South America

Rio de Janeiro: Cultural and Culinary Adventure

5 Days, Departs daily. From AUD $2,066pp.
Tailormade Adventures
Details

Overview

Get ready to dive into the heart of Brazil with this unforgettable 5-day journey through Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant culture and mouthwatering cuisine. From iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain to the bohemian charm of Santa Teresa, this tour blends breathtaking sights with hands-on culinary experiences. Savor authentic Brazilian flavors, explore buzzing local bars and restaurants, and learn to cook traditional dishes with expert chefs. Whether you're dancing to the rhythm of samba or tasting feijoada in a local kitchen, this is Rio at its most delicious and dynamic!

Itinerary Highlights

  • Visit the city’s iconic sites of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
  • Relax on the fabulous golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
  • Explore this vibrant buzzing city at night with its fantastic restaurants and nightlife whilst on a food tour.
  • Visit the Bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood.
  • Hands-On Brazilian Cooking Class.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
  • Day 2: Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain & Rio by night Boteco Food Tour
  • Day 3: Corcovado tour & Santa Teresa
  • Day 4: Half Day Rio Cooking Class
  • Day 5: Depart Rio

Tailor-made suggestions

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Golden beaches and lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife and spectacular football matches, Rio is sure to be one of the highlights of your South American adventure. This evening you are at your leisure. We recommend trying a local churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) for dinner.


Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro: Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain / Rio by night Boteco Food Tour

Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain
Over a million tourists every year visit the world famous Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated, refined sugarloaf. A cable car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its islands. From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable car to the top of Sugarloaf, which rises 395 metres above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the entire city, including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado and downtown Rio.


Rio by night Boteco Food Tour
Discover an essential part of Rio’s social life with our immersive Carioca Boteco Experience! Explore the bohemian heart of the city as we stroll through vibrant neighborhoods, home to some of Rio’s most historic and beloved “botecos”—the informal, lively pubs at the center of local culture.

Join us as we hop between three uniquely charming bars, soaking up their convivial atmosphere and the authentic hangout spirit of Cariocas. Along the way, you’ll sample three classic Brazilian drinks — bottled beer, draft beer, and the world-famous caipirinha — while savoring a selection of delicious “petiscos,” the typical bar snacks that pair perfectly with your drinks.

Expect to mingle with locals, enjoy good conversation, and taste the flavors that make Rio’s nightlife legendary—all in great company!

What’s Included:
3 drinks (bottled beer, draft beer, caipirinha)
5 traditional snacks (“petiscos”)
Insider tips and stories from your local guide

Please note:
To ensure the best possible experience, the route, venues, and included tastings may vary depending on the day and availability.
Depending on the day and the movement of the bars, it may not be possible to be seated, as these bars do not take reservations.
Please inform us about any food / dietary restrictions before booking this tour.

Drinking age in Brazil is 18 years old.
Duration: Approximately 5 hours


Breakfast included.

Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro: Corcovado tour & Santa Teresa

Corcovado tour & Santa Teresa
Leave the hotel in the direction of the Cosme Velho neighborhood to board the train, which will take us up the beautiful mountainside before arriving at the feet of Christ the Redeemer, one of the seven "New Wonders of the World," located 2,300ft above sea level. There will be available time here to enjoy the most famous panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, also known as the "Marvelous City."

From here, drive to the tram station to embark on a tour through Santa Teresa, a traditional neighborhood located high up on the city's hills, overlooking downtown and Guanabara Bay. Home to several Twentieth-century mansions, cultural houses, galleries, and gourmet restaurants, Santa Teresa's charming cobbled streets are also a haven for local artists and intellectuals.
Next, stop by Ruins Park ('Parque das Ruínas') to enjoy a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro. Afterward, the Chácara do Céu Museum has a fascinating Brazilian and European art collection, highlighting Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, Matisse, and Modigliani.

The tour continues to Selaron staircase and Largo do Guimarães, considered the heart of the neighbourhood, with several bars and restaurants. After this tour, guests will certainly feel as though they know a little more about the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro.

Duration: approximately 6 hours.
Days of operation of Museums and Parks:
- Chacara do Ceu Museum from Wednesdays to Mondays, between 12 pm and 5 pm. Closed on Jan 01st, Dec 25th, and 31st.
- Ruins Park from Tuesdays to Sundays, between 9 am and 6 pm.


Breakfast included.

Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro: Half Day Rio Cooking Class

Half Day Rio Cooking Class
Make your way to a small cooking studio for your evening of hands-on learning. Meet your instructor and a small group to begin your Brazilian culinary adventure. No experience is necessary, and you're bound to learn something new about Brazilian cooking and culture whether you're a novice or an expert chef. Your group will create several traditional Brazilian dishes such as a Picanha steak, Feijoada or a Bahian seafood Moqueca, plus several appetizers and the classic caipirinha cocktail.

Listen as your instructor guides you through the process of making the dishes, taking notes if you like. Most of the ingredients used in these dishes can be found all over the world, so you'll be able to recreate them at home. After the meal is prepared, sit down with your instructor and your new friends to toast your efforts and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This experience goes beyond the restaurant scene for a true taste of Rio. Discover Brazilian cuisine during a cooking class in Rio Small group allows for a more personalized experience Learn how to cook a delicious Brazilian recipe Enjoy your creations paired with drinks

Please note:
Transfers to and from are not included.

Schedule:
Mondays and Thursdays - Fish moqueca cooking class (classes start at 07 pm)
Tuesday, Friday and Saturday - Picanha Steak Cooking Class (classes start at 12 pm)
Duration: approximately 4 hours

Private tour also available to book from Mon to Sat from 10 am to 09 pm


Breakfast included.

Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro: Depart Rio

Depart Rio
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.


Breakfast included.

Departs daily

SeasonTypeFromAdditional
01 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 AUD$2066ppExpand to view prices
ComfortAUD$2066ppContact us
SuperiorAUD$2189ppContact us
DeluxeAUD$2486ppContact us
01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 AUD$2273ppExpand to view prices

The displayed prices are intended as a guide. Prices may change depending on travel dates, tour inclusions, local holidays and special events. 

As a tailormade package, you can choose your own departure date, and work with your Travel Designer to curate your perfect holiday itinerary. 

Comfort

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Windsor California

Superior

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Porto Bay Hotel

Deluxe

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Miramar Hotel by Windsor

What's included?

  • Accommodation
  • Hotel taxes
  • Private Transfers
  • Private English-speaking guided tours (except for the cooking class which is a shared experience)
  • Meals as specified 

What's not?

  • International and internal airfares
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Any items not mentioned as included 

Important notes and additional information

  • Please note the Cooking Class Schedule:
    • Mondays and Thursdays - Fish moqueca cooking class (classes start at 07 pm)
    • Tuesday, Friday and Saturday - Picanha Steak Cooking Class (classes start at 12 pm)
    • Private tour also available to book from Mon to Sat from 10 am to 09 pm
  • Hotel rates are based on twin share in lead in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events. Single supplement will be applied if travelling alone or if you wish to have a room to yourself. 

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: South America

The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Rio de Janeiro: Cultural and Culinary Adventure

5 Days, Departs daily. From AUD $2,066pp.