Cariocas — as the inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro are widely known — know how to best take advantage of the Marvelous City in which they live. The wide variety of scenery such as the beaches, a lagoon, forests, and mountains make up their daily lives and influence their lifestyle in various ways. Here are some of the best “carioca” suggestions to spice up your stay in Rio de Janeiro.
10 ways to spice up your stay in Rio:
- Rio Scenarium
- Kayaking in Guanabara bay
- Brazilian culinary experience
- Bar crawl
- Percussion class at Fundicao Progresso
- Stand-up paddle-boarding lessons
- Cachaca tasting
- Bike along the beachfront
- Sailboat cruise
- Soccer match at Engenhao Stadium
1. Rio Scenarium
Nightlife in Rio de Janeiro
There is no other place in Rio that embodies the spirit of the cariocas more than the nightlife scene in the neighborhood of Lapa. Come right to the heart of the action in one of the best clubs in Lapa, Rio Scenarium, an unusual bar, which is a mix between an antique shop and an auction room, where the locals come to listen to traditional Brazilian jazz and samba.
Duration: approximately 4 hours | Rio Scenarium is closed on Sundays and Mondays | Dinner is not included.
2. Kayaking in Guanabara bay
Kayaking tour in Rio beach
The Ocean Kayaking tour couldn’t be in a better place! You will paddle around the impressive granite rock of Sugar Loaf Mountain, having the whole city of Rio as a backdrop! We will drive you to Urca beach where we meet our instructor and learn some safety and technical procedures. Then you will paddle for about 1 hour and 30 minutes through the waters of the Guanabara Bay. On the itinerary your instructor chooses for you, there will be time to rest, swim and have a snack before returning to Urca beach and driving back to the hotel.
Capacity: 10 pax | Duration: 4 hours | *Includes: all equipment, snacks, a safety boat, and stretching before and after the activity.
3. Brazilian culinary experience
Culinary tours in Brazil
This tour offers guests the opportunity to experience how the incredibly mixed Brazilian culture has affected the country’s diverse cuisine. In a relaxed environment, participants will have a hands-on experience with Brazil’s rich cuisine, including a chance to prepare national dishes, drinks and desserts. You will be invited to learn recipes, prepare drinks and in the end eat what they’ve learned! Lessons are 3-4 hours long, during which time the chef welcomes “students” into her kitchen for the hands-on experience, ending in a delicious sampling of the dishes prepared by the students under the chef’s guidance.
Capacity: 1 to 60 pax | Duration: 6 hours | Not available on Sundays.
4. Bar crawl
Bar crawling in Rio de Janeiro
Going on a Bar crawl is the most exciting way to party like a Carioca while touring the cool and well known bars frequented by locals. We will hit up to 3 popular bars within walking distance with 2 complimentary draft beers at each stop. Please note that the bars are very popular and seating availability may be limited.
Tour capacity: 2 to 6 pax | Duration: 3 hours
5. Percussion class at Fundicao Progresso
Percussion class in Rio
In these percussion classes, offered at the historical Fundicao Progresso (Lapa), young people and adults learn the origins, rhythm, songs, and dances of Maracatu de Baque Virado, as well as the nuances of Samba, Coco, and Ciranda. Instructors are proficient in English, French, and Spanish.
Tour Capacity: 10 to 30 pax | Duration: 4 hours
6. Stand-up paddle boarding lessons
Stand-up paddle boarding tours
Stand-up paddle boarding has become a popular carioca pastime, as it is easily accessible to a wide range of ages due to the fact that stand-up boards are larger with more balance and stability than surfboards. Riders propel and steer themselves with a long-shafted paddle, and use different strokes to help them turn and accelerate. Join a 1-hour private Stand-up paddle boarding class on the calm waters of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.
Tour Capacity: 1 to 8 pax | Duration: 1h
7. Cachaca tasting
Cachaca tasting in Rio
Cachaça is the best-selling sugarcane spirit in Brazil. Made from distilled sugar cane juice it is the basis of the national drink of Brazil the caipirinha. Before lunch, a cachaça expert will take you on a tasting experience of this amazing liquor, guiding novices & connoisseurs alike through the proper evaluation techniques for this fine spirit.
Capacity: 1 to 30 pax | Duration: 4 hours
8. Bike along the beachfront
Bike along the beachfront
A pleasant tour along one of the world’s most famous beaches. You will have the chance to feel and observe how the Cariocas enjoy their beaches; running, playing soccer, and cycling along the seashore. On Sundays and national holidays, one side of the avenue is closed for recreation, providing extra space for biking and jogging.
Capacity: up to 12 people | Tour Duration: 4h
9. Sailboat cruise
Sailboat cruise in Rio
Watch the sunset aboard a private sailing boat along Guanabara Bay towards Copacabana beach, one of the most beautiful views in Rio, with Sugar Loaf Mountain towering in the distance. Pass by the bay’s islands and forts as you cruise the idyllic water, perfect for swimming, and appreciate a different perspective of Rio... from the sea! Deluxe picnic service on board, including national or French champagne, mineral water, a selection of cheese, cold cuts, Brazilian fruit preserves, fresh fruits, and assorted bread.
Capacity: up to 6 people | Duration: 4h
10. Soccer match at Engenhao stadium
Watch soccer at Engenhao stadium
Enjoy the opportunity to live and watch a live football match for the Brazilian First Division. Experience the fanaticism with which Brazilians embrace this sport and watch the skillful soccer players who contribute to a rich and exciting Brazilian soccer game.
Tour capacity: 1 to 30 pax | Duration: 4 hours | Private boxes available for groups.
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To enquire about any of these tours contact the team at Viva Expeditions. Click here to view our contacts page.
