Unlock hidden gems and experience true Carioca culture like a native!
We’re here to show you a side of Rio that most guides won’t tell you about. Sure, everyone knows about the beaches, Christ the Redeemer, and Sugarloaf Mountain, those places are stunning, no doubt. But if that’s all you’re after, you could grab any tourist map and call it a day. We’re here for those who want more.
What makes Rio truly magical is what happens in the spaces between the landmarks. It’s in the local botequim, where the beer is cold, the conversation flows, and nobody’s in a hurry. It’s in the neighborhoods you won’t find on postcards, where the real rhythm of the city plays out. We’re here to give you that inside scoop, places where we, the locals, actually hang out, eat, drink, and live our everyday lives.
Here at Rio with Locals, we’ll take you beyond the obvious. We’re all about introducing you to the heart of the city, from laid-back samba nights to the best street food spots and secret trails with killer views. We’re not saying you shouldn’t visit the classics (we love them too!), but we’ll make sure you leave Rio with stories of places you can’t find in your average guidebook.
So, whether you’re after a quiet sunset with a caipirinha in hand or ready to dive headfirst into a roda de samba, we’ve got you covered. It’s time to experience Rio the way we do, embrace the malemolência, let the city surprise you, and get ready to fall in love with the real Rio.
Meet the Rio with Locals Team
Lucas, your insider to botecos and hidden trails
If you hear samba drifting up from around the corner, Lucas is probably already in the middle of it. Raised on the backstreets of Madureira, he’s the guy who knows every unmarked bar, finds the perfect pastel, and breaks the ice with a quick joke wherever he goes. Lucas guides you through the raw, everyday Rio where ordering at the counter is an art, dropping into a jam session feels natural, and the city’s magic lives in the daily details. Looking for the coldest chopp in town or the best view after a morning hike? Stick with Lucas. He’s got all the shortcuts for stretching your budget and keeping you out of trouble on the way home.
Sofia, passionate about the shoreline and local cafés
Bare feet in the sand, sunshine on her skin, and an easygoing smile. Sofia’s days start with early waves rolling onto Copacabana. She’s that friend who knows every kiosk for fresh juice, the quiet corner to lock up your bike, and the best coffee to sip after a swim. For Sofia, every morning is an invitation to discover the city calmly, with style and local-only tips. She’ll show you where to stash your bag, freshen up after the sea, and wander Rio’s coast without falling into tourist traps. Want to blend in and make the beachfront your second home? Just follow Sofia. She always finds the perfect spot for a sunset and finishes with a slice of homemade cake.
Olivia, explorer of Rio’s vibrant culture and street art
Olivia has a radar for creative energy. Nobody tunes in to the pulse of Rio’s historic streets and art scene quite like her. She knows every story behind the city’s murals, and she crafts each night out with music, legends, and street parties. Olivia has an eye for beauty in the details, from a lost samba circle in Lapa to a quiet tune in a tucked-away bar. If you want to hear the stories behind museums, neighborhood marketplaces, or the people who shape the city, Olivia is the perfect companion. She blends culture, street art, and those spontaneous street-corner conversations that make Rio come alive after dark.