Marcelo and Be Free Tours were the highlights of our March 2020 vist to Rio. We did the All Day tour of Rio on our first day in the city, which was great to get a good overview of layout and history. Marcelo was the driver and Mariana was our guide. They were punctual upon pick up, flexible in the itinary, and lots of fun! We hit the major sites including Christ the Redeemer, but the highlight was going to the Samba Carnaval school for a back stage tour of the whole operation. We got to dress up in the costumes, drank a caipirinha with snacks, and asked questions to our hearts content. BIG fun! Our second full day of touring was to Petropolis, which is about an hour outside of Rio to the summar palace. Marcelo was the driver and tour guide. The scenery on the drive was pleasant and the royal house was beautiful. We stopped at a gorgeous brewary for lunch and some brews. It was a relaxing and informative day. The communications throughout the whole experience were excellent. Marcelo responded to our inquireis (before, during, and after) quickly and always with helpful suggestions. Highly recommended.

BeFreeTours made our stay in Rio de Janeiro one of the best holidays imaginable. Some of the most amazing places that we visited were ones we had never heard of but suggested by BeFreeTours. Nothing was too much trouble. We were always offered options and alternatives. We really felt at home in Rio thanks to Marcelo, able to do all the sightseeing we wanted, and able to live and relax like Brazilians for the time we were there. I would have no hesitation in recommending this company to any client. 

Marcelo and Be Free Tours helped me achieve a dream. I visited Rio for the Brazil World Cup in 2014. Marcelo brought me to the most famous attractions in Rio and to some untouched gems. He was a very knowledgable guide and explained the significance of each attraction and location. He was always available and on time whenever I needed him. During the World Cup, he helped me meet some of most famous footballers to ever play the game including Diego Maradona. Marcelo is a very kind man and now a great friend. Thank you Marcelo and Be Free Tours. 

I am in love with the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings, but as a solo traveler from the United States, I am also aware of my own limitations when navigating a city like Rio on my own. At the same time, I prefer to avoid tour groups, and like to have the flexibility to explore the city at my own pace and in my own way rather than follow the schedule and plan of a larger group. 

I have done a number of custom designed tours with Marcelo and his team in September 2018 and July 2019, and have already scheduled another couple of tours for July 2021. 

Touring the city with Rio natives Marcelo and Rafael is like having local friends proudly show me around their hometown. In addition to the usual tourist hotspots like Corcovado and Sugarloaf, it is fantastic to experience the local scene at the Feira de Sao Cristovao, and take in the beauty of the city from relatively secluded vantage points like Morro Dona Marta and parts of the Tijuca rainforest. 

On my most recent trip, the tour was expanded to include the historic towns of Petropolis and Teresopolis, named after the last emperor and empress of Brazil. My next trip will definitely include a return to Teresopolis for some hiking in the Serra dos Orgaos!