Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain/Christ the Redeemer Statue, and City Tour
One of the most popular tours in Rio de Janeiro is to take the 2 stage cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain, and then up Corcavado Mountain to visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue. You can choose half day (4 hour) and full day (8 hour) excursions, and both typically include the fact that you'll be seeing some city highlights en route to and from the mountain. After a coach drive, you then board a cog wheel train en route to the top of Cocovado Mountain to see the Christ the Redeemer Statue. Full day tours through the cruise lines typically include lunch at a Brazilian restaurant. The cable car ride stops ½ way up Sugarloaf at a viewing platform where you'll enjoy incredible vistas of the city and surrounding terrain. Then you continue upward to the 125 ft. tall Christ the Redeemer statue. If you've opted for lunch, this occurs after the cable car ride. Highlights of the city that you'll see along the way include Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, the Sambodromo District (where Carnival parades occur), and the Candelaria Church (circa early 19th century.
Price: Adults expect to pay from $60 to $200, depending upon the length of the tour, and perks such as lunch.
Booking Advice: Half day tours are typically rated as moderately physically taxing, and full day tour are considered to be arduous. For all tours up Cocovado Mountain, there's usually a stipulation that this portion of the tour may be cancelled should inclement weather occur. Half day tours of either Sugarloaf or Corcovado Mountain tend to run between $85 to $100 through the cruise lines. Cruise line prices appear to be highly competitive with online 3rd party vendors.
Basic City Highlights Tour
This is a no frills way to take in the city highlights that does not include rides up Sugarloaf or Corcovado Mountain. You'll see Rio de Janeiro highlights including the 19th century Candelaria Church, the Sambodoro District (where Carnival parades are held), the Botanical Garden, and Leblon, Copacabana, and Ipanema beaches, and have views of Sugarloaf.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $40 for a 4 hour coach tour.
Booking Advice: These tours are rated as easy with regard to physical exercise. Cruise line prices appear to be competitive with 3rd party vendors.
Rain Forest Jeep Adventure
If nature is your thing, this excursion may be just perfect for you. This guided tour takes you on a ride and a walk through Tijuca National Park, which consists of 8,000 acres of rain forest.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $85 for this 4 hour tour.
Booking Advice: These tours are rated as moderate in terms of physical exercise. Cruise line prices appear to be competitive.
Historical Rio Tour
Rio de Janeiro's history extends back to the mid 16th century, so it certainly may be worth your while to explore the city's “Cultural Corridor,” with highlights including the Palace of Pedro I, the Candelaria Church, the octagonal Gloria Baroque Church, and the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct (which is now used as a tramway). You'll also see the modern cathedral and the Municipal Theater before exploring the pedestrian area.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $35 for this 4 hour tour.
Booking Advice: These tours are rated as moderate in terms of physical exercise. Cruise line prices appear to be competitive.
Petropolis Tour
Petropolis was the mountain retreat of Brazil's last emperor. The crown jewels and elegant furnishings are in this mid 19th century palace which became a museum in 1943. In the surrounding area, you'll also see 19th centuries houses, and the Catedral de Sao Pedro de Alcantra (which is where the Emporer Dom Pedro II and his wife are interred). Enjoy churrascaria fare for lunch at a restaurant in Petropolis.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $100 for this 8 hour tour that typically includes lunch.
Booking Advice: These tours are rated as moderate in terms of physical exercise. Cruise line prices appear to be competitive.