Rio de Janeiro, founded in 1565 and Brazil’s capital until 1960, is a city where granite mountains plunge into the Atlantic and samba echoes through historic neighborhoods. Its skyline is defined by Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, while daily life unfurls on the mosaic promenades of Copacabana and Ipanema.

Beyond the beaches, you’ll find Tijuca—the world’s largest urban rainforest—laced with waterfalls and wildlife. The city’s soul beats in Little Africa and Lapa, where Afro-Brazilian heritage shaped samba, carnival, cuisine, and the rhythms that define Rio.

Plan for warm, humid weather most of the year; pack breathable layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light rain jacket. Use official taxis or ride-hailing, avoid flashing valuables, and keep small bills for kiosks. The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL), and tap water is not typically consumed—bottled is preferred.

Rio de Janeiro

Welcome to a city that feels like an outdoor amphitheater—mountains for balconies, beaches for orchestra seats. Start with the big postcards (Corcovado and Sugarloaf), then slow down in Santa Teresa’s hillside ateliers, the Botanical Garden’s imperial palms, and Parque Lage’s courtyard café at the foot of the forest.

Top sights include Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, the Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Boulevard Olímpico murals in the Port Zone, and sunset at Arpoador. For nature, add Tijuca Forest trails, Mirante Dona Marta, and the quieter beaches of Prainha and Grumari.

• Where to stay (mid-range budget 50/100): Browse apartments on VRBO Rio de Janeiro or hotels via Hotels.com Rio de Janeiro. Specific picks: Ibis Rio de Janeiro Centro (value, walkable to Port and Lapa), Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro (social, great for nightlife and coworking), Windsor Barra Hotel (bigger rooms by the long sands of Barra), and the iconic splurge Belmond Copacabana Palace.
• Getting there: Fly into GIG (Galeão) or SDU (Santos Dumont) using Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com Flights. Expect 20–30 minutes from SDU to Ipanema by taxi (longer at rush hour) and 40–60 minutes from GIG.
• Eat and drink: Petiscos at Adega Pérola (Copacabana), picanha at Braseiro da Gávea, Northeastern flavors at Cafe do Alto (Santa Teresa), pastries at Confeitaria Colombo (Centro), and caipirinhas by the seawall at Bar Urca.

Day 1: Arrival, Copacabana Promenade, and Arpoador Sunset

Morning: Travel day. Book your flight into GIG/SDU via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. On arrival, use a metered taxi or rideshare to your hotel; keep your phone and bag zipped and in front.

Afternoon: Check in, then stroll Copacabana’s wave-pattern promenade. Grab a late lunch at Adega Pérola for cold beer and seafood petiscos (marinated octopus, cod croquettes) or head to Bacalhau do Rei for hearty Portuguese plates.

Evening: Walk to Arpoador—the rocky point between Copacabana and Ipanema—for a classic Rio sunset. Dine in Ipanema: Garota de Ipanema (grilled meats, draft beer in a bossa nova landmark) or Quitéria (Brazilian seasonal fare). Nightcap at a beachfront quiosque with a lime-and-passionfruit caipirinha.

Day 2: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and Santa Teresa + Lapa

Morning: Coffee and pastries at Confeitaria Colombo (Centro) or The Slow Bakery (Botafogo). Then join this small-group highlights tour—ideal for a first deep dive and to skip logistics:

The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill

Soak in panoramic views from both summits and learn history en route. Expect about 5–6 hours with hotel pickup.

Afternoon: Refuel in Urca: Bar Urca’s coxinhas and empadas enjoyed on the seawall, or Terra Brasilis by Praia Vermelha. Ride the historic yellow tram in Santa Teresa, browse ateliers, then photograph the tiled Escadaria Selarón.

Evening: Dinner in Santa Teresa: Bar do Mineiro (famous feijoada) or Aprazível (treehouse tables, Amazonian flavors, knockout views). Then chase live samba in Lapa at Carioca da Gema or Rio Scenarium—arrive by taxi and keep to well-lit streets.

Day 3: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Jardim Botânico, and Leblon Night

Morning: Big Northeastern breakfast at Cafe do Alto (tapiocas, macaxeira fries), then lace up for rainforest time:

Tijuca Rainforest Hike: Explore Waterfalls & Caves

Guide-led trails reveal bromeliads, monkeys, and cooling cascades—bring bug spray, water, and grippy shoes. Great for the aventureiro spirit without needing a car.

Afternoon: Unwind at the Botanical Garden under imperial palms and orchid houses, then cross to Parque Lage for coffee at Plage Café inside a belle-époque courtyard with jungle backdrops.

Evening: Sunset from Mirante do Leblon, then steak night at Braseiro da Gávea (share the picanha with farofa and vinaigrette). After, grab cold chopp and pastel at Jobi (Leblon) or sip caipirinhas at Boteco Belmonte.

Day 4: Little Africa, Museums by the Bay, and Nightlife Options

Morning: Espresso at Curto Café (inside a parking garage turned community coffee spot) or classic marble-counter service at Confeitaria Colombo’s landmark salon. Then dive into Rio’s Afro-Brazilian roots on this eye-opening walk:

Discover Rio Little Africa: A Cultural and Historical Journey

Explore the Valongo Wharf area, Pedra do Sal, and pivotal sites that shaped samba and Rio’s cultural backbone.

Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Tomorrow for bold science-architecture on Guanabara Bay, then stroll the Boulevard Olímpico murals by Eduardo Kobra. Lunch on traditional plates at Angu do Gomes or seafood moqueca at Feira de São Cristóvão (if you venture north—great for forró music and Northeastern bites).

Evening: Choose your vibe: a live music house in Lapa, a sunset sail from Marina da Glória (book ahead), or a relaxed dinner at Sobralia or Nova Capela (Lapa classics). If it’s Monday or Friday, the open-air rodas de samba at Pedra do Sal are unforgettable—go early.

Day 5: Full-Day Boat Adventure — Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande

Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

Rise early for a tropical boat day among emerald islets and clear-water lagoons on the Costa Verde. Typical itineraries include multiple swim stops, snorkeling, and a simple lunch; count on 12–13 hours round-trip with hotel pickup.

Budget tip: Grab a quick bakery breakfast (Talho Capixaba in Leblon or any neighborhood padaria) before pickup, and pack a drybag, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light cover-up.

After you return: Keep dinner easy: açaí bowls at Bibi Sucos, grilled fish at Satyricon, or pizza and craft beer at Ferro e Farinha (reservations help).

Day 6: Beach Morning, Optional Adrenaline, and Farewell

Morning: Early dip at Ipanema (Posto 9 for a youthful buzz, Posto 8 for surfers). Consider an optional tandem flight from Pedra Bonita (São Conrado) for sweeping views over the rainforest and landing on the sand—an unforgettable splurge if winds cooperate. Prefer calm? Paddleboard from Praia Vermelha instead.

Afternoon: Brunch at Delírio Tropical (fresh salads and quiches) or La Carioca Cevicheria. Pick up keepsakes at the Hippie Fair in Praça General Osório (Sundays) or artisan shops in Santa Teresa. Depart for the airport with time to spare; book rides through your hotel or a trustworthy app.

Evening: If you’re on a late flight, toast your trip with one last caipirinha on the Copacabana promenade and a plate of bolinhos de bacalhau.

Where to Stay and How to Get Around

Best areas for a first visit: Ipanema and Copacabana for beach access and dining; Santa Teresa for artsy hilltop stays; Centro/Lapa for nightlife and value. Browse VRBO or Hotels.com—and consider Ibis Rio de Janeiro Centro, Selina Lapa, Windsor Barra Hotel, or the splurge-worthy Belmond Copacabana Palace.

Transport: The Metro is clean and useful for Zona Sul–Centro. For viewpoints and beaches at night, opt for taxis or rideshare. Keep your phone secure and avoid empty sands late.

Extra Adventure Options (If You Want More)

Have more energy? Swap in a sunrise hike to Pedra da Gávea (advanced; go with a guide), a surf session at Prainha, or a sunset sail on Guanabara Bay. Foodies can book a Brazilian cooking class or chase feijoada Saturdays at traditional botequins.

Summary

In six days, you’ll meet the postcard icons, trek into the Atlantic Forest, trace Rio’s Afro-Brazilian story, dance to samba, and drift over turquoise waters off Ilha Grande. With beaches, viewpoints, and bold flavors between, this itinerary balances adventure with classic sightseeing and relaxing pauses.

Return home with sand in your shoes, chorinho in your ear, and a list of reasons to come back—perhaps next time for Carnival or a deeper dive into Rio’s trails and islands.