Rio de Janeiro (State)

Bus & Minivan Tours

Delight in 3 days of activities and discover the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a stunning region formed by the contrast between dunes and natural lagoons created by rainwater during the rainy season. Enter this huge oasis from the gateway town of Barreirinhas, and marvel at the scenic beauty of the lagoons that attract visitors from all over the world. Day 1 Depart from your hotel in São Luis or the SLZ-Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport for flights arriving before 6:30 AM. Arrive in Barreirinhas, and depart around 2 PM in a 4x4 vehicle to cross the ferry. Then, take a trail to get to the Lençois Maranhenses, admire the dunes, and refresh with some swimming in the clear blue lagoons. After watching the amazing sunset at the top of the dune, return to Barreirinhas. Day 2 Depart around 8 AM in a 4×4 vehicle and start the 1.5-hour drive to Atins. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk to visit some natural lagoons formed by rainwater. Take the opportunity to dive into the clear waters of the lagoon and snap some beautiful photos. Next, be amazed by the meeting of the Preguiças River and the sea at Atins Beach. Enjoy some free time to swim and relax on the sand. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the tour price) famous for grilled shrimp. After lunch, spend some time resting and relaxing in hammocks before returning to Barreirinhas. Day 3 Depart around 8 AM on a speedboat tour of Preguiças River, a calm river with lots of different typical trees and palms on its margins. Make your first stop in Vassouras village at the limit of the dunes, where it's possible to interact with the monkeys, have some coconut water, and buy some local art. The next stop will be at the village of Mandacaru. Here, see and climb a lighthouse to have a panoramic view of the region, the park, the river, and the sea. Make your last stop in Caburé village, an arm of sand having the river on one side, and the sea on the other. Enjoy free time to have lunch and swim in the river or the sea. Finally, transfer to your hotel in São Luis or the SLZ-Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport for flights departing after 11:00 PM.

Visit the islands of Angra do Reis on this boat trip from Rio de Janeiro. Sail through the archipelago of Ilha Grande. Disembark on the small islands to explore the beaches, browse the markets, and snorkel in the deep blue waters. Savor lunch on board and enjoy round-trip transfers from Rio hotels. Relax on the 3-hour drive to the city of Angra dos Reis. A quick pit-stop on the road will be made to use bathroom facilities and buy a snack. Upon arrival in the docks, enjoy a schooner ride through the hundreds of islands of Angra dos Reis.  Marvel at the beauty of the most famous island of it all: Ilha Grande. Revel at the crystal clear water and rent a snorkel on the spot to see the different species of fish. After, devour the buffet lunch in a fishermen’s village. Explore different stops during the day in places such as the Blue Lagoon, Cataguases beach, and Japariz or Araçá beaches. The captain will choose the best spots depending on crowds and weather conditions.

Discover the landmarks of Rio on a full-day guided tour, including pickup and drop off at hotels in Rio. Start with a visit to Corcovado Mountain. Ride by van to the top or board the train, both through the Tijuca Forest. Then, marvel at the main monument of Brazil, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, as you take in panoramic views of Rio. Next, head towards the mythical Maracanã football stadium and observe its imposing façade. Continue to the legendary Sambódromo where the annual Carnival parade takes place. Visit the modern Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, influenced by Mayan pyramids. Check out the brightly colored tiles of the world-famous Selarón Steps at Lapa, before enjoying a typical Brazilian steakhouse lunch. After lunch, visit Sugar Loaf. Take the cable car to the top in two stages and see one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Rio.

Experience Rio's Carnival, the most popular and the best parade in the world. This incredible cultural event is characterized by its freedom of expression, and creative and fun atmosphere represented through samba school parades, carnival balls, and street carnival. The official parade takes place in the Rio de Janeiro Sambadrome, created by renowned Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer with capacity for 80,000 spectators.  Start the tour with a shared shuttle transfer to the Sambodrome, from main hotels in Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema, Leblon, Lapa, Barra da Tijuca, Centro, and Rio Cruise Port. Choose to spectate the incredible event from 5 days of the parade which are divided into 3 categories: Access Group, Special Group and Parade of Champions. – February 17th, 2023 (Friday): Access Group (2nd league) – February 18th, 2023 (Saturday): Access Group (2nd league) – February 19th, 2023 (Sunday): Special Group (1st league) – February 20th, 2023 (Monday): Special Group (1st league) – February 20th, 2023 (Saturday): Champions’ Parade (“All-Star Parade” with the 6 best schools) Access Group - Friday, February 17th and Saturday, February 18th On these dates, watch as some schools compete to get access to the main league for the following year. This event is perfect for those that want to experience the magic of carnival but have a limited budget. Special Group - Sunday, February 19th and Monday, February 20th With this option, experience the main days of the Carnival Parade. Marvel at the best Samba Schools in Rio de Janeiro showing all their creativity and innovations as you enjoy a magical night in the Sambadrome. Tickets are more expensive for these days as it is the most popular parade and features the major league schools. Champions Parade - Saturday February 25th On this night, the top 6 Special Group Schools plus the Access Group champions repeat their performances. This is an extraordinary night to see the carnival champions of the year. At the end of the tour, take the return shuttle transfer back to your hotel.

Begin your tour at Downtown (“Centro”), where you will get the tram (“bondinho”) to the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa. You will drive over the Arcos da Lapa, the aqueduct used to connect water from Santa Teresa to Downtown and one of Rio’s most traditional postcards. At Santa Teresa, you will experience an interesting local atmosphere. Walk through the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, a bucolic area in Rio de Janeiro. Located on a hillside, Santa Teresa has become a district of cultural interest because of its architectural value and prime location, famous for its winding, narrow cobblestone streets and a favourite spot for artists and tourists. A flair similar to Montmartre, in Paris. You will visit the Ruins Park, a public park with an art gallery built around the ruins of a mansion. (Please note that Ruins Park is closed on Sundays.) Take a minute to enjoy the city’s landscape, in particular the Downtown area and the Sugarloaf Mountain. Up next, you will walk down the colorful Selarón Steps, one of Rio’s landmarks, and arrive at the district of Lapa, the zone with the most traditional nightlife. Take a stroll in the Passeio Público, the oldest public park in South America, to reach Cinelândia, a lively spot in Rio thanks to its bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Among many remarkable constructions in the area, you will notice the Theatro Municipal, Rio de Janeiro’s most traditional theatre and opera house, as well as the Biblioteca Nacional, Brazil’s most important library. Your last stop will be at Confeitaria Colombo, a permanent member of all must-see cafés rankings around the world. Enjoy the opulent art nouveau decoration with huge stained glass, tiles, and mirrors imported from France, Portugal, and Belgium. You can finish your tour tasting one of the Brazilian traditional snacks – such as the coxinha de frango (‘little chicken thigh’) – or desserts – such as the brigadeiro (‘brigadier’) in what was one of Rio de Janeiro’s most prestigious places at the beginning of the 20th Century. (Please note that Confeitaria Colombo is closed on Sundays.)

Begin your full day tour with a 130 km ride from Rio de Janeiro to Conceição de Jacareí. Once there, onboard your schooner to Ilha Grande. Sit back and enjoy the views of this paradisiacal landscape. Make your first stop at Cataguases Islands. Its calm blue waters are a perfect invitation for a swim. Then, discover the Blue Lagoon and its colorful fish, corals and starfish. This natural pool is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Visit the Freguesia de Santana, a small beach that houses the first church of Angra dos Reis, built in 1843. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Japariz Beach. Later, take a refreshing dip in the sea. After a day in paradise, begin your comfortable return to Rio de Janeiro.

Begin your 12-hour tour through paradise with a drive from Rio de Janeiro to the region of the Costa do Sol (Sun Coast). When you arrive in Arraial do Cabo, hop aboard a majestic schooner to sail through the warm, clear waters of what’s often called the Brazilian Caribbean. Gliding through the sea, you’ll make a 40-minute stop to swim and snorkel near the Ilha do Farol, a peninsula famous for its lighthouse, and Prainhas do Pontal, a coastal zone flanked by towering cliffs and verdant mountains. Continuing on your boat tour, you’ll stop for photos at the Gruta Azul, a grotto known for its shockingly-azure waters, and the Fenda de Nossa Senhora, where a statue of a saint is placed between a massive rift in between 2 cliffs. To cap off your boat tour, you’ll enjoy another 20-minute stop at one of the region’s most famous beaches, the Praia do Forno. After working up an appetite swimming and relaxing on the boat, you’ll enjoy an authentic buffet-style lunch at a local restaurant, before hopping back aboard your transportation to Rio, arriving back in time for dinner.

Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visit the city of Armação dos Búzios, located on a peninsula on the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro, during this 12-hour excursion. Búzios grew from a fishing village into a charming tourist destination after a visit by the renowned French actress Brigitte Bardot in 1964. Take a walk in Búzios with your guide and enjoy a schooner ride that passes the main Búzios beach. Enjoy a lunch buffet at one of the best restaurants the city. You’ll have a choice of meat, fish or chicken, with an option for vegetarians. On the schooner ride you’ll see Bones Beach, Azeda, Azedinha, João Fernandes, Tartaruga, Boi and Rasa.

Enjoy an early morning pickup from Rio and relax on the 3-hour drive to the city of Arraial do Cabo. A quick pit-stop on the road is made to stretch the legs, have a bathroom break, and buy a snack. Explore the Arraial sea which is special for a very particular reason. In the region, there is the phenomenon of a resurgence, which brings to the surface deep waters rich in marine life. The abundance of food turns Arraial into one of the best diving spots in the country, with clear waters and lots of life. Leave the bus upon arrival in the docks of Arraial do Cabo, around 10:00 AM, and hop on the schooner. Enjoy a schooner ride through the best beaches of Arraial do Cabo. Marvel at the waters in shades of green and blue, ready for a swim. Explore 4 different stops in places like the Forno beach, the Praia do Farol, or famous Atalaia beach. Take in the panoramic view of the Blue Groot, a hidden cave with deep blue water. Revel at the crystal-clear water and white sands before leaving the boat around 3:00 PM and have a buffet lunch. Then, it is time to leave Arraial. Hop on the bus to make the journey back to Rio where you will arrive around 8:00 PM.