Rio at a Glance and Transfer to Airport

Perfect for those with late flights, this tour allows departing guests to enjoy a unique perspective of Rio and iconic Sugarloaf Mountain from the other side of Guanabara Bay, a jaunt that still leaves hours for shopping before heading to the airport.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely drive through the bustling metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, passing one charming residential neighborhood after another. Before long, you will begin one of the most extraordinarily scenic and dramatic drives in Brazil—across the 8-mile-long bridge that connects Rio to neighboring Niteroi.

Named for President Costa e Silva, who authorized the project’s construction in 1968, the bridge is the longest such structure in the entire Southern Hemisphere. Upon reaching the city of Niteroi on the other side of Guanabara Bay, you will pause to snap photos. It’s an outstanding spot to capture towering Sugarloaf Mountain, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, and the city’s ever-growing skyline.

Then, it’s back to Rio, specifically - gorgeous Vermelha Beach. Tucked away in a rarely crowded section of the bay, it offers a different perspective of Sugarloaf. This massive block of granite has long been a landmark for sailors, as it soars about 1,300 feet into the air.

The last leg of this excursion will be a shopping spree at one of the most fashionable malls in Rio. With three hours to browse the stores, you should also have time to dine on your own before transferring to the airport for your flight home.