Rio De Janeiro 6 Day Itinerary

Rio de Janeiro 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Copacabana Beach (Beach & Relax)

  • Arrive at Rio de Janeiro’s international airport (Galeão – GIG).
  • Check-in at your hotel in the Copacabana or Ipanema area, known for their famous beaches. Some recommendations: Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, Windsor Atlântica Copacabana, or Hotel Ipanema Plaza
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing on Copacabana Beach, famous for its 4 km long shoreline and the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
  • Dinner at one of the seafood restaurants in the area, like Rio Scenarium, with a mix of food, live music, and samba dance lessons!

Day 2: Corcovado & Sugarloaf (Landmarks & Sightseeing)

  • Morning visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado. You can take a van or train to reach it. Corcovado Train Tickets
  • After lunch, head to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) for breathtaking views of the city and Guanabara Bay. You can reach Sugarloaf by cable car. Sugarloaf Tickets
  • Dinner at Cariaqueira da Armação, a traditional churrascaria (barbecue restaurant) in Lapa neighborhood.

Day 3: Jardim Botânico & Sambodromo (Parks & Culture)

  • Spend the morning exploring Jardim Botânico, Rio’s beautiful botanical garden with over 6,000 species of plants.
  • After lunch, visit the Sambodromo, the famous parade route for Rio’s world-famous Carnival celebration. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture.
  • Dinner at Aprazível da Lapa, an eclectic restaurant set in a charming colonial mansion, offering a variety of regional dishes.

Day 4: Santa Teresa & Lapa (Arts & Nightlife)

  • Spend the day exploring the bohemian neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa. Start with a visit to Parque das Ruinas in Santa Teresa, an art gallery set within ruins with panoramic views of the city.
  • Lunch at Confeitaria Colombo, a historic café established in 1894.
  • Afternoon stroll through the charming streets and art galleries of Santa Teresa, then head to Lapa for dinner at Rio 360.
  • Experience Rio’s vibrant nightlife in Lapa, with live samba music at places like Lapa 40 Graus or Carioca da Gema.

Day 5: Tijuca Forest & Praia do Pepino (Nature & Beach)

  • Spend the day in Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban forest. Take a guided tour to see waterfalls, wildlife, and historic sites like the Mayrink Chapel. Tijuca Forest Tour
  • Lunch at Praia do Pepino, a local favorite beach restaurant in the forest.
  • Return to Copacabana or Ipanema for the evening and have dinner at Garota de Ipanema, inspired by the famous song “The Girl from Ipanema.”

Day 6: Departure (Farewell to Rio)

  • Enjoy your last morning in Rio, perhaps relaxing on the beach or exploring any remaining sights you’d like to visit.
  • Head to the airport for your departure flight. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs, such as local art, jewelry, or caipirinha mixes, to take home with you!