A perfect week in Rio - your ultimate itinerary
I have just spent 3 weeks exploring Rio and let me tell you I had such an amazing time! This was my second time in Rio and I already know I will be back for a third time in not too long.
Rio is a city that pulses with life, rhythm, and breathtaking beauty. It has everything from iconic beaches to cultural landmarks and stunning viewpoints. From my times here I have put together what I think is the perfect itinerary for your first time in Rio. You can absolutely do this within fewer days than seven, but if you have seven days and dont want to stress this is perfect!
So lets dive in!
Day 1: Beach Bliss and Sunset Views
After a long travel you are probably pretty tired so what’s better than starting your trip with a classic Rio experience—Ipanema Beach. Relax on the golden sands, take a dip in the ocean, or stroll along the iconic promenade. If you’re feeling up for it you can also venture to the neighboring Copacabana Beach, equally famous for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful views. No need to bring anything, they rent out chairs and umbrellas and sell all kinds of drinks and food at the beach.
Stay until sunset, as Ipanema is one of the most magical spots to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The golden hues reflecting off the ocean and the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding mountains make this moment truly unforgettable.
Day 2: Lapa and Santa Teresa
Start your day exploring Lapa, a neighborhood known for its bohemian charm and vibrant street art. Head to the Escadaria Selarón, the iconic mosaic staircase created by artist Jorge Selarón. To avoid the biggest crowds, arrive early and remember: the higher you go, the fewer people you’ll encounter.
From Lapa, continue to Santa Teresa, a charming district with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a lively arts scene. You can either hike up from the top of the Escadaria Selaron (be prepared—it’s steep!) or take the scenic Santa Teresa Tram, which is highly recommended for its historic charm and convenience.
While in Santa Teresa, enjoy lunch at a restaurant with live music—perfect for soaking in the local vibe. Consider dining at Aprazível, known for its incredible views and delicious Brazilian cuisine or at the Armazem Sao Joaquim, this one is slightly more touristy, but still a fun place!
Pro tip: The cell service at Santa Theresa is pretty bad, so if you are looking for an uber to take you back it might be tricky. So if you need transportation, I recommend the tram, otherwise its a nice walk down.
When night falls, immerse yourself in Rio’s samba culture. If it’s a Monday or Friday, head to Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of samba, where you can enjoy live music, dance, and sip on a refreshing caipirinha. Alternatively, explore one of Lapa’s famous samba clubs for an equally exciting experience. Even if you’re not a dancer I’m sure you will have an amazing time sipping caipirinhas and just people watch.
Day 3: Christ the Redeemer and Beach Time
No trip to Rio is complete without visiting Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Book the earliest train to the summit to beat the crowds and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
This is one of those places i probably wouldn’t book in advance and instead book based on weather forecast. I have been there twice and the weather plays such a huge role in your experience of it. Rio can famously become very cloudy and you might end up seeing nothing when you first go. So dont stress about booking it in advance and just follow the weather and book it when it looks like it will be a good day.
There are three different ways to get there, by van, train or by hiking. I highly recommend the train. You can check times and buy tickets here.
After taking in the awe-inspiring views, spend the rest of the day relaxing at Copacabana Beach, perhaps trying a fresh coconut water or indulging in some local street food. You will probably want some rest after visiting the Christo with all the other tourists!
Day 4: Two Brothers Hike
For a breathtaking adventure, hike to the summit of Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers). Start your journey at the top of the Vigidal Favela, which you can access via a motorbike taxi. This was probably one of my favorite things to do in Rio so I highly recommend making sure you do this one.
This is the tour I booked and was very happy with!
This hike is manageable for most fitness levels and offers some of the most stunning views of Rio, from Ipanema Beach to the Lagoa and beyond. You can either go solo or book a guided tour for added insights and safety. Since I was going alone and it starts in a Favela I booked it as a guided tour because I wanted to make sure I felt completely safe and I also wanted to learn more about the life in a favela when I was there. This is the tour I took and I absolutely recommend it!
Day 5: Sugarloaf Mountain at Sunset
Spend the day visiting Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), one of Rio’s most iconic landmarks. The easiest way to reach the summit is by cable car, and booking tickets online in advance will absolutely save you time. We even bought them online in the queue and it still saved us a lot of time waiting.
Pro tip: Consider purchasing a premium ticket to skip the lines, as the journey involves multiple queues. I actually wish I would have done this, and I dont usually buy those kinds of tickets.
Plan your visit around sunset, as the views of the city bathed in golden light are breathtaking. If you’re there in the evening, enjoy the music and lively atmosphere that often accompanies the sunset hour at the summit.
Day 6: Sunrise at Mirante Dona Marta and Beach Day
Another great viewpoint in Rio is the Mirante Dona Marta. It offers stunning vistas of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Guanabara Bay. I did this as a sunrise tour, and the sunrise is supposed to be spctacular from here. The weather wasn’t perfect so I feel like I could have seen it at any time of the day, but if you enjoy sunrises this is the place to start your morning.
You can go on this as a guided trip as I did or go on your own. However, this is also one of those places where it’s easy to get to with an uber but not as easy to get back from. So unless you have a car or really love walking I suggest doing it as a guided tour, because it’s a long walk down.
This is the tour I booked and recommend doing.
And as you are approaching your last days in Rio I would definitely make sure to spend some more time at the beach. Maybe you have already found a favorite? If not you can also test out Botafogo or Flamenco for instance.
Day 7: Botanical Garden and Parque Lage
On your final day you might want to take it easy before your flight home. This is therefore the perfect day to take a leisurely stroll through the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, home to exotic plants, towering palm trees, and serene paths. Nearby, visit Parque Lage, a picturesque park with a charming café and stunning views of Christ the Redeemer. Or you might just want to spend more time at the beach or maybe you haven’t had time to do all the other activities and want to spend your last day on that instead.
If you have extra time before your flight or maybe more days in Rio, consider visiting one of these:
• The Maze: A vibrant art gallery and jazz venue in a unique hilltop setting.
• Ilha Grande: A tropical paradise ideal for a day trip or overnight stay.
• Helicopter Tour: Get a bird’s-eye view of Rio’s landmarks.
Book the perfect helicopter tour with open doors so you can see everything better here.
No matter how you end up spending your last day, I really hope you have had a great time in Rio and that this guide has helped you plan an amazing vacation in one of my favorite cities in South America!
Until next time,
Ingrid❤️