Hidden beaches, mountain viewpoints, local neighborhoods, and unforgettable moments — with guides who grew up in these streets.
⭐ Rated 4.9 by 500+ travelers from 40+ countries · Private small-group tours
They're showing you where they grew up — the neighborhoods, the viewpoints, the cafés and stories most visitors never discover.
Not tour guides who memorized facts. Real cariocas who grew up in these neighborhoods and know them like the back of their hand.
Built by CariocasSmall enough to feel like friends, not tourists.
English, Portuguese, Spanish. No one misses a story.
Researched daily. Updated constantly.
Up to 48 hours. No charge, no questions.
"This is the Rio we'd show our friends if they visited us."
Hand-picked small-group tours led by local guides who grew up here.
Ride the cog train through Tijuca Forest up to the iconic statue for panoramic views of the entire city.
"Our favorite day in Brazil. Fernando made it unforgettable."
Two cable car rides up to Sugarloaf timed perfectly to watch the sun set over Guanabara Bay.
"Worth every cent." — Marcus T.
Stroll the famous calçadão promenade, hear the neighborhood history, and stop for fresh coconut water.
"Perfect introduction to Rio." — Aiko S.
Wander cobblestone streets, artist studios, the Selarón Steps, and the Lapa Arches at golden hour.
"Knew every side street." — Priya M.
Trek the world's largest urban rainforest to waterfalls and lookout points few tourists ever reach.
"Absolutely worth it." — James R.
A respectful, community-led walk through Rocinha with a resident guide, supporting local businesses directly.
"Thoughtfully done." — Aiko S.
Not just another sightseeing tour.
Book Your TourFrom golden hour on Sugarloaf to the mosaic streets of Santa Teresa — this is the Rio we can't wait to show you.
"Our guide knew every side street in Santa Teresa. Felt nothing like a typical tour bus experience."
Visited March 2026"Watching the sunset from Sugarloaf with a local telling us stories about the city — worth every cent."
Visited May 2026"The Rocinha tour was thoughtfully done and clearly benefited the community. Highly recommend."
Visited January 2026RioInGuide started with three friends who grew up in Rio's hillside neighborhoods and got tired of watching visitors see the city through a bus window. We keep every group small, hire guides who live in the neighborhoods we tour, and put safety and genuine local connection ahead of ticking off landmarks.
Santa Teresa native · Guiding since 2016
Born in Santa Teresa, Fernando spent his childhood exploring the cobblestone alleys and hidden viewpoints that most visitors walk right past. After studying tourism and working with international travelers for over a decade, he started RioInGuide with two friends who shared the same frustration — watching tourists see their city through a bus window.
Today he leads the Christ the Redeemer and Santa Teresa tours personally, and trains every new guide on the team. His guests consistently mention his energy, his storytelling, and his knack for finding the best local food spots.
Tell us which tour you're interested in and we'll get back within 24 hours to confirm your spot.
Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, we'll help you experience the city through local eyes.