Special tour of Rio de Janeiro

Visit Corcovado, the historic centre and lesser-visited areas, for a more in-depth perspective on modern day Rio and its fascinating history.

This special 'Veloso Tours' full day tour starts with a visit to the Corcovado Mountain to get a closer view of the world famous Christ the Redeemer. As the statue towers overhead, you'll enjoy the intoxicating views below across Guanabara Bay to Sugar Loaf Mountain and vistas of the Maracana Stadium, the lagoon, the beaches and the lush forest. We then drive through the Tijuca Forest and past the Maracana Stadium (optional stop) to arrive at the Sambodromo; the famous carnival parades’ site, where you visit the museum.

We continue on to the bohemian Santa Teresa district, which used to be famous for rich people and which is now well-known as a magnet for writers, musicians, and artists, who display their work in small galleries. Its hillside location affords stunning views of Rio, and its cobbled streets add a charming atmosphere. In the old days, when Copacabana was a swamp, the higher ground of Santa Teresa was considered as the favourite area to live, a fact evidenced in the magnificent colonial mansions of the district.

From here we head down into the historic centre of Rio, often skipped over by visitors, to better understand a city that was once the capital of Brazil for over 200 years. The old centre was where the Royal Family lived and is now the bustling commercial district. We will walk for two to three hours through the streets, stopping at the Confeitaria Colombo, one of the oldest coffee shops in Rio. On the way we visit the Cathedral, the Imperial Palace, the Church of Sao Jose and Cultural Centre on Praca XV, well known for its unique colonial architecture.