How far in advance should I book my private tour in Rio?

To ensure your preferred dates and top-tier guides, we recommend booking 2 to 4 weeks in advance, particularly during peak season (December to March). For last-minute requests, we always do our best to accommodate based on availability.

Are your Rio itineraries fully customizable?

Yes. Our sample itineraries are just starting points. We customize every aspect—from the start time and duration to the specific activities and local food stops—based on your personal interests and pace.

What is included in the price of the tour?

Our standard private tours include a Cadastur-certified English-speaking guide (Cadastur is Brazil's official tourism registry), private air-conditioned transportation, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off. Entrance fees and meals are typically not included unless we are creating an all-inclusive package for you.

What happens if it rains during my tour?

Rio looks beautiful in any light. However, if severe weather impacts safety or visibility for major landmarks, we are incredibly flexible. We can pivot to cultural centers, world-class museums, or indoor culinary experiences, or reschedule if availability permits.

Is Rio de Janeiro safe for private tours?

When traveling with a local expert, Rio is very safe. Our guides live here; they know exactly where to go and which areas to avoid. Private transportation further ensures your comfort and security throughout the day.

Why should I choose a private tour over a group tour in Rio?

Private tours offer a level of intimacy, flexibility, and depth that group tours simply cannot match. You set the pace, skip the lines where possible, and engage in genuine conversations with your guide, rather than just listening to a script.

What languages do your tour guides speak?

All our guides are fluent in English and Portuguese. Many also speak Spanish, French, or Italian. When you book, let us know your language preference and we'll match you with a guide who speaks it.

How many people can join a private tour?

Our private tours accommodate from 1 to 8 travelers comfortably. For larger groups, families, or corporate events, we can arrange multiple guides and vehicles. The beauty of private tours is that the experience remains intimate and personalized regardless of group size.

Are your tours accessible for travelers with mobility concerns?

Yes. We design accessible itineraries for travelers with reduced mobility, wheelchair users, or those who prefer a slower pace. Rio has accessibility challenges, but with advance notice, we carefully select sites, arrange adapted transportation, and adjust the itinerary to ensure comfort and enjoyment.

What is the best time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro?

Rio shines year-round, but December to March offers warm beach weather and Carnival energy. April to November brings milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices—ideal for sightseeing. We help you choose based on your interests, whether it's beaches, festivals, or cultural exploration.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure payment platform (Stripe).

Are your private tours suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. We love creating family-friendly experiences. Our guides adapt the pace, add interactive elements, and include kid-approved stops like beaches, parks, and local treats. Whether traveling with toddlers or teens, we design itineraries that keep everyone engaged and happy.

What should I wear and bring on the tour?

Comfortable, light clothing and good walking shoes are recommended. Rio's climate is warm year-round, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential. Bring water and a light jacket for air-conditioned spaces. We'll give you specific suggestions based on your chosen itinerary.

Is Rio safe for solo female travelers?

Yes. Our private tours provide a safe, comfortable environment for solo female travelers. You'll have dedicated transportation and an experienced local guide throughout your experience. Many of our clients are women traveling alone who appreciate the personalized attention and insider knowledge our team provides.

Is Rio de Janeiro LGBTQ+ friendly?

Very much so. Rio has one of the most vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes in Latin America. Ipanema beach — especially near Farme de Amoedo street — is a welcoming gathering spot, and neighborhoods like Lapa offer lively nightlife options. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are common in tourist areas and generally well-accepted. Our private tours provide a comfortable, judgment-free environment, and our guides know the best spots for every traveler.

Rio Your Way | Private Tours Designed Around You

We design each day around who you are, then adapt it in real time as the day unfolds.

Explore Sample Itineraries Start Planning

The Rio locals actually know

Cariocas by birth or at heart — we live here and know the city inside out.

Your day, built around you

Designed from your interests and pace, and yours to reshape as it goes.

Ready-made or fully custom

Book a sample itinerary as-is, or build something entirely your own.

Straight to the team that runs it

Plan directly with us — no booking platform, no handoffs.

Tell us what moves you

Tell us your interests, your pace, and what you're hoping to get out of Rio. We listen first.

We design the day around you

The right golden hour for photos, a pace that suits you, the spots locals actually go to.

Experience Rio your way

On the day, an expert guide who knows Rio leads — and the plan flexes as you go. Linger longer, skip ahead, add a stop. It's your call.

Book one as it is, or design your own from scratch — either way, start here.

Start Planning

Who you're planning with

Rio Your Way is run by Marcelo Elias and a team that's been showing people Rio since 2013 — the same guides and drivers behind Be Free Tours.

Our guides are Cadastur-certified (Brazil's official tourism registry), and so is the operation behind them. It's a real credential, not a label we gave ourselves.

And you plan directly with us, not through a booking platform. That's the point: you're dealing with the team that designs and runs your days, so the plan can change the moment you want it to.

5.0 200+ reviews as Be Free Tours ranked among Rio's top tours see them on TripAdvisor

Learn More About Us

How far in advance should I book my private tour in Rio?

To ensure your preferred dates and top-tier guides, we recommend booking 2 to 4 weeks in advance, particularly during peak season (December to March). For last-minute requests, we always do our best to accommodate based on availability.
Are your Rio itineraries fully customizable?

Yes. Our sample itineraries are just starting points. We customize every aspect—from the start time and duration to the specific activities and local food stops—based on your personal interests and pace.
What is included in the price of the tour?

Our standard private tours include a Cadastur-certified English-speaking guide (Cadastur is Brazil's official tourism registry), private air-conditioned transportation, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off. Entrance fees and meals are typically not included unless we are creating an all-inclusive package for you.
What happens if it rains during my tour?

Rio looks beautiful in any light. However, if severe weather impacts safety or visibility for major landmarks, we are incredibly flexible. We can pivot to cultural centers, world-class museums, or indoor culinary experiences, or reschedule if availability permits.
Is Rio de Janeiro safe for private tours?

When traveling with a local expert, Rio is very safe. Our guides live here; they know exactly where to go and which areas to avoid. Private transportation further ensures your comfort and security throughout the day.

Let's Begin

It starts with a conversation. Tell us what moves you.

Start Planning