enjoy sweeping views of the city with Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer statue, and Guanabara Bay in frame.

-Our beach tour continues with a visit to Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. In the day, Copacabana is where it's at for beach-goers. After the sun sets, the area becomes an event space for live music and cultural activities. There's always something going on at Copacabana!

-We'll head to Arpoador next, a rocky peninsula renowned for its fantastic surfs and sunset views.

-Our last beach stops are Leme Beach and Ipanema beach. While Leme Beach is a quieter hangout spot that's more local in experience, Ipanema Beach is a vibrant social space that welcomes all sorts of crowds, from families to artists.

Day 5 · September 19, 2025
Ending the trip on a high

-It's the final full day of our time in Rio, but there's still much to see and do in Rio. We start our penultimate day with a historical walking tour, visiting spots like Uruguaiana and the Portuguese royal reading room, immersing ourselves in the city's past.

-Visit the winding streets and colonial-style houses of Santa Teresa, a charming bohemian neighborhood sitting atop a hill. Snap photos at the colorful Escadaria Selaron, a colorful staircase adorned with over 2,000 tiles from around the world.

-When night falls, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner at Toca da Traira, a seafood restaurant serving up delicious Brazilian flavors.

-Toast to the good times with cocktails at Bar da Lapa, a renowned nightlife spot located in the heart of Lapa district. Enjoy cocktails, live Samba music, and one last night of party!

Day 6 · September 20, 2025
Heading home with hearts full and a photo album of memories

-Sleep away the wild night from before, then enjoy one final breakfast together.

-When the time comes, gather your belongings. A group transfer will take us to the airport.

-Thanks for the fun time, and I can't wait for the next one!

Tour Price
From USD 2,100
per person
Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
City, culture, beach, hiking, relaxation, friends
Your local guide
Since they started their operations in the mid-1990s, Via Capi has focused on providing stellar experiences for travelers in Brazil. The concept is simple: the more they work, the more they learn, and as a result, they can satisfy the needs of their customers in a more comprehensive way. This requires a firm commitment to always give the best. The company believes that their work culture is their most valuable asset. Brazil opens its arms to the world with the creation of new opportunities, and their best itineraries for the clients.
Accommodation
Novotel Rio de Janeiro Leme (or similar according to availability)

Novotel Leme in Rio de Janeiro is a stunning property with sophisticated facilities and a rooftop with the most beautiful view of Copacabana Beach. Enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool with panoramic views and rooftop restaurant with a menu designed to provide a decadent gastronomic experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located on the main street of the Leme district, you’re 100 meters from Leme Beach, the best spot on Copacabana Beach, and close to the local shopping boutiques and restaurants. With posh rooms, cozy beds, and all the modern comforts you crave on vacation, you’ll feel right at home in Rio. Room type and configuration: Multiple options available. See packages.

Included
  • 5 nights in Novotel Leme (or similar)

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on day 5

  • Dinner on day 5 with starters, main course, and dessert

  • Grand night at Bar da Lapa on day 4

  • Samba school visit on day 1

  • Porto Maravilha visit on day 1

  • Happy hour at Largo da Prainha by the Port on day 1

  • Morro Dois Irmãos hike on day 2

  • City tour of Rio's beaches on days 2 and 4

  • Sugarloaf Mountain visit on day 3

  • Caipirinha workshop on day 3

  • Maracana Stadium visit on day 3

  • Christ the Redeemer statue visit on day 4

  • Mirante Dona Marta visit on day 4

  • Walking tour in historical center on day 5

  • Santa Teresa and Selaron Stairs visit on day 5

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • All entrance fees for included activities

  • Transport and guide during the day

Not included
  • Flights

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Jul 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -3), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Jul 13, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -3) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.