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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil

First Encounter with Brazil

Limited spots available

Nine days in the city that stole my heart: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and the long stretch of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon.

Dates
11 – 20 Jan 2027
Duration
9 days
Group size
Max 12 travellers
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip type
City, beaches & culture
Booking deadline
Book by 11 Dec 2026

Overview

I visited Brazil for the first time in 2026, and it completely stole my heart. The food, the culture, the vibrant streets and the beaches create an energy that's impossible to ignore.

Rio de Janeiro is a city that makes you feel alive from the moment you arrive, and it's a place I never wanted to leave. This trip is my way of sharing it — the viewpoints, the beaches, the neighbourhoods and the food, at a pace that leaves room to enjoy it.

We climb to Christ the Redeemer and ride the cable car up Sugarloaf, spend slow mornings between Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, wander Santa Teresa and Lapa, visit Rocinha with a local perspective, dance at a sunset DJ party and fly doors-off over the city.

Destination highlights

  • Copacabana & Ipanema, Rio de JaneiroCopacabana & IpanemaThe two most iconic beaches in Rio, and the mosaic promenade between them.
  • Lapa, Rio de JaneiroLapaHistoric streets, the arches and the best nightlife in the city.
  • Santa Teresa, Rio de JaneiroSanta TeresaThe artistic neighbourhood: hillside streets, studios and colonial houses.
  • Christ the Redeemer, Rio de JaneiroChrist the RedeemerThe city's icon, and Rio seen from above.
  • Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de JaneiroSugarloaf MountainThe cable car ride up for the best sunset in Rio.
  • Sunset DJ party, Rio de JaneiroSunset DJ partyA sunset party with breathtaking views over the city.
  • Doors-off helicopter flight, Rio de JaneiroDoors-off helicopter flightRio from the air, with nothing between you and the view.
  • Rocinha Favela, Rio de JaneiroRocinha FavelaA visit with a local perspective, guided by the people who live there.
  • Leblon Beach, Rio de JaneiroLeblon BeachOne of Rio's most upscale beaches: golden sand, mountain views and laid-back local beach culture.

Gallery

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrival in Rio

    Airport transfers, check-in near the beach and a welcome dinner to meet the group.

  2. Day 2

    Christ the Redeemer

    Early morning up Corcovado for Christ the Redeemer before the crowds, then the view over the whole bay.

  3. Day 3

    Sugarloaf Mountain

    Cable car up Sugarloaf for sunset over Botafogo, Copacabana and the Guanabara Bay.

  4. Day 4

    Copacabana

    A slow beach morning on Copacabana, the mosaic promenade, and a long lunch on the seafront.

  5. Day 5

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Ipanema and Leblon beaches, golden sand with mountain views, and Arpoador rock at sunset.

  6. Day 6

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    The artistic hillside streets of Santa Teresa and Escadaria Selarón, then the historic streets and nightlife of Lapa.

  7. Day 7

    Rocinha & sunset DJ party

    Rocinha Favela with a local perspective, followed by a sunset DJ party with breathtaking views over the city.

  8. Day 8

    Rio from the air & farewell

    Doors-off helicopter flight over the beaches and the statue, a Brazilian feijoada lunch and a final dinner together.

  9. Day 9

    Departure

    Breakfast together and transfers to the airport.

Accommodation

  • 8 nights in a boutique hotel steps from Copacabana or Ipanema beach
  • Twin-share as standard, single supplement available
  • Breakfast included every morning

What's included

  • 8 nights accommodation in Rio de Janeiro
  • Airport transfers and all group transport in the city
  • Entrance and tickets for Christ the Redeemer and the Sugarloaf cable car
  • Daily breakfast, one Brazilian feijoada lunch and 3 group dinners
  • Guided days in Santa Teresa, Lapa, Rocinha and the beaches
  • Sunset DJ party with views over the city
  • Photography guidance with Christopher throughout

What's not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Brazil visa if required for your nationality
  • Optional helicopter flight
  • Most lunches and personal expenses

Who this trip is for

  • Solo travellers welcome — most of the group travels alone
  • Comfortable with warm weather, beach days and city walking
  • Curious about food, culture and photography, no experience required

Frequently asked

Cancellation policy

  • Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to another departure up to 90 days before the start date.
  • Cancellations more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund of payments beyond the first installment.
  • Cancellations within 60 days of departure are non-refundable; travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Read the full policy →

Travel partner

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From

$3,000

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