10 Crazy Things To Do In Rio De Janeiro: Live The Wild Side Of Brazil

Explore the crazy things to do in Rio de Janeiro for a fun family holiday this year.

Rio de Janeiro, a popular city in Brazil, is known for its music, energy and culture. It is a great place for adventure enthusiasts from all across the globe to explore. You must check out the crazy things to do in Rio de Janeiro, a range of activities that cater to all preferences. This vibrant Brazilian hotspot is a hub of wild and unforgettable experiences. Whether you like adrenaline-pumping activities or unique cultural explorations, Rio is a unique destination, full of surprises at every corner.

Top 10 Crazy Things To Do In Rio De Janeiro

Here is the list for the crazy things to do in Rio de Janeiro, offering a complete rush of fun and entertainment during your trip:

1. Enjoy Hang Gliding Over Rio

Try hang gliding with your friends, which is among the crazy things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Photo: Stephen Crane / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This is one of the most exciting adventures in Rio de Janeiro. It is a great way to enjoy the aerial landscapes of the beautiful city. This attraction is extremely popular among adventure enthusiasts from all across the globe. A single hang gliding flight lasts around 10 to 20 minutes, varying as per the weather conditions and wind currents. September to April is the best time to try hang gliding because of the favourable weather. No prior experience is required for this adventure sport. Basic instructions before the flight are enough for an enjoyable experience.

Address: Pedra Bonita, Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro
Distance From Galeão International Airport: 20 km

2. Explore The Famous Christ The Redeemer

Visit Christ the Redeemer, which is among the crazy things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Photo: Mucio Scorzelli / Wikimedia Commons

This is an iconic landmark in Rio de Janeiro, with stunning views of the city from the summit of Mount Corcovado. It has a height of 98 feet. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit to avoid crowds and capture breathtaking views. This visit attracts hikers from everywhere. You can also explore the small chapel inside the base of the statue. It is advisable to purchase the tickets in advance, especially during busy times of the year. You can also capture the panoramic view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, and Ipanema Beach.

Address: Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro
Distance From Galeão International Airport: 22 km

3. Experience A Cable Car Ride To Sugarloaf Mountain

Take a cable car with family, which is among the crazy things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Photo: Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez / Wikimedia Commons

This cable car ride is an attraction in Rio as it provides great views of the city, beaches, and surrounding mountains. The entire ride is divided into two stages. This includes Praia Vermelha to the Morro da Urca and Morro da Urca to Sugarloaf Mountain. The first stage has great viewpoints, restaurants, and a helipad for scenic helicopter rides. The ultimate stop is good for relaxing, taking pictures and enjoying the scenery. The ride opens at 8 AM and is operational till 9 PM. The last ride is at 7:30 PM in the evening, making this one of the crazy things to do in Rio De Janeiro.

Address: Praia Vermelha, Rio de Janeiro
Distance From Galeão International Airport: 22 km

4. Attend A Samba Night

Attend samba night with family, which is among the crazy things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Photo: Andrew Mercer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Rio is a wonderful destination for samba music and dance enthusiasts. The energetic drumming, passionate dancing, and the true spirit of Brazilian culture are great to attend with family and friends during a holiday. Such lively nights start around 9 PM and go late into the night. You can dress comfortably but stylishly for such samba nights in Rio. The caipirinha, Brazil’s signature cocktail, is an attractive beverage enjoyed by the locals. It is also a great way to enjoy the true taste of Rio’s Carnival energy.

Address: Lapa, Rio de Janeiro
Distance From Galeão International Airport: 20 km

5. Take Guided Tour To The Favelas

Visit the favelas, one of which is Rocinha, with breathtaking views.

Photo: chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons

Exploring favelas is a great opportunity to dig deep into the rich culture, history, and daily life of the local communities of Rio de Janeiro. Over 100,000 people live in Rocinha, the largest favela in Brazil. Also, you can click memorable photographs of the stunning views of São Conrado Beach and the South Zone. Local markets and art galleries are also an attraction. Some of these visits include an insight into a local’s home for an authentic experience of favelas.

Address: Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro
Distance From Galeão International Airport: 18 km

6. Try Surfing At Prainha Beach

Surfing at Prainha Beach renders unmatchable experiences to people who love adventure.

Photo: Brigittebourger Brigitte Bourger / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Prainha Beach has consistent waves, suitable for beginners to advanced surfers to enjoy. It is located between green hills in an environmentally protected area. There are no high-rise buildings in the vicinity. It is less crowded in comparison to Copacabana and Ipanema. This activity is perfect for a day trip with your loved ones. A typical surf lesson lasts for about 1.5 to 2 hours. For intermediate and advanced surfers, April to October is perfect, with more powerful waves. For beginners, November to March is ideal, with small waves.

Address: Prainha Beach, Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro
Distance From Galeão International Airport: 50 km

7. Hike To Pedra Da Gávea

Hike to Pedra da Gávea and be in awe after witnessing one of the most spectacular surroundings at this destination.

Photo: Donatas Dabravolskas / Wikimedia Commons

A rewarding experience in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, this is an activity that attracts adventure enthusiasts from all across the globe. This hike provides exceptional views where you can see Rio’s famous landmarks. These include Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Ipanema and Copacabana. You will have to cover steep climbs and a rock-scrambling section known as the Carrasqueira as a part of the hike. The summit provides a wide and flat area with a stunning 360-degree view. April to October is the best season for this exciting hike.

Address: Pedra da Gávea Trail, Rio de Janeiro
Distance From Galeão International Airport: 20 km

8. Play Beach Volleyball At Copacabana

Play beach volleyball at this beach to have an amazing time outdoors in Rio.

Photo: Marcus Cyron / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Copacabana Beach is known for its golden sands, lively atmosphere, and exceptional ocean views. This is where locals and tourists reach for a friendly game of volleyball. This is where even professional players train to excel in the game. It is suitable for both beginners and seasoned players to enjoy. There are several public and private courts available for a fun game with your loved ones. It is a great opportunity to interact with the locals and other travellers, making it one of the crazy things to do in Rio De Janeiro. Some beachfront hotels and clubs also welcome visitors for beach volleyball.

Address: Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Distance From Galeão International Airport: 23 km

9. Enjoy The Nightlife At A Baile Funk Party

Savour the moments during the Baile funk party to have some of the unmatchable experiences.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Attend a baile funk party, which is among the crazy things to do in Rio de Janeiro. The signature fast and bass-heavy beats with raw and rhythmic vocals enchants the visitors. Dancing is the integral part of a Baile Funk party. These parties are usually organised in open-air spaces, warehouses or favela streets. The locals, favela residents and curious outsiders attend the parties in large numbers. You can also have local food and drinks, including caipirinhas, espetinhos (grilled meat skewers) and pastéis (fried pastries) here. The baile funk parties run until sunrise and are thoroughly enjoyed by the visitors.

Address: Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro
Distance From Galeão International Airport: 20 km

10. Explore The Art At The Selarón Steps

Try art exploration with friends at the Selaron steps, a visually attractive spot here.

Photo: Thales Botelho de Sousa / Unsplash

This is a world-famous mosaic staircase created by Jorge Selarón, a Chilean-born artist. It was a personal artistic project that started in 1903. The artist kept on updating the steps till he passed in 2013. It is a living masterpiece with major colors such as yellow, green, and blue, representing the Brazilian flag. Many tiles of the staircase were donated by tourists, making the steps a global collaboration. There are ceramic pieces, including flags, landmarks, artwork, and pop culture references from various nations. This makes for an interesting place to capture photographs due to a mix of vivid colors and intricate designs.

Address: Escadaria Selarón, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro
Distance From Galeão International Airport: 20 km

After knowing about these crazy things to do in Rio de Janeiro, venture out to explore one of the most iconic cities in the world. It is where the energy of the streets is always high with vibrant music, dance and warmth. With its lush green forest mountains, sparkling beaches, and lively colors, nature adds a mystic charm. People offer excellent hospitality to the visitors to explore this ever-evolving place in their own way. Do not miss this golden opportunity and plan a trip with TripXL for an amazing holiday in Brazil.

Cover Photo: Davi Costa / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

You can go hang gliding over the city, hike up the Sugarloaf Mountain, or try paragliding for an adrenaline rush with incredible views.
The Pedra da Gávea hike offers a challenging climb and spectacular views, while the Two Brothers hike leads to one of the best scenic views in the city.
Yes, Rio’s waves, especially at beaches like Arpoador and Prainha, offer great opportunities for both beginner and experienced surfers.
Visit and attend a nighttime favela tour or go for a baile funk party to experience Rio's vibrant underground music scene and culture.
Yes! Rio has smaller Carnival events year-round, including blocos (street parties) that capture the festive spirit of the season.

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