A Day of Sun, Heights, and Wild Coastlines: My 2025 Jeep Tour Review

You know, there are some travel days that just feel bigger than others, right? I mean, this tour, the one promising a wild Jeep ride, a parade of 18 beaches, a serious hike to that famous hanging stone, and a sunset to top it all off, felt like one of those. So, booking it felt like I was signing up for a full-on Rio de Janeiro highlight reel, all packed into a single, sun-drenched day. Frankly, the promise of a photographer, too, was a massive plus, because who actually wants to be glued to their phone when there’s so much to see? As a matter of fact, the idea of just soaking it all in was incredibly appealing, and I was honestly just hoping the day would live up to its pretty grand description. At the end of the day, these sorts of full-day expeditions can either be amazing or a bit of a marathon, so I was really curious to see how this one would play out.

Basically, my anticipation was pretty high as I waited for the pickup, with so many questions floating around in my head. Would the group be fun? I mean, would the hike be too tough? And seriously, could you really see 18 beaches and not feel like you’re just stuck in a car all day? The thing is that so many tours promise the world, but the reality can sometimes be a little different, you know? This time, I was sort of hopeful, because the structure of the day seemed to make sense, at least on paper. Honestly, moving from the coastline to the mountains and back for a sunset felt like a very complete story of Rio’s wild side. To be honest, I was just ready for an adventure, and it felt like this jeep tour was exactly what I needed to see a part of the city that’s a little bit off the usual tourist path. For example, getting away from the city buzz to find those hidden natural gems was the main goal.

The Morning Pickup & The Jeep Experience Itself

Alright, so the day began with a hotel pickup, and right away, things felt organized, which is always a good start. The Jeep pulled up, a big, rugged-looking green vehicle that honestly looked the part, and our guide, a guy named Leo, jumped out with a huge smile. I mean, his energy was infectious from the get-go, you know? We were a small group, which was pretty great, and he made sure everyone was introduced, so it felt more like a road trip with new friends than a formal tour. Actually, climbing into the open back of that Jeep, I felt a little jolt of excitement; it’s almost like you know you’re in for something different than a standard minivan tour. That ride through the city itself was an experience, as a matter of fact, because feeling the morning air and hearing the sounds of Rio waking up is just not something you get from inside a bus. It’s pretty much the best way to see the city from a new perspective before you even hit the coast.

I mean, as we left the more built-up areas and started driving along the coastline, the whole vibe changed completely. With the canvas roof rolled back, you really get these amazing, unobstructed views of everything, which is just fantastic. Leo was on the microphone, not just listing off facts, but actually telling stories about the neighborhoods we were passing through, which I really liked. You know, he pointed out things you’d absolutely miss otherwise. The ride itself was, well, a little bumpy at times—it’s a Jeep, after all—but that was sort of part of the fun, you know? It made it feel more like an expedition. Honestly, having the wind in your hair as you round a corner to see a stunning new ocean view is something I won’t forget. It’s really the kind of sensory experience that sticks with you and a big reason open-vehicle tours feel so immersive, I think.

A Whirlwind Tour of Wild Beaches

Now, let’s talk about the beaches, because “18 beaches” is a really big claim, right? So, to be honest, you don’t stop and spend an hour at every single one. That would be impossible. It’s more of a scenic drive, a grand coastal tour where the guide points out the different coves and stretches of sand as you go. You get a real sense of the scale and variety of Rio’s coastline this way, which is pretty amazing. We did, however, make proper stops at a few of the most beautiful ones, like the famous Prainha. Honestly, stepping onto Prainha beach felt like entering a different world; it’s this perfect crescent of white sand flanked by lush green hills. It’s a spot that really captures the ‘wild Rio’ vibe and I highly recommend looking for a tour that includes this special place.

Another major stop was Grumari, which was just a little further down the road and somehow even more untouched. It’s a much larger beach, so you get this incredible feeling of open space. The waves here were a bit stronger, and you could see a few surfers out in the water, which added to the really relaxed, local atmosphere. This is where we had a bit more time to just walk along the shore, feel the water, and honestly just breathe. I mean, our guide, Leo, told us that this whole area is an environmental reserve, which is why it has been saved from the massive development you see elsewhere. It really felt like a privilege to be there. And the photographer who was with us was already snapping some beautiful, candid shots, which was a nice touch. For instance, getting those natural photos while you’re enjoying the scenery is something you’ll really value later.

You know, the drive itself was a huge part of the experience, connecting these beach stops together. I mean, the road snakes along the hills, offering these insane views from high up before dipping back down to sea level. At each of the 18 named beaches, whether it was a quick photo stop or just a point-of-interest mentioned by our guide, you got a piece of the story. You see places like Praia do Abricó, the city’s official naturist beach, from a distance, and other little hidden spots you would never find on your own. Basically, it’s not about ticking 18 boxes, but more about understanding the whole ecosystem of beaches west of the city. To be honest, the journey was the destination in this part of the day, and it was a very effective way to show us just how much natural beauty lies right outside the main city.

The Hike to Pedra do Telégrafo (The Telegraph Stone)

Okay, so after all that coastal beauty, it was time for the hike. To be honest, this was the part I was both most excited and a little nervous about. The hike to Pedra do Telégrafo, or the Telegraph Stone, is pretty famous for that photo where it looks like you’re dangling over a cliff. First, I’ll say that the hike itself is a workout. It’s basically a steady, uphill trail for about 45 minutes to an hour. It’s not technical, I mean, you don’t need any special gear, but you should definitely be wearing good shoes and be ready to sweat a bit, especially on a warm day. Our guide was great, though, setting a good pace and making sure everyone had water. Actually, having a guide manage the hike makes it so much less stressful.

The trail winds up through a pretty dense, jungle-like forest, which provides a lot of shade, thankfully. You get these little peeks of the view as you climb higher, which is really motivating, you know? It’s like a preview of the reward to come. When you finally break out of the trees and get to the top, the view is just absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, you can see the entire Restinga da Marambaia sandbank stretching out, the wild beaches we had just visited, and the vast, blue ocean. It’s one of those moments that really makes the climb feel worth it. It’s pretty much a 360-degree panorama of natural beauty that you just have to see for yourself. Honestly, even without the famous stone, the view from the top is a main attraction in its own right.

Now, for the main event: the photo on the stone. First things first, it’s an optical illusion. You’re actually only a few feet off the ground, but the angle of the rock and the backdrop makes it look incredibly dramatic and dangerous. And yes, there is usually a line of people waiting to take their picture. This is where having the tour guide and the photographer was literally a game changer. Our guide knew exactly how to manage the line, and while we waited, the photographer was already planning out the shots. He knew all the best poses—the classic “dangling,” the “superman,” the sitting casually—and directed us perfectly. So, instead of fumbling with your own phone and trying to get the angle right, you have a professional making sure you get that perfect, iconic shot. You know, getting that one amazing photo without the stress is a huge part of the appeal.

The Onboard Photographer: Your Personal Paparazzi

I really need to dedicate a whole section to the photographer, because frankly, it was one of the best parts of this entire tour package. At first, you might think it’s just a small add-on, but it completely changes the dynamic of your day. The photographer who joined us was super friendly and just blended into the group, so it never felt awkward. Basically, from the moment we got in the Jeep to the very last light of sunset, he was capturing everything. He took candid shots of us laughing in the Jeep, walking on the beaches, and of course, the epic, posed shots at the Telegraph Stone. You know, the quality was just on another level compared to what you could get with a phone. He had a professional camera and a real eye for composition and light, which makes such a difference in the final album of memories you get.

The biggest benefit, I mean, is that you are just free to live in the moment. You don’t have to constantly pull out your phone, worry about battery life, or ask strangers to take a picture of you. Instead, you can actually look at the views with your own eyes, talk with the people you’re with, and soak in the atmosphere. Honestly, I found myself being so much more present throughout the day. At the Telegraph Stone, for example, while other groups were struggling to get the right angle, we just listened to our photographer’s instructions, had a laugh, and knew we were getting amazing results. At the end of the day, you’re on vacation to relax, and having someone else handle the documentation is a true luxury.

At the end of the tour, they explained how we’d get the photos. They sent a link to a digital gallery a couple of days later, and there were dozens and dozens of high-resolution images. It was like opening a present. Seeing the whole day captured so beautifully was just incredible. There were so many great moments I had already half-forgotten. Seriously, if you’re on the fence about a tour that includes a photographer, I’d say it’s absolutely worth it. It’s not just about the photos themselves; it’s about how it allows you to better experience the trip. For any kind of special trip or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I think it’s a feature that adds an immense amount of value.

Chasing the Sunset: The Perfect Golden Hour

Alright, so after the high of the hike, the final part of our adventure was all about winding down and watching the sunset. You’d think we’d be exhausted, and we were a little, but the excitement for the finale kept everyone’s spirits up. Our guide drove us to a spot on the western coast, a place specifically chosen for its unobstructed view of the sun dipping into the ocean. It wasn’t a famous, crowded viewpoint, but rather a more secluded, rocky shoreline that felt like our own private viewing deck. I mean, this is the kind of local knowledge you just can’t get from a guidebook. This is a big plus of choosing an organized trip because finding the best sunset spots on your own can be hit or miss.

As the sun began to lower, the whole sky just exploded with color. I’m talking about deep oranges, soft pinks, and fiery reds reflecting off the water. It was absolutely stunning and incredibly peaceful. After a day full of movement and activity, just sitting there on the rocks, feeling the cool evening breeze, and watching the show was the perfect ending. It was a really quiet, reflective moment for the group. The photographer was still at it, but very discreetly, capturing silhouettes against the colorful sky. To be honest, those sunset pictures ended up being some of my absolute favorites from the whole day. They really captured the calm and beautiful feeling of that moment. Getting that perfect golden hour shot is something many people travel to Rio specifically for.

You know, sitting there, it gave me a moment to think about the entire day. We had literally traveled from the bustling city to wild, preserved beaches, climbed a small mountain for an epic view, and now we were watching the day end in the most beautiful way possible. It felt like a very complete and well-rounded story of what makes Rio’s landscape so special. It’s not just one thing; it’s the mix of city, forest, mountain, and ocean all right next to each other. This tour did a really good job of weaving all those elements together. It was a long day, for sure, but every part of it felt meaningful. At the end of the day, an experience that leaves you with such a strong sense of place is a successful one, in my book.