What to do in Rio de Janeiro in 4 days
Prices checked in October 2026
Rio combines city beaches, hills with huge views and lots of music. In four days you see both icons, the southern beaches and the historic centre, with room to spare if it rains.
Itinerary
Day 1: Copacabana and Ipanema
- Copacabana beach and Copacabana fort.
- Walk to Ipanema; sunset at Arpoador rock.
Day 2: Christ the Redeemer
- Corcovado train early on a clear day.
- Botanical Garden and Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon.
Day 3: Sugarloaf and downtown
- Selarón Steps and the Lapa Arches.
- Santa Teresa on the tram (bondinho).
- Cable car up Sugarloaf at sunset.
Day 4: beach and football
- Leblon and the Dois Irmãos viewpoint (with a guide) or a beach day.
- A match at the Maracanã if there's one, or a stadium tour.
Approximate prices
- Corcovado train + Christ the Redeemerofficial website≈ R$100–130
- Sugarloaf cable carofficial website≈ R$195
- Metro ride≈ R$7.50
- Coconut on the beach / dish of the dayR$8–12 / R$35–60
- Hostel bed / 3-star hotel (night)R$80–150 / R$400–700
Prices change: confirm on the official website before paying. Those marked ≈ are approximate.
Budget per person
Lodging, food, transport and tickets for 4 days, excluding flights.
Budget
Whole trip
US$ 220–US$ 340
Per day: US$ 55–US$ 85
Balanced
Whole trip
US$ 520–US$ 760
Per day: US$ 130–US$ 190
Premium
Whole trip
US$ 1,200–US$ 1,920
Per day: US$ 300–US$ 480
Tips
- Only go up Christ and Sugarloaf on a clear day: with clouds you won't see a thing.
- Take only the essentials to the beach and don't leave things alone; at night, use a taxi or ride app.
- Check whether your passport needs a visa for Brazil before travelling.
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