We can’t help but start this list talking about one of our favorite topics: food! And when it comes to eating, we can guarantee you will have some of the best meals of your life here in Brazil.

But, what if besides only tasting Brazilian food, you could also learn how to cook these meals yourself? That’s the idea of Cook in Rio, a fun and hands-on cooking class taught by Brazilian chef, Simone Almeida. During this half-day class, you’ll learn how to make some of the most delicious Brazilian dishes and drinks, such as Seafood Moqueca, Feijoada and, of course, Caipirinha. All of this, while getting to know more about Rio and the “carioca” life.

You can book your class here! It costs $75 and includes all food and drinks.

Learn all about Brazilian coffee in Downtown Rio

Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer. Beyond being an essential part of the country’s economy, coffee is also one of the most popular and traditional drinks around here.

If you are a coffee lover visiting Rio, then you can’t miss this Coffee Experience! In addition to learning from specialists about types of coffee roasts and brewing methods, you’ll also get to know more about the importance of coffee in the country’s history. What’s really cool about this tour as well, is that it takes place in downtown Rio, where you’ll find beautiful landmarks, monuments and places of historical and cultural interest. And, most importantly, you’ll enjoy quite a bit of coffee throughout the tour!

The Coffee Experience tour is guided by our amazing local partner, Kelly Tavares, and you can find more info here!

Take a Samba class and enjoy the nightlife in Downtown Rio

If you’re planning a trip to Rio, chances are you’ve already heard about Samba, the city’s official rhythm. And if after listening to some samba, you decide to give it a try, book a class at Rio Samba Dancer, which is fun for all, even if you’ve never danced before, or are more rhythmically challenged!

It doesn’t matter if you’re alone, with your partner or with friends, the samba lessons are for everybody! The dance studio provides samba no pé (solo samba) classes or Gafieira (where you dance with a partner), allowing the student to perform the basic movements after just one class.

And we all know practice makes perfect, and there’s no better way to practice samba than in a samba club. So, after class, the participants have the option to go along with their teacher to a club downtown, and enjoy the lively Rio nightlife!

Rio Samba Dancer offers private and group classes, and you can book them here!

Practice stand up paddle on your favorite beach in Rio

Do you love stand up paddle and want to take your Rio tourist experience to the next level? Then the Surf’Sup tours are perfect for you!

Surf’Sup was created by a group of nature lovers, and this is how it works: you pick your favorite beach spot in Rio (or they can give you options), choose the best time for you, and a member of the team will meet you there to provide instructions, equipment and, of course photos (We know you want to post these awesome SUP pictures on your Insta 😜).

And if you don’t know which tour to choose, here’s our suggestion: pick the Ipanema tour at the end of the day, and enjoy the famous sunset from the Arpoador beach. We’re sure it’s going to be an unforgettable and unique experience!

Get in touch with them and book your favorite tour!

Taste the best Brazilian fruits in Rio’s street markets

If you’re a fruit lover, you’ve probably heard of (or even tasted) açaí, passionfruit and cashew! But, walking around a street market in Rio, you may get overwhelmed by all the exotic fruits you probably didn’t even know existed. I mean, have you ever tried Jabuticaba or Siriguela?

So why not going to the market with a private guide who knows all about these fruits? This is the idea behind the Tropical Fruit Tasting tour! Along with Georg or Cristiano, you will not only cut open, smell and taste over a dozen of these exotic fruits, but also learn about their nutritional value, culinary use and economic importance.

Book your fruit experience here and get ready for a delicious vitamin overdose!

Would you like to try, or have you tried any of these different experiences? Let us know in the comments! And if you need help creating the perfect itinerary for your trip to Rio, we will be happy to help 🙂