Rio Romance: Cog Trains, Sunset Peaks & Samba Nights
See it in NavoyFive balanced days that combine Rio's icons with its culture and quieter moments for two. Ride the Corcovado train early, take the Santa Teresa tram and watch the sun set from Sugarloaf. Hike Tijuca Forest and spend a day in Centro's museums, then finish with swan boats on the lagoon. Base yourselves in Ipanema, which has the metro and the sunset beaches. Santa Teresa is an easy day-trip neighborhood. The plan comes to about US$770 of the US$800 activity budget.
1Mosaic Steps & Hilltop Bohemia
$58Start in Lapa with the tiled Selarón steps, then ride the yellow tram up into Santa Teresa's artsy, cobbled hills. Lunch is a long, relaxed one at a classic Santa Teresa bar, followed by a garden-filled mansion museum. Take the metro back to Ipanema (or stay for a romantic Santa Teresa dinner) for a slow evening.
Mosaic Steps & Hilltop Bohemia
Escadaria Selarón
Walk up the famous 215 steps covered in tiles from around the world. Go early for photos with fewer crowds. It is free, and it makes a good start to the day in Lapa.
Santa Teresa Tram (Bonde) Ride
Board the vintage yellow tram near Carioca. It crosses the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct and climbs into Santa Teresa. Stand on the running board for the best views. Buy tickets at the terminal, cash or card, and check the schedule that morning because service has been intermittent in the past.
Lunch at Bar do Mineiro
Order feijoada or the bean fritters and a caipirinha at this beloved neighborhood institution near Largo dos Guimarães. Take your time, and browse the galleries and ateliers nearby afterward.
Museu Chácara do Céu & Parque das Ruínas Views
Visit the hillside art museum in a modernist house with a garden and sweeping bay views. Then walk to the nearby ruined mansion at Parque das Ruínas, a romantic lookout. Check opening days in advance, as some Santa Teresa sites close on certain weekdays.
2Christ at Dawn, Sugarloaf at Dusk
$190Catch the first Corcovado trains before the crowds and clouds. Then settle into a leisurely lunch and a stroll through the Jardim Botânico. End with the cable car up Sugarloaf to watch sunset turn the bay gold.
Christ at Dawn, Sugarloaf at Dusk
Corcovado Train & Christ the Redeemer
Arrive by 07:30 for the roughly 08:00 departure. Book timed tickets online in advance, as morning slots sell out. The cog train climbs through Tijuca's Atlantic rainforest to the statue and its panoramic views over the city. The ticket covers the round trip and the monument.
Largo do Boticário & Cosme Velho Lunch
Wander the pastel colonial courtyard just down the street, then have a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant in Cosme Velho.
Jardim Botânico do Rio
Stroll the royal palm avenue, orchid house and shaded paths. It is a calm, romantic interlude between two big sights.
Sugarloaf Cable Car at Sunset
Take the two-stage cable car via Morro da Urca to the summit. Sunset is around 17:30 in late August, so arrive by about 16:15 and stay for the city lights. Afterward, walk the Urca waterfront or have an early dinner in Urca.
3Rainforest Summit & Arpoador Glow
$230Spend the morning hiking in Tijuca National Park, then head to Ipanema for lunch and beach time. Sunset from Arpoador rock is the highlight, followed by a romantic dinner.
Rainforest Summit & Arpoador Glow
Pico da Tijuca Guided Hike
A guided hike through Tijuca Forest, passing waterfalls and rainforest to the 1,021 m summit and its 360° views. It takes about 3 to 4 hours at a moderate pace. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. The park opens at 08:00.
Lunch in Ipanema
Refuel with a relaxed Brazilian lunch near Praça General Osório after the ride back from the forest.
Ipanema Beach & Arpoador Sunset
Rent two beach chairs, sip fresh coconut water, then walk to Arpoador rock for the sunset. Locals traditionally applaud as the sun drops.
Romantic Dinner at Zazá Bistrô Tropical
Dine in a tropical garden setting with creative Brazilian dishes. Book a table in advance.
4Centro Culture Day & Lapa Samba
$132Immerse yourselves in Rio's art and history in Centro, starting at Praça Mauá's two museums. Lunch in the Belle Époque Confeitaria Colombo. After a rest, end the night with live samba in Lapa. Most museums are closed on Mondays, so Thursday works well.
Centro Culture Day & Lapa Samba
Museu do Amanhã
Santiago Calatrava's striking science museum looks at humanity's future and sustainability. The exhibits are interactive and the waterfront setting is lovely.
Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR)
Explore this museum of Rio's art and culture, set in restored historic buildings. The rooftop terrace has views over the port.
Lunch at Confeitaria Colombo
Take the VLT tram to this 1894 café with its stained glass and Belgian mirrors. Have a pastry lunch or afternoon tea. If you have energy, the nearby Real Gabinete Português de Leitura is a short walk away and worth a quick look at its ornate library hall.
Live Samba in Lapa
After a rest at the hotel, head to Lapa for a samba show and dancing at Carioca da Gema. Arrive by 20:00 for a good table, and take an Uber home.
5Fort, Lagoon & Farewell Dinner
$157A gentle last day with a historic seafront fort, a long lunch and a swan-boat ride on the Lagoa. End with a farewell dinner by the water. No departure details were given, so the day finishes in the evening.
Fort, Lagoon & Farewell Dinner
Forte de Copacabana
Tour the 1914 coastal fort, its military museum and the cannon-lined ramparts overlooking Copacabana. Have a coffee at the fort's café overlooking the waves.
Lunch in Ipanema
A leisurely lunch of fresh seafood or a Brazilian por-kilo buffet close to your hotel. Pick up last-minute souvenirs afterward.
Swan Pedal Boat on Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Pedal a swan-shaped boat around the lagoon with Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer in the background. It is a playful, romantic activity.
Farewell Dinner by the Lagoa
Have caipirinhas and a farewell dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants as the lagoon lights come on.