A new trend in tourism has been this idea of fusing culture with the local population; having those with that crucial local knowledge guide you around town. Going on tours that offer more than the cliché, tailorable to your own tastes, whether in a small group or alone, is one of the most authentic ways to travel and explore away from the beaten track. It’s also a great way for Cariocas to leave their daily routine and rediscover their own city. With something for every budget and the best alternative tourism opportunities in Rio, form art to nature, you’ll discover a totally surprising and refreshing experience that won’t be in the traditional tourist guides.
It was around the middle of 2008 that the city experienced a boom in street art. Up and down Rio the city’s urban landscape started to become more and more colorful as new artists started to emerge. Today Rio is one of the benchmarks of urban art in Latin America and exports many graffiti art talents around the world. This four-hour tour takes you around Rio to discover some of the city’s coolest murals, stopping off at various art installations in favela communities, in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood and several other locations. The tour ends in a graffiti themed bar where you can grab an ice-cold beer and chat with the guides and other visitors.
In 2015, friends Liane Domene and Dai Andrade, after living in various places around the world, decided to settle in Rio de Janeiro where they restored an old VW camper van (known as Kombis in Brazil) and today do tours of the Rio’s best beaches. The itinerary is great for discovering the best places for surfing and stand-up paddle (the new water activity en vogue). The duo have devised various tours which they call kombos that head towards the Grumari and Prainha beaches at the western end of Rio’s coast. Along the way the tour stops at various idyllic spots including Vista Chinesa, Mirante Dona Marta and Santa Teresa.
How about enjoying a lovely afternoon with the family in the middle of Tijuca Forest, savoring a delicious picnic where the checkered blanket is already spread out and food already waiting for you? Or how about going down the more adventurous route and choosing a 2-hour hike with the option of cooling off under a waterfall at the end? +Asas offers a range of unconventional experiences all of which include local guides
who are experts in that activity. Even superstar singer Rihanna enjoyed a fine session of stand-up paddle and a boat ride courtesy of this tour company. Hop online and choose one of the many packages on offer or even suggest an itinerary of your own.
The brainchild of a seasoned traveler, this platform is a varied database of city locals, from chefs to actors and photographers. Once online, all you need to do is search according to your interests (gastronomy, arts, nature, shopping etc.) and from there your rented local friend will create a personalized itinerary for you and take you personally to discover their favorite places. If you don’t need a guide to accompany you throughout the day, you can simply purchase their best tips from the same website.
This project is aimed at people interested in getting to know the life, culture, leisure and beautiful views of the pacified favela communities in Rio. The project connects tourists with locals who can offer everything from accommodation in the communities’ homes and hostels,to tours with local guides who have been born and raised there. Discover points of interest, local cuisine, art and lifestyle in these vibrant communities. The aim of the project is a noble one too: it is to enable the local workforce to develop an economy of their own. Be part of this cool initiative.
