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Brazil · Trip plan

5 days in Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana and the world's biggest Carnival.

Best time
Dec – Mar
Ideal length
5 days
A day, mid-range
$180 per person
Trip for two
about $1,800

Planning a 5-day trip to Rio de Janeiro? Here's a day-by-day Rio de Janeiro itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

December to March is Rio's summer, with New Year on Copacabana and Carnival in February.

Rio is a city of beaches, mountains and music, wrapped around a spectacular bay.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December to March: 25–35°C, humid with storms.

Create my Rio de Janeiro trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

  • 01

    Christ the Redeemer

    Atop Corcovado mountain.

  • 02

    Sugarloaf Mountain

    Cable car views.

  • 03

    Copacabana & Ipanema

    Iconic beaches.

  • 04

    Carnival

    Samba parades at the Sambódromo.

Day by day

Rio de Janeiro itinerary for 5 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Copacabana

    Morning
    Arrive and check in near the beach.
    Afternoon
    Walk Copacabana's famous wave-patterned promenade.
    Evening
    Seafood dinner and caipirinhas.

    Use Uber at night.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Christ and Santa Teresa

    Morning
    Take the cog train up Corcovado to Christ the Redeemer early, before clouds roll in.
    Afternoon
    Explore the bohemian hilltop neighbourhood of Santa Teresa and the tiled Selarón Steps.
    Evening
    Samba and nightlife in Lapa.

    Clear mornings give the best views.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Sugarloaf

    Morning
    Ride the cable cars up Sugarloaf Mountain for views over Guanabara Bay.
    Afternoon
    Visit the Botanical Garden's avenue of royal palms.
    Evening
    Watch the sunset from Arpoador rock, where crowds applaud the sun.

    Sunset at Arpoador is a Rio ritual.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Ipanema

    Morning
    Spend the morning on Ipanema beach.
    Afternoon
    Hang-gliding from Pedra Bonita, or a favela tour with a local guide.
    Evening
    Dinner in Leblon.

    Only use licensed, community-run favela tours.

  5. D5

    Day 5: Home

    Morning
    A last beach morning.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    Allow an hour to Galeão airport.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Rio de Janeiro in 4, 5 or 7 days

4 days in Rio de Janeiro

Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

7 days in Rio de Janeiro

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Rio de Janeiro trip budget

StylePer person, a day5 days for two
Budget$80$800
Mid-range$180$1,800
Luxury$500+$5,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Rio de Janeiro is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Rio de Janeiro for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels in Ipanema

    Ipanema

    Near the beach.

    from $40 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels in Copacabana

    Copacabana

    Beachfront.

    from $180 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel

    Copacabana

    The legendary beach hotel.

    from $700 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Rio de Janeiro

  • Feijoada

    Black bean and pork stew.

  • Pão de queijo

    Cheese bread.

  • Caipirinha

    The national cocktail.

Getting there

How to reach Rio de Janeiro

Travel
Galeão airport, 30–45 minutes from the beaches.
Getting around
Metro along the beaches; Uber elsewhere.
  • Keep valuables out of sight on beaches.
  • Book Carnival tickets early.

Before you go

What to pack for Rio de Janeiro

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Rio de Janeiro trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Rio de Janeiro?

5 days are enough to see the highlights: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana & Ipanema. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 5-day Rio de Janeiro trip cost?

Roughly $80 a day per person on a budget, $180 mid-range and $500+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,800 for 5 days.

What is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

Dec – Mar. December to March is Rio's summer, with New Year on Copacabana and Carnival in February.

Where should I stay in Rio de Janeiro?

Budget: Hostels in Ipanema (Ipanema), from about $40 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Copacabana (Copacabana), from about $180 a night. Luxury: Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel (Copacabana), from about $700 a night.

How do I reach Rio de Janeiro?

Galeão airport, 30–45 minutes from the beaches.

Is 4 days enough for Rio de Janeiro?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro?

December to March: 25–35°C, humid with storms.

What food should I try in Rio de Janeiro?

Feijoada: Black bean and pork stew. Pão de queijo: Cheese bread. Caipirinha: The national cocktail.

How do I get around Rio de Janeiro?

Metro along the beaches; Uber elsewhere.

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