Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Backpacker
Backpacker Rio: 5 Days of Beach and Samba
Rio de Janeiro5 days€350-550
Live Rio like a carioca: endless beaches, samba in Lapa, favelas with street art, and the best feijoada in town.
Rio de Janeiro is a backpacker's paradise: free beaches, hostels with incredible vibes, delicious street food, and a nightlife that never stops. From Christ the Redeemer to the samba circles of Lapa, every day is an adventure.
Itinerary
1
Copacabana & Ipanema
- Check into hostel in Copacabana
- Beach day at Ipanema
- Sunset at Arpoador
- Caipirinha at a beach bar
2
Christ the Redeemer & Santa Teresa
- Take the Corcovado train to Christ the Redeemer
- Budget lunch in Santa Teresa
- Explore the Escadaria Selarón murals
- Samba circle at Pedra do Sal
3
Sugarloaf & Botafogo
- Cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain
- Botafogo beach with Corcovado views
- Feijoada at a local restaurant
- Samba night in Lapa
4
Favela & north zone
- Community tour in Rocinha or Vidigal
- Lunch in the favela with panoramic views
- Visit the Maracanã from outside
- Street food fair
5
Prainha & farewell
- Excursion to Prainha (wild beach)
- Surfing or bodyboarding
- Açaí bowl on the beach
- Last night out in Lapa
Practical Tips
Safety
Don't bring valuables to the beach. Use the hostel safe.
Transport
The metro is safe and affordable. Avoid unofficial taxis.
Samba
The free samba circles at Pedra do Sal (Mondays) are unmissable.
Approximate Budget
Round-trip flight from London€450-600
Hostel (5 nights, dorm)€50-80
Food and drinks€60-90
Local transport€15-25
Activities (Christ, Sugarloaf)€30-50
Total per person€605-845
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rio safe for backpackers?
Yes, with basic precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and don't bring valuables to the beach.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March for beach and carnival, or June to August for mild weather and fewer tourists.
More routes in this city
Ready to live this adventure?
Download Odysseus and access this route with all the details
or get the app