Pre-cruise Tours in Rio

[RestonCruiser]

We are on the Crown from Rio on January 4, 2017. Planning to arrive two days early and looking for suggestions for pre-cruise tours for the Rio highlights.

[VidaNaPraia]

You don't necessarily need a guide in Rio. Just grab a yellow taxi to the "highlights". Yellow taxis, with the name and phone number of their cooperative painted on the back fender, are known entities and found at all the tourist sights and points with activity.

I think doing your own homework to find out what your preferences might be is more rewarding than being hauled around to what someone else considers "highlights".

 

The big bus tours spend an inordinate time picking up and dropping off among all the hotels. Private guides like Rafa (http://donrafaguestsinrio.blogspot.com) are an option, particularly for getting off the beaten path, but 2 days hardly leaves time to see all the major sights, let alone less traveled ones.

Also, a guide is not a bodyguard, if safety issues for tourists are a concern. Your safety in Brazil depends on your personal behavior, regardless of who you travel with.

 

Note:

If your cruise leaves on January 4, and you intend to be in Rio a couple of days previous to that, bè aware that NYE/Reveillon is a major holiday in Rio. Most hotels sell only multi-night packages, most of which run through January 2, and most will be fully booked (i.e. high demand and no incentive to book less nights). You may have to look for a property that is less popular and/or in a less popular neighborhood than the prime beach neighborhoods of the Zona Sul with the majority of tourist hotels. Or seek out a property whose package may only extend through Jan. 1, not 2.

Guides and tours will be heavily booked way in advance for this time period.

Edited April 6, 2016 by VidaNaPraia

[Mary Ellen]

We used Neyla Bontempo for two days of tours in addition to our airport/hotel and hotel/ship transfers. She was wonderful! This was the first time we used a private guide and we're SO glad we did. She was exceptional and has been our 'gold standard' for all guides since. Some have come close, but no one has been better. There is no way we could have seen as much as we did in Rio without a guide and got so much more from the experience than we would have on our own. The great thing about having a private guide is that the day is customized to your needs and wants.

 

http://www.tourguideneyla.com/

[ORCRUISER]

I honestly don't remember the guide we had arranged with to do a one day post cruise tour but he was a NO SHOW. We were with another couple we had met on CC . We were able to confirm, with the help of other guides at the port, that he wasn't coming because of car troubles. We then found a taxi who was able to take us for the whole day and we saw major sites and had a great day. The driver went with us to most of the sites and we did walk around a bit with him meeting us at assigned places. We had a very nice day of about 12 hours. We loved Rio.

[X1HYCB]

We are on the Crown from Rio on January 4, 2017. Planning to arrive two days early and looking for suggestions for pre-cruise tours for the Rio highlights.

 

We were on the Star from Rio to Valparaiso on 4 Jan 16. We left LA on 28 Dec, arrived Rio on 29th. Stayed overnight in Rio and flew to Iguazu. The hotel at Rio stored our bags until we returned on 1 Jan 16. Went to see the Rio "highlights" until we boarded the ship on 4 Jan 16. Also, had two days post-cruise at Santiago. Wish we could have stayed longer!

 

Two days is not enough time.

[socaljo]

We are on the Crown from Rio on January 4, 2017. Planning to arrive two days early and looking for suggestions for pre-cruise tours for the Rio highlights.

We just booked that cruise too! We are leaving LAX on Jan 1, arrive in Rio at 7:30AM, on the 2nd. I'm thinking half day touring & then collapsing. Full day touring on the 3rd.

I just started looking for tour guides myself! Was going to post this exact thread! :D There is a roll call started, are you on that yet? I figured as it got closer I'd try on there for a private excursion group.

 

[socaljo]

We used Neyla Bontempo for two days of tours in addition to our airport/hotel and hotel/ship transfers. She was wonderful! This was the first time we used a private guide and we're SO glad we did. She was exceptional and has been our 'gold standard' for all guides since. Some have come close, but no one has been better. There is no way we could have seen as much as we did in Rio without a guide and got so much more from the experience than we would have on our own. The great thing about having a private guide is that the day is customized to your needs and wants.

 

http://www.tourguideneyla.com/

Thanks for that info, so glad to have such a glowing review! I just emailed her for our upcoming visit!

[Mary Ellen]

Thanks for that info, so glad to have such a glowing review! I just emailed her for our upcoming visit!

 

Great! We (3 adults) paid right about the same (once we included the admission fees and lunch) for our day in Rio as our friends did with a HAL tour. IIRC the price difference was $5. We had a far, FAR better experience with Neyla. (Besides the logistical differences of 3 vs. 40+, they had problems with their guide.) We not only saw much more but our restaurant for lunch was better. We ate at a place right across the water from Sugar Loaf. The food was excellent. We were also seated at a much larger table than we needed, but it had the best views in the house. They did know her there, so that might have had something to do with it. Our friends on the HAL tour went to some place that did large groups - and had no view whatsoever.

 

The places we went, that the HAL group didn't, included the Sambadrome as it was being prepared for Carnival the next week and the Lapa Steps. The artist creating those tiled steps was there, so she introduced us. He's quite a character.

 

For our other day of touring we went to the "mountain" city of Petropolis. It was nice to see some of Brazil besides Rio. We enjoyed that very much.

Edited April 19, 2016 by Mary Ellen

[socaljo]

Great! We (3 adults) paid right about the same (once we included the admission fees and lunch) for our day in Rio as our friends did with a HAL tour. IIRC the price difference was $5. We had a far, FAR better experience with Neyla. (Besides the logistical differences of 3 vs. 40+, they had problems with their guide.) We not only saw much more but our restaurant for lunch was better. We ate at a place right across the water from Sugar Loaf. The food was excellent. We were also seated at a much larger table than we needed, but it had the best views in the house. They did know her there, so that might have had something to do with it. Our friends on the HAL tour went to some place that did large groups - and had no view whatsoever.

 

The places we went, that the HAL group didn't, included the Sambadrome as it was being prepared for Carnival the next week and the Lapa Steps. The artist creating those tiled steps was there, so she introduced us. He's quite a character.

 

For our other day of touring we went to the "mountain" city of Petropolis. It was nice to see some of Brazil besides Rio. We enjoyed that very much.

We just put our deposit down for a full day tour with one of her associates! We're still drooling over the options for what to see! It is the same as paying for a ship excursion, we're thrilled to have such a unique experience. Thanks again! :D

[VidaNaPraia]

We just put our deposit down for a full day tour with one of her associates

 

Sorry to hear that.

This private guide business is very much a "cult of personality", one person not necessarily interchangeable with another, a glowing review for one saying absolutely nothing about the other. Guides tend to throw anyone into the breach if they themselves are already booked.

Best of luck.

 

We're still drooling over the options for what to see! .....we're thrilled to have such a unique experience.

 

Take a thorough look at the informational site www dot ipanema dot com for a good overview of neighborhoods, museums, sights, music, beaches, etc in Rio.

With only one day, you will probably have time for major sights and not much off-the-beaten-path, anyway, although the culture may feel so different to some that whatever they see is exotic.

To make the most of one day, the advantage of hiring a private guide is to get one with a personal car, to get around more efficiently to more places. Not all have them (cars are double the price for the same model if purchased in the US), and a guide has to be earning pretty well to buy one. Some simply hire a driver with a car for the day; that person will be waiting around while you tour most places, that don't allow or favor cars. If you're shlepping around with a guide on public transportation, you might as well be doing it yourself, IMO, and read a good guidebook.

The two heights (the Cristo, Sugarloaf) need a clear day to be worth it; otherwise, no spectacular city views. Get off the paved paths on top of Sugarloaf to see miko monkeys in the trees and buzzards soaring. There are a few ways to get up Corcovado to the Cristo: Van, car or cog train. The van or car (parking is limited to less than a dozen spaces in the official lot) takes you most of the way up to an official van that completes the trip to the top. The charming cog train boards a live samba band to go up the mountain and has great views. If your guide is officially registered with the city, s/he has the privilege of cutting to the front of the line with clients; if not, get there at opening (8am) to avoid lines.

 

For somewhat more off-the-major-path places: exquisite Joa beach, ferry to Niteroi with views back to Rio (maybe visit art museum architecture and lunch at fish market), Seleron stairs (artist sadly died quite some time ago), vista points in Tijuca (perhaps with monkeys along the road) and waterfalls, Marependi wetlands, ethnographic art museum in Quinta de Boa Vista, Feira Nodestina, fish market at Copacabana Posto 6 in early morning, costume shop at Sambidromo for photos, Lapa for live samba music at night........

 

 

YouTube videos are a good way to get an idea of all these places.

Edited April 20, 2016 by VidaNaPraia

[socaljo]

Sorry to hear that.

This private guide business is very much a "cult of personality", one person not necessarily interchangeable with another, a glowing review for one saying absolutely nothing about the other. Guides tend to throw anyone into the breach if they themselves are already booked.

Best of luck.

 

 

 

Take a thorough look at the informational site www dot ipanema dot com for a good overview of neighborhoods, museums, sights, music, beaches, etc in Rio.

With only one day, you will probably have time for major sights and not much off-the-beaten-path, anyway, although the culture may feel so different to some that whatever they see is exotic.

To make the most of one day, the advantage of hiring a private guide is to get one with a personal car, to get around more efficiently to more places. Not all have them (cars are double the price for the same model if purchased in the US), and a guide has to be earning pretty well to buy one. Some simply hire a driver with a car for the day; that person will be waiting around while you tour most places, that don't allow or favor cars. If you're shlepping around with a guide on public transportation, you might as well be doing it yourself, IMO, and read a good guidebook.

The two heights (the Cristo, Sugarloaf) need a clear day to be worth it; otherwise, no spectacular city views. Get off the paved paths on top of Sugarloaf to see miko monkeys in the trees and buzzards soaring. There are a few ways to get up Corcovado to the Cristo: Van, car or cog train. The van or car (parking is limited to less than a dozen spaces in the official lot) takes you most of the way up to an official van that completes the trip to the top. The charming cog train boards a live samba band to go up the mountain and has great views. If your guide is officially registered with the city, s/he has the privilege of cutting to the front of the line with clients; if not, get there at opening (8am) to avoid lines.

 

For somewhat more off-the-major-path places: exquisite Joa beach, ferry to Niteroi with views back to Rio (maybe visit art museum architecture and lunch at fish market), Seleron stairs (artist sadly died quite some time ago), vista points in Tijuca (perhaps with monkeys along the road) and waterfalls, Marependi wetlands, ethnographic art museum in Quinta de Boa Vista, Feira Nodestina, fish market at Copacabana Posto 6 in early morning, costume shop at Sambidromo for photos, Lapa for live samba music at night........

 

 

YouTube videos are a good way to get an idea of all these places.

Thanks for the tips! We will have the first day on our own after arriving early morning. We will check out some of the closer sights that you suggested.

 

I agree that sometimes the replacements aren't all they should be, but this lady's company even has nice reviews about some of her other guides. Tons of accolades, and a CAR to take us around. :D It was not one of the bargain tours, so I do have expectations of a good day. I'm sure it will be, after all a day in Rio, is better than a day at home!

 

Happy Sailing!

[jawsbad]

Check with Dobrazilright.com for tours in Rio. Marcelo will answer all your questions and provide you with a quality experience in Rio. We used him last March for Carnaval and a full day tour to Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer.

 

His prices are very reasonable.

[82871]

We are on same cruise and Viator has a airport pickup, then drop off to hotel in South Zone ( hotel not included ), then all day city tour to the major attractions. The cost for pickup, hotel drop off and all day tour is $78.

[socaljo]

We are on same cruise and Viator has a airport pickup, then drop off to hotel in South Zone ( hotel not included ), then all day city tour to the major attractions. The cost for pickup, hotel drop off and all day tour is $78.

That sounds like a bargain! We fly in early Tuesday morning. Not sure how we'll be faring after the flights. We've booked an all day tour for Wednesday, but I think we are just going to see some things on our own that first day if we're up to it. Or sleep in the hotel lobby until our room is ready! :p

There is a roll call going, not very active yet, but I'm sure it will get there as we get closer! :D

[VidaNaPraia]

That sounds like a bargain! We fly in early Tuesday morning. Not sure how we'll be faring after the flights. We've booked an all day tour for Wednesday, but I think we are just going to see some things on our own that first day if we're up to it.

 

Note: These bus tours spend an inordinate amount of the total time making the rounds of hotels, in traffic, to pick up and drop off. And any restaurant for lunch that can accomodate a bus load is likely to be mediocre.

It is quite easy and safe, as well as much cheaper, to get around by regular yellow taxi. (If you'd like help organizing an itinerary, I'd be happy to assist.)

 

Also note: the one day fee of U$78 is about 1/3 of the monthly minimum salary most Brazilians support an entire family on, so "bargain" is relative.

[socaljo]

Note: These bus tours spend an inordinate amount of the total time making the rounds of hotels, in traffic, to pick up and drop off. And any restaurant for lunch that can accomodate a bus load is likely to be mediocre.

It is quite easy and safe, as well as much cheaper, to get around by regular yellow taxi. (If you'd like help organizing an itinerary, I'd be happy to assist.)

 

Also note: the one day fee of U$78 is about 1/3 of the monthly minimum salary most Brazilians support an entire family on, so "bargain" is relative.

That is so sweet of you! I had read about the ease of using the taxis to go see some sights on our own, so we are looking forward to doing that on Tuesday. We would love some suggestions on what to see!

 

Our full day tour on Wednesday is a private tour where we choose what to see as well. They also have many suggested places to see. We will be studying all the options, we do have lots of time yet...not that anyone is counting the days already, or anything silly like that! :p But oh yea! 232 days till we're on our way to Rio! :D

[VidaNaPraia]

I would use the time with a dedicated vehicle and informed local to get a bit off the beaten path. Maybe go out to gorgeous little Joa beach. Drive up into Tijuca to one or two of the vista points, see a waterfall, and maybe some monkeys. Use the guide for history info on downtown buildings if you haven't explored on Tuesday on your own after reading a good guidebook. And for a bit of backup support to visit the unique Seleron Stairs, the top of which can be dodgy at times.

And take advantage of having a registered tour guide who has the right to jump to the front of the line with you at the Christ statue. (If they aren't registered with the city as an official guide, that's a problem IMO) Usually it's best to get to the train station to go up the mountain first thing when they open, but on your Tuesday arrival day, you may not be able to.

 

Tuesday, you could take a ferry ride (12 minutes, leaves every 15) from Praca Quinze near downtown, across the bay to Niteroi to see the view back to Rio and maybe the spaceship MAM building by taxi from the dock on that side.

You could take the trolley (bondinho) from downtown near the Cathedral up into the Santa Teresa neighborhood, with its charming homes, shops, museum, views and Aprazivel restaurant. Stay on the main thoroughfares though.

You could visit the Botanic Garden, and walk around the Lagoa.

Stop at a beachside kiosk in Copacabana or Ipanema for a beer or coconut water. Check out the sand sculptures alongside the mosaic sidewalk.

You could visit the Feira Nordestina, with music, food and crafts from the northeast region of the country.

Cap the day at Sugarloaf, or continue on to the rocks at Arpoador (between Coapacabana and Ipanema) for sunset.

Perhaps try BipBip Bar for some live music at night. (Ask your hotel to direct you.) Generally I would recommend live samba in a club in Lapa, but Tuesday/ Wednesday nights are quiet.

 

There are some good maps and introductory info on http://www.ipanema.com

[socaljo]

I would use the time with a dedicated vehicle and informed local to get a bit off the beaten path. Maybe go out to gorgeous little Joa beach. Drive up into Tijuca to one or two of the vista points, see a waterfall, and maybe some monkeys. Use the guide for history info on downtown buildings if you haven't explored on Tuesday on your own after reading a good guidebook. And for a bit of backup support to visit the unique Seleron Stairs, the top of which can be dodgy at times.

And take advantage of having a registered tour guide who has the right to jump to the front of the line with you at the Christ statue. (If they aren't registered with the city as an official guide, that's a problem IMO) Usually it's best to get to the train station to go up the mountain first thing when they open, but on your Tuesday arrival day, you may not be able to.

 

Tuesday, you could take a ferry ride (12 minutes, leaves every 15) from Praca Quinze near downtown, across the bay to Niteroi to see the view back to Rio and maybe the spaceship MAM building by taxi from the dock on that side.

You could take the trolley (bondinho) from downtown near the Cathedral up into the Santa Teresa neighborhood, with its charming homes, shops, museum, views and Aprazivel restaurant. Stay on the main thoroughfares though.

You could visit the Botanic Garden, and walk around the Lagoa.

Stop at a beachside kiosk in Copacabana or Ipanema for a beer or coconut water. Check out the sand sculptures alongside the mosaic sidewalk.

You could visit the Feira Nordestina, with music, food and crafts from the northeast region of the country.

Cap the day at Sugarloaf, or continue on to the rocks at Arpoador (between Coapacabana and Ipanema) for sunset.

Perhaps try BipBip Bar for some live music at night. (Ask your hotel to direct you.) Generally I would recommend live samba in a club in Lapa, but Tuesday/ Wednesday nights are quiet.

 

There are some good maps and introductory info on www.ipanema.com

Oh my goodness! What an exciting list! Thank you so much! You are correct about your advice about using a registered tour guide, that's who we've hired for Wed. We will see some of the "big" things with them. I love the ferry idea!

 

Thanks again for taking the time to assist! I love the anticipation of traveling almost as much as the travel itself, it's not quite as exhausting! :p

[VidaNaPraia]

Yes, I love getting out on the water in seaside cities.

If you can find the original film Black Orpheus on Netflix or Amazon....

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Orpheus

......you can see in the opening shots the heroine arriving in Rio from the countryside at Carnaval time on that very same ferry route. Romantic.

As you leave the dock in Rio, notice the fairytale castle buildings on Ilha Fiscal, on your left. There is a tour available. They belong to the navy iirc.

 

Other water excursions could be to the Marependi wetlands, on the south side of the city, or to carless Paqueta island with its Colonial buildings. Perhaps on another trip with more time.

 

------

Note: I mentioned "registered" guide because not all, even the popular, frequently indicated ones are, in fact, registered with the city. The proof of the pudding is if you can cut to the front of the train line at Corcovado.

Edited May 14, 2016 by VidaNaPraia

[socaljo]

Yes, our guide did mention the ability to cut lines, seeing CR early morning, many of the suggestions you made too! They were not a bargain company, very highly rated. We read many reviews and wanted to secure someone early with arrival during the holidays, we knew it would be a busy time.

Thanks again! :D

[wishfulone]

We prebooke a city tour with Viator starting at dawn etc. It was highly recommended on Tripadvisor and other sites at the time but turned out to be rather disappointing. The minivan was falling apart and totally overcrowded with two passengers balancing over the wheel hubs for the entire morning and to top it off, the guide was abrupt and dismissive of any questions.

 

Next day we went on a fevela tour booked through the hotel front desk. It couldn't have been more different. Excellent, excellent, excellent.