Rio de Janeiro
Full-day excursion to Corcovado and Sugar Loaf mountain with BBQ lunch
This full-day private excursion will take you to all the highlights of Rio de Janeiro. In the morning we drive to the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (lagoon) after which you arrive at the Rebouças tunnel. This 2.6 kilometre long complex tunnel links the southern and northern parts of the city separated by the Tijuca National Forest making Rio the only city in the world to have a National Park five minutes from downtown.
After arriving at the Cosme Velho district, a Swiss-made cogwheel train takes you up the Corcovado Mountain from its base at 15 metres to its summit at 670 metres. The mountain has been Rio’s top attraction and has been widely praised by famous Brazilian composers. Reach the peak by climbing a flight of steps to the base of Christ the Redeemer statue. This statue covered with a mosaic of soapstone, is one of Rio’s finest Art Nouveau monuments and has recently been proclaimed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. From this vantage point you can view the surrounding Tijuca Park below along with a circle of mountains closing the horizon at the very back of the Guanabara Bay. On the way back, you will pass through the downtown area and Edson Passos Avenue. Descending into Barra da Tijuca you will stop for lunch at one of the few fine barbecue restaurants.
After lunch, drive past the famous beaches and visit Sugar Loaf Mountain, known world over as Rio’s postcard and a must-see. You will arrive here in the afternoon which is the best time to enjoy the view. Sugar Loaf Mountain is reached by a two-stage cable car ride accommodating up to 50 people per trip. Each stage is a two-minute ride. The first stage, Morro da Urca is barely 170 metres high and has a restaurant, amphitheatre, a heliport for scenic rides and a privileged view of the Yacht Club and Botafogo Bay. The second stage takes you up to Sugar Loaf, named because of the loaves of sugar that were commonly used by the Portuguese at the time of the discovery of the city. Take in the unrivaled all-encompassing view of this privileged 270-metre high lookout before returning to your hotel.
This excursion includes pick-up and drop-off from Rio de Janeiro hotels, English-speaking guide and lunch.