3 days in Rio – complete itinerary

You already know that Rio de Janeiro is a dream destination and receives millions of visitors from all over the world. However, some people don’t have that much time in the city to enjoy everything it has to offer. So, check out a complete and unmissable itinerary here to enjoy the city in 3 days for the first time. As we have already said here, Rio has options for all tastes, budgets and ages. So, it is a destination that is always worth revisiting. There is never a shortage of attractions to visit. But even for a short period in the city, like 3 days, it is possible to enjoy the main highlights.

First day – A Day in Rio

Firstly, your 3 days in the Marvelous City need to start with a good night’s sleep and a rich breakfast. After all, here your itinerary begins with “A Day in Rio”, a complete tour of the city’s main tourist attractions: Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Cable Car Park, Maracanã, Sambadrome, Cathedral and Escadaria Selarón. You will be picked up from your hotel and go straight to Christ the Redeemer – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – at the top of Corcovado. Then, pass by the legendary football stadium Maracanã (external visit) and go to the Sambódromo, stage of Rio’s exciting Carnival. Afterwards, head to the center of Rio and visit the distinctive Metropolitan Cathedral, a modern structure influenced by the Mayan pyramids, and walk along the colorful tiles of the world-famous Selarón Escadaria, one of Rio de Janeiro’s most distinctive landmarks. Then, we stopped at a delicious restaurant to enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue. After lunch, we go to Pão de Açúcar, located in the Urca neighborhood. Take two cable cars on your way to the top, first reaching Morro da Urca and continuing to the top of Pão de Açúcar, reaching a height of 395 m. Finally, conclude the tour with a beautiful panorama of Rio de Janeiro, which, depending on the season, may be accompanied by a beautiful sunset. Certainly, to have a hassle-free day, the “A day in Rio” tour is the perfect option to discover the city’s main tourist highlights on the same day with comfort and practicality. You will be picked up at a meeting point and once you board the van you don’t have to worry about anything else.

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Night

Finally, after a long day, how about ending the night on the most famous seafront in the country? Enjoy dinner at the Quiosque in Copacabana, with good food and live music. To the sound of a local band and the waves crashing in the background, enjoy the breeze and toast a glass of caipirinha. After all, you are in the Marvelous City!

Spread throughout the coast of Rio, the kiosks are an option for those who want to discover Brazilian cuisine. After all, each one has their own personality and, different from what they imagine, they offer more than just simple snacks and drinks. Furthermore, it is a good option to safely experience Rio’s nightlife on Brazil’s most famous beach.

Kiosk Coisa de Carioca at night.

For more information, see each Kiosk:
Carioca Thing – Copacabana – Different styles
Mané – Copacabana – Different styles
Samba Social Clube – Copacabana – Samba
La Carioca – Ipanema – Jazz

Second day – A day in Arraial do Cabo

After a busy day full of Rio’s main beauties, there is nothing better than a good night’s sleep. And then, how about getting to know the Brazilian Caribbean, neighboring Rio? Relax on a schooner ride through the crystal clear waters of Arraial do Cabo.

You will be picked up at your hotel in comfortable transport to take a trip from Rio de Janeiro to the Costa do Sol region. Upon arrival in Arraial do Cabo, board the schooner and admire all the beauty of the region known as the “Brazilian Caribbean”. Sit back and enjoy the paradisiacal views.

During the journey you will stop for diving at crystal clear beaches: Ilha do Farol, Prainhas do Pontal and Praia do Forno. And between the stops you will visit the Blue Grotto, Fenda de Nossa Senhora and the Pedra do Gorila. Then, have lunch at a local restaurant and return to Rio de Janeiro.

Side view of Pontal do Atalaia beach.

*This itinerary may undergo changes without prior notice, by order of the competent authorities, according to maritime conditions.

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Third day – Beaches/parks and Rio Boat Tour

Finally, after 2 days full of excitement, but a little tiring, how about relaxing on the city’s most famous beaches? Walk along the world-renowned Copacabana boardwalk. However, for diving and more tranquility, I recommend the beaches Ipanema, Leblon and Praia Vermelha – Urca, located in the South Zone of the city. Or Barra, Prainha and Grumari, located in the West Zone of the city.

Almost all of them offer facilities with kiosks, which have bathrooms and restaurants, and tents that rent umbrellas and chairs. Take your sarong, change of clothes, cap, sunglasses, a bottle of water and sunscreen. In addition, consider a light bag with only necessary items, leave luxury items at the hotel.

Another option, also to enjoy nature in peace, is to visit the bicentennial Jardim Botânico and Parque Lage, located in the neighborhood and on the same street, they are known for their thousands of species of plants, gardens, monuments and works of art. Also known for its “Instagramável” palace, Parque Lage has different gardens and caves with free access.

External view of the mansion in Parque Lage, with Christ the Redeemer in the background.

Afternoon

Then, to enjoy the beautiful Rio sunset, head to Marina da Glória and embark on the Rio Boat Tour. Take a catamaran tour of Guanabara Bay and see more than 20 tourist attractions (from Rio de Janeiro and Niterói) from a unique angle with stops for photos. Furthermore, at the end of the tour, be surprised by a beautiful sunset on board. Find out more about the tour here.

Night

Finally, to end the night, discover the energy of Rio’s nightlife at Rio Scenarium, one of Rio’s most traditional bars, in the bohemian region of Lapa. Here you will be invited to enjoy a full dinner, open bar and live Brazilian music. Furthermore, the decoration of the place is also charming and was voted one of the 10 best bars in the world by the English newspaper The Guardian in the early 2000s.

Read more about other night tour options in Rio here.

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A 3-day stay in Rio is enough to get to know the variety of the city, its main tourist attractions and best of all, make you want to come back!