Spend 3 to 3.5 hours walking between 4 of Copacabana’s botecos, the neighbourhood bars where Cariocas actually eat and drink. I’m Murillo, I was born in Rio and I founded Taste Rio in 2018. I lead every tour myself, and these are the bars I go to on my own nights out.

At each bar we share small plates (petiscos, Brazilian bar food), 8 to 14 across the tour depending on group size. Expect seafood tapas, finger food and some fermented dishes. I choose every plate, and the menu stays a surprise until it hits the table. Beer, wine and a local cocktail are included, poured at the pace of the tour rather than counted. Not drinking alcohol? Order any non-alcoholic drink the bar has.

Between stops I’ll tell you how these bars shaped Copacabana and what each one is known for. Most walks take about 5 minutes, with one longer walk of 15 to 20 minutes.

The group is never bigger than 8, and the tour runs even if you’re the only guest. Pescatarians and vegetarians can be accommodated (vegetarians get a reduced experience); vegans can’t. The tour ends near Rua Barata Ribeiro, 4 - 20min from the meeting point.