Rio de Janeiro · Things to do

The train from Rua Cosme Velho 513 has climbed Corcovado since 1884 and carries more than 1.5 million people a year up to the statue. Adult return is R$134, R$107 for children and R$70 for Brazilian seniors, and you pick a departure time when you book online.

Two cable-car stages from Avenida Pasteur 520 in Urca — Praia Vermelha up to Morro da Urca, then across to the summit of Sugarloaf. Open daily 08:30–21:00 with last boarding at 19:30; the standard adult ticket is R$205 and covers the whole park for the day, so the usual play is to go up late and stay for dark.

The rainforest in the middle of the city, open daily 08:00–17:00 and split into three visitor sectors: Floresta for the waterfall and the Picos and Vale Historico circuits, Serra da Carioca for Vista Chinesa and the Paineiras road, and Pedra Bonita/Pedra da Gavea for the climbs. The Floresta trailheads are the easiest start if you only have a morning.

The botanical garden founded in 1808 below Corcovado, with its avenue of imperial palms and the on-site museum. The arboretum opens Thursday to Tuesday 08:00–17:00 and Wednesdays from 11:00; the museum runs Thursday to Tuesday 10:00–18:00, closed Wednesdays. Tickets are sold in advance online, and running on the paths is only allowed 08:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00.

Calatrava's science museum on the rebuilt port waterfront at Praca Maua — about climate, population and where things are heading rather than a collection of objects. Thursday to Tuesday 10:00–18:00, closed Wednesdays, last entry 17:00; R$40 full and R$20 reduced, and you are admitted on a booked time slot.