8 Best 3 Hour Tours and Experiences in Rio De Janeiro

Three-hour tours offer a perfect taste of Rio’s highlights without overwhelming your schedule. The yacht tours along the coast provide stunning views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer while keeping you comfortable on deck. For cultural insights, the Rocinha favela tour stands out – it’s respectful, informative, and supports the local community. Sports fans shouldn’t miss the Maracana Stadium tour, where you’ll walk through the same tunnels as soccer legends.

The Brazilian cooking classes are hands-on and intimate, teaching you to make both traditional dishes and contemporary street food. Meanwhile, the Guanabara Bay sailing excursion offers the city’s best photo opportunities, and the snorkeling tours reveal a surprisingly rich underwater world right off Rio’s coast.

Let’s explore our favorite 3-hour tours in Rio:

Key Points

• A 3-hour sailing tour around Rio’s stunning coastline, highly rated with 5.0 from 365 reviews and offering snacks, beverages, and hotel transportation.
• A 3-hour urban arts walking tour exploring Rio’s vibrant art scene, led by knowledgeable local guides and featuring diverse neighborhoods and iconic murals.
• A 3-hour Rocinha Favela walking tour providing an authentic and educational insight into local life, with engaging guides and community support.
• A 3-hour behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Maracana Stadium, offering access to the locker room, pitch, and the opportunity to take penalty kicks.
• A choice of 3-hour culinary and scenic adventures, including a Brazilian cooking class and sailing or snorkeling trips on Guanabara Bay.

3 Hour Sailing Experience in Rio

The 3-hour sailing experience in Rio offers travelers a chance to explore the city’s stunning coastline from the comfort of a sailing yacht.

With a 5.0 overall rating from 365 reviews, this highly recommended tour provides an array of inclusions, such as snacks, alcoholic beverages, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Departing from Marina da Glória, travelers must arrive 30 minutes early and be prepared to board 15 minutes before the tour starts.

While not wheelchair accessible, the experience welcomes children, who must sit on laps.

Travelers can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance, though late arrivals won’t be accommodated.

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3-Hour Urban Arts Walking Tour

For those seeking a more intimate exploration of Rio’s vibrant urban art scene, the 3-Hour Urban Arts Walking Tour offers a captivating experience.

Led by knowledgeable local guides, this tour takes visitors through diverse neighborhoods to witness significant works, including the 15-meter-tall mural, Las Etnias (The Ethnicities).

Tram tickets are included, providing efficient transportation during the tour. Participants will also visit the Olympic Boulevard to view the world’s largest street mural, all while learning about Brazilian culture and the global influence on local art.

With a 4.8/5 rating based on 29 reviews, this tour is a must-do for art enthusiasts and those interested in experiencing Rio’s vibrant urban landscape.

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3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour With a Local Guide

Offering a captivating glimpse into the daily lives of residents, the 3-Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide provides an immersive experience in Brazil’s largest favela.

Praised for its authenticity, safety, and educational value, the tour features engaging local guides who share personal insights and knowledge.

Guests can expect a 3-kilometer walking tour, mostly downhill, with moderate fitness required. The tour supports the local community through a monetary contribution and offers opportunities to interact with artists and initiatives.

While not suitable for everyone, this unique experience showcases the complexities of life in the favela, making it a valuable addition to any Rio de Janeiro trip.

Read our full review: 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour With a Local Guide Review
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Maracana Stadium 3-Hour Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Maracana Stadium, Brazil’s most iconic football venue, serves as the captivating backdrop for the 3-Hour Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Priced at Kč 1,281 per person, the tour explores the stadium’s inner workings, including the locker room, warm-up room, and the pitch itself.

Visitors can even take penalty kicks on the field and learn about legendary players like Pelé, Garrincha, and Zico. With a 4.3/5 rating based on 61 reviews, the tour earns praise for its knowledgeable and friendly guides.

The experience is accessible to wheelchair users, and pickup is included. Advance booking is required, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund. Additional activities may incur extra costs.

Read our full review: Maracana Stadium 3-Hour Behind-the-Scenes Tour Review
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3-Hour Brazilian Cooking Class in Rio De Janeiro

Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience can embark on a 3-Hour Brazilian Cooking Class in Rio de Janeiro. Rated 5.0 out of 12 reviews, this hands-on class allows participants to prepare at least five authentic Brazilian dishes with a local chef.

The menu includes seafood moqueca, pork and beans feijoada, Brazilian sides, and cocktails like the lime caipirinha. With a maximum of 8 travelers, the small-group experience provides personalized attention.

All ingredients and equipment are provided, and the class is conveniently located in Copacabana. At $170 per person, this cooking adventure offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy Brazilian cuisine and culture.

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Scenic Views of Rio: 3-Hour Sailing Trip on Guanabara Bay

For those seeking a unique perspective of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic landmarks, the Scenic Views of Rio: 3-Hour Sailing Trip on Guanabara Bay offers an unparalleled experience.

Priced at ₹4,657 per person, this 3-hour tour departs from the Marina da Glória and showcases the city’s most famous sights, including Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Guests can enjoy sailing, sightseeing, swimming, and marine life viewing from the fully equipped blue-water cruising sailboat.

With complimentary drinks, snacks, and a live tour guide, this tour provides an engaging and scenic journey along the bay.

Rated 5/5 by previous customers, the Scenic Views of Rio is a must-do activity for those looking to experience the city from a unique vantage point.

Read our full review: Scenic Views of Rio: 3-Hour Sailing Trip on Guanabara Bay Review
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3 Hours Snorkel and Swim With Turtles Tour at Tijuca Islands

The 3 Hours Snorkel and Swim with Turtles Tour at Tijuca Islands offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse marine life of Rio de Janeiro’s picturesque islands.

Priced from $105.23 per person, this 3-hour tour includes a boat trip, snorkeling equipment, and even lunch.

While some reviewers noted visibility issues in the water, the crew is praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Adventurers may also spot humpback whales, though this isn’t guaranteed.

Though the tour receives an overall rating of 4.0, some suggest seeking out clearer waters for a better snorkeling experience.

Flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this tour a convenient choice.

Read our full review: 3 Hours Snorkel and Swim With Turtles Tour at Tijuca Islands Review
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3-hour Boat Tour of Rio in a Shared Group – Late Mornings & Sunset Departures

Exploring Rio de Janeiro’s stunning cityscape from the water offers a unique perspective for travelers. This 3-hour boat tour in a shared group provides an affordable way to see the city’s top sights, with late morning and sunset departures to choose from.

The tour includes beverages, snacks, and amenities like floaters for water play. While not recommended for travelers with back problems, the tour is accessible via public transportation and suitable for most participants.

Reviews highlight the crew’s English proficiency, attentive service, and the refreshing opportunity to swim in Guanabara Bay against the backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain and Niteroi City.

Read our full review: 3-hour Boat Tour of Rio in a Shared Group – Late Mornings & Sunset Departures Review
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Sum Up

Rio de Janeiro offers a variety of 3-hour tours and experiences, from sailing adventures to cultural explorations and culinary classes. Whether you’re interested in the city’s urban arts, local favelas, iconic stadiums, or natural beauty, there’s an option to suit your interests and schedule. These short tours provide a convenient way to make the most of your time in this vibrant Brazilian destination.