Rio de Janeiro Hidden Gems City Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Mosteiro De Sao Bento

  One of the highlights of our Instagram Tour is the stunning São Bento Monastery, a true hidden gem in the heart of downtown Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 1590, this masterpiece of colonial architecture impresses with its richly gilded Baroque interior, intricate wood carvings, and serene atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the city's hustle outside. The monastery’s church, with its golden altar and ceiling frescoes, offers a breathtaking backdrop for unique and elegant photos, making it a favorite stop for culture and photography lovers alike.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura

  A must-see stop on our Instagram Tour in Rio is the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, one of the most photogenic libraries in the world. Its majestic neo-Manueline façade gives way to an awe-inspiring interior filled with over 350,000 rare books, intricate woodwork, and a stunning stained-glass skylight that bathes the room in natural light. The dramatic, cathedral-like atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for striking photos that blend history, architecture, and timeless beauty—all in the city's heart. Important Note: The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading is closed on weekends and national holidays. On these days, we replace this attraction with a visit to the impressive "Etnias" Mural (Mural of Ethnicities) by renowned artist Eduardo Kobra, located at Rio’s Olympic Boulevard.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Escadaria Selaron

  No Instagram Tour of Rio is complete without a visit to the vibrant Selarón Staircase, one of the city’s most iconic and colorful landmarks. Created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón as a tribute to the Brazilian people, this ever-evolving masterpiece features over 2,000 brightly tiled steps in a dazzling mosaic of colors, patterns, and international flair. Set between the bohemian neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa, the staircase is a picture-perfect spot where art, culture, and creativity meet—ideal for capturing bold, unforgettable photos.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4
  Vista Chinesa

  After Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Chinese View (Vista Chinesa) stands out as one of the best panoramic spots in Rio de Janeiro. Nestled within the lush Tijuca Forest, this charming pagoda-style lookout offers a breathtaking, postcard-worthy view of the city’s most iconic landmarks—including Christ, Sugar Loaf, the lagoon, and Ipanema beach—all framed by tropical greenery. Its peaceful setting, exotic architecture, and sweeping vistas make it a perfect hidden gem for stunning photos on our Instagram Tour. Please note that on weekends, due to restricted access to the forest, we replace the Chinese View with the equally spectacular Dona Marta lookout, which offers one of the closest and most dramatic views of Christ the Redeemer towering above the city. On weekends, the Chinese View is closed. We replace the attraction by visiting the Dona Marta Top View.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Parque Lage

  Lage Park (Parque Lage) is a magical blend of nature, history, and art, making it one of the most enchanting stops on our Instagram Tour in Rio. Located at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, this former mansion turned public park features a beautiful courtyard with a pool framed by archways, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Christ the Redeemer above. Surrounded by lush Atlantic rainforest, romantic trails, and hidden corners, it’s a favorite for photographers, couples, and anyone looking to capture the fairytale charm of Rio’s natural and architectural beauty in a single frame.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Mirante do Leblon

  Mirante do Leblon is a scenic gem on our Instagram Private Tour, offering one of the most breathtaking coastal views in Rio de Janeiro. Located at the end of Leblon Beach, this picturesque viewpoint overlooks the entire stretch of Ipanema and Leblon, with the iconic Dois Irmãos Mountain framing the horizon. It’s the perfect spot to capture golden hour shots, dramatic ocean vistas, and the laid-back elegance of Rio’s beach culture—all in one frame. Whether you're snapping a selfie or soaking in the view, Mirante do Leblon adds a serene and stunning highlight to your visual journey through the city.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7

  Favela Tavares Bastos is one of the safest and most welcoming favelas in Rio, making it a unique and vibrant stop on our Instagram Tour. Nestled on a hillside between Laranjeiras and Catete, this community offers stunning panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the city skyline. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and colorful street art, Tavares Bastos features scenic murals, charming alleys, and authentic local life that provide the perfect backdrop for creative and culturally rich photos. It’s an off-the-beaten-path highlight that adds depth, beauty, and a touch of the real Rio to your visual storytelling.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 8

  The Maze in Rio is a captivating artistic landmark located in the heart of Favela Tavares Bastos, known for its stunning mosaic work and breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay. Created by Englishman Bob Nadkarni, who lived in the community for decades, this cultural space is adorned with colorful tiles and artistic details that reflect both Brazilian spirit and Bob’s creative vision. The combination of artistic charm and sweeping vistas makes The Maze a truly unique stop on our Instagram Tour, offering one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and a deeper connection to Rio’s vibrant, multicultural soul. Please note that The Maze is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and on those days we replace this stop with the impressive Kobra Mural, a vibrant and massive street art piece in the port area that celebrates diversity and global culture.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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