4-day Rio beaches and peaks
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Copacabana, and Ipanema in four days.
4 daysFirst-timersBest: December–March (summer); June for festivals
Last updated: 2025-03-15
Day 1 – Christ and Santa Teresa
- Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado)
- Santa Teresa and Lapa
Morning Christ the Redeemer (train or van; book ahead). Views over city and bay. Afternoon Santa Teresa (tram, cafés) and Lapa arches. Evening Lapa or samba in a club.
Tips:
Christ: book train or van online. Go early for clearer weather. Weather can close site.
Day 2 – Sugarloaf
- Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar) cable car
- Urca and Botafogo
Morning or afternoon Sugarloaf (two cable cars; sunset popular). Urca neighbourhood. Beach time at Botafogo or Flamengo. Evening in Ipanema or Leblon.
Tips:
Sugarloaf: allow 2–3 hours. Sunset slot books up; go on a clear day.
Day 3 – Copacabana and Ipanema
- Copacabana Beach
- Ipanema and Leblon
Beach day: Copacabana in morning, Ipanema in afternoon. Lunch at a beach kiosk (água de coco, snacks). Optional: Fort Copacabana. Evening Ipanema or Leblon for dinner.
Tips:
Don't leave valuables unattended. Swimmers: stay between lifeguard flags.
Day 4 – Last sights and departure
- Selarón Steps or last beach
- Transfer to GIG or SDU
Selarón Steps (Lapa) for photos. Last beach or lunch. Transfer to Galeão (GIG) or Santos Dumont (SDU). Allow 45–60 min to GIG in traffic.
Tips:
GIG is international. SDU for domestic. Uber or official taxis. Keep an eye on belongings.
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