Private Tours in Rio de Janeiro

Discover Rio through the Eyes of the Cariocas

Experience Rio de Janeiro beyond postcards with local Carioca tour guides who truly know the soul and hidden gems of the city.

Our private tours in Rio de Janeiro go beyond sightseeing — they’re about genuine connections, vibrant energy, and authentic local life.

Whether it’s your first time in Rio or your tenth, we’ll show you a side of the city that travelers rarely see.

Why Choose Rio de Janeiro by Cariocas?

We’re not a big corporate travel agency — we’re a small and dedicated team of passionate locals who love sharing the essence of Rio.
Every experience is either created or carefully handpicked by us, who grew up between the beach, samba, and mountains — blending cultural immersion, hidden gems, and meaningful connections.

Our promise: No tourist traps, no rush — just authentic, safe, and unforgettable days in Rio.

Perfect for: couples, families, solo travelers, or groups of friends who want to feel the real Rio.

  • ✅ 100% private
  • 🚗 Comfortable and premium transportation + bilingual tour guides
  • 💛 Run by locals

Discover Our Private Tours

Explore our curated collection of authentic Rio experiences — each designed to showcase a different side of the city.

Private Transfer

Rio de Janeiro Private Airport Transfer

Book a private airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro with meet and greet, luggage assistance, and comfortable vehicles. Available for arrival, departure, or round-trip service between GIG Airport and South...

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Rio Wild Beaches Hiking Adventure

Explore Rio’s wild western coastline on a hiking adventure from Barra de Guaratiba to Praia do Perigoso, with secluded beaches, Atlantic Forest trails, ocean views, and the optional Pedra da...

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Brazilian Cooking Class

Learn to cook Picanha or Seafood Moqueca – two of the most famous Brazilian recipes and how to make Caipirinha and Brigadeiro in a half-day cooking class, then eat!

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Christ the Redeemer Signature Experience

Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue with a curated experience tailored to your style. Choose between classic, early access with breakfast, or scenic viewpoints, with a local bilingual guide...

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What Travelers Say

Robert Qian profile picture
Robert Qian
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Had a great time! Great seats and pregame. She was very knowledgeable about the history of Flamengo and good energy
Leo Carvalho profile picture
Leo Carvalho
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
They had the best tour guides in Rio to provide you a good and authentic experience
Kia Crittenden profile picture
Kia Crittenden
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I had an exceptional experience with Cariocas Travel, especially working with Renata. She was incredibly communicative, checking in ahead of time, ensuring every detail was clear, confirming things ran smoothly day-of, and even following up afterward. The trip to Rio was in celebration of my birthday with 25 of my friends joining me. Planning for a group of 25 can be complex, but she handled everything effortlessly, accommodating both small personal requests and larger group needs. I felt completely confident that everything was in the best hands, which allowed me to truly relax and enjoy the experience. One of our guests even joked that he wanted her to organize and run his life, which says it all. Highly recommend!
Teri Roberts profile picture
Teri Roberts
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Jeremy Daines profile picture
Jeremy Daines
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We spent a week in Rio in late March 2026 and used Rio de Janeiro by Cariocas Travel for three private (i.e. dedicated, not group) tours. A half day in the Tijuca national park, a half day at the wonderful Barra de Guaratiba with Sitio Burle Marx garden and a full day trip to Petropolis. We had the same guide for each trip, who drove his own car. The guide went out of his way to ensure a good experience. So, on the basis of our experience, I can recommend Rio de Janeiro by Cariocas Travel. We also went to the Roxy dinner show in Copacabana and Sugarloaf Mountain. I tried to book tickets for both of these using the official websites (not third party ones) but neither attractions’ websites would “allow” use of my UK credit cards. However, Rio de Janeiro by Cariocas Travel made these bookings and provided a simple online payment method, which worked.
Carolina Costa profile picture
Carolina Costa
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I booked a private tour of Christ the Redeemer and the Tijuca Forest with Rio de Janeiro by Cariocas for my husband and my in-laws, who were visiting Brazil from the US for the first time. From start to finish, the experience was perfect. Booking from the UK was incredibly smooth, with no issues using my international card. They coordinated with me via WhatsApp to customize the day for our group’s needs. Our guide, Lais, was fantastic; she was punctual, super knowledgeable, and had a great energy that kept everyone engaged. Since my in-laws don't speak Portuguese, having a bilingual guide and an air-conditioned car made the whole day enjoyable and easy. If you want a stress-free, high-quality way to experience Rio, I can’t recommend them enough 🙂
Angelo Gabriele profile picture
Angelo Gabriele
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great tours and customer service. We worked with Renata to book and coordinate and she was amazing! Highly recommend.
Ang profile picture
Ang
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I left Brasil with tears in my eyes after the incredible experience I had with Monique and her team. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel so welcomed and truly cared for. Throughout the entire trip, Monique and the team laughed with our group, creating such a fun, warm, and unforgettable atmosphere. Monique has such a beautiful soul, and it shows in the way she treats everyone around her. Every member of the team was kind, welcoming, and always willing to help, which made the whole experience even more special. This was more than just a trip—it was a memory I’ll carry with me for a long time. I’m already hoping to come back again soon!
Skylie Shore profile picture
Skylie Shore
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
THE BEST TOUR COMPANY EVER!!!!! Monique exceeded every expectation, she was beyond helpful, energetic, and so personable. I brought a group of 16 young women and everyone LOVED HER. She was so professional, helpful, kind, and brought the entire trip to life. This company helped me create the perfect itinerary, answered all questions, made sure everything ran smoothly, and overall BLEW me away with the level of service they provided. Rio by Cariocas is by far the best company I have ever partnered with. I highly recommend booking with them for a TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!!!!!
Julia Benjamin profile picture
Julia Benjamin
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Had the best time! Such a great team and detailed itinerary. Highly recommend.

Talk to a Carioca Travel Designer

Tell us your dates, interests and pace — we’ll craft a private tour that feels just right for you.

Rio de Janeiro by Cariocas is a licensed local DMC. Our guides are certified and rooted in Rio’s culture. Registered under CNPJ 29.389.362/0001-06.

Frequently Asked Questions

Designed and run by locals. We avoid tourist traps, tailor the pace, and connect you with real culture and hidden gems.

Yes — comfortable and premium vehicles with bilingual guides. Walking-only options on request.

Absolutely. Timing, interests, food stops, accessibility — we adapt to you.

Yes. We adjust routes to kids’ ages, add breaks and safe, fun stops.