Rio de Janeiro Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Rio Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Now is the time to experience South America’s most beautiful city and run along its famous coastline at the Rio de Janeiro Marathon. The name of the city is synonymous with sun, fun and rhythm of the sensuous samba. Few places on earth can match the hospitality, natural charm, beauty and excitement of this city. Now it’s your turn to discover it!
The Rio de Janeiro Marathon offers runners an exceptional opportunity to experience one of the world’s most scenic urban marathons. Set against the backdrop of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic coastline, the race course winds through neighborhoods such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s vibrant culture. With a flat and fast route, the event attracts both elite athletes and recreational runners from around the globe, creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere.
Following the race, we encourage you to extend your journey with a visit to Iguassu Falls, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in South America. Located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, the falls comprise 275 individual cascades, with the most dramatic section — the Devil’s Throat — plunging nearly 80 meters into the river below.
The Rio de Janeiro Marathon is an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race.
Meals Included
Daily Buffet Breakfast & Pre-Race Dinner
Guide
Hosted On-Site by Marathon Tours & Travel
Transfers
Transport to Start Line and return from Finish Line
Trip Extension
Post-Race Extension Option to Iguassu Falls
Entry
Guaranteed VIP Race Entry (in addition to the package price)
Celebration Party
Post-Race Celebration Reception
Excursions
Half-Day Sightseeing Tour to Corcovado with Signature Package
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, May 26
Arrive today in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by gorgeous mountains and ocean waters and check into the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana. Join your fellow Marathon Tours & Travel runners and supporters for a Welcome Reception at the Fairmont. Included Meals: Welcome Drinks and Light Food.
Thursday, May 27
Today enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour visiting the famous Corcovado Mountain – a short and scenic train ride through the forest takes you to the summit. Here, 2,400 feet above the city, stands one of South America’s most famous and inspiring landmarks – the 125 foot statue of “Christ the Redeemer.” The panorama of the city below is testament to why most visitors consider Rio one of the most spectacular cities in the world. A stop at the Expo to pick up your race bib is also planned for today. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own or opt to run the Maratona do Rio 5K this afternoon. Included Meals: Breakfast
Friday, May 28
10K Race Day. Transportation to the race start and back from the finish line is provided from your hotel. Come cheer on the 10K runners or enjoy a free day to explore Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. Included Meals: Breakfast
Saturday, May 29
Half-Marathon Day! Transportation to the race start and back from the finish line is provided from your hotel. Come cheer on the half-marathon runners or enjoy a free day to explore Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. Join us this evening for a pre-race dinner at the Fairmont. Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Monday, May 31
Enjoy a leisure morning before transferring on your own to the airport for your flight home. Those joining the post-race extension to Iguassu Falls will have an early morning transfer to the airport. Details will be shared as the date gets closer. Included Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary subject to change.
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Thursday, May 27
Arrive today in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by gorgeous mountains and ocean waters and check into the Arena Ipanema. Join your fellow Marathon Tours & Travel runners and supporters for a Welcome Drink at the the hotel. Included Meals: Welcome Drink
Friday, May 28
10K Race Day. Transportation to the race start and back from the finish line is provided from your hotel. Come cheer on the 10K runners or enjoy a free day to head to the Rio Marathon Expo “Casa Maratona” on your own or explore Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. Included Meals: Breakfast
Saturday, May 29
Half-Marathon Day! Transportation to the race start and back from the finish line is provided from your hotel. Come cheer on the half-marathon runners or enjoy a free day to explore Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. Join us this evening for a pre-race dinner at the Fairmont. Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Monday, May 31
Enjoy a leisure morning before transferring on your own to the airport for your flight home. Those joining the post-race extension to Iguassu Falls will have an early morning transfer to the airport. Details will be shared as the date gets closer. Included Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary subject to change.
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Extensions
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Post-Race Extension | May 31 – June 3, 2027
Iguassu Falls
It is challenging to describe the scale and beauty of Iguassu Falls. You will be able to visit the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian side to be able to fully experience one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature”. This is an adventure that should not be missed! Please find a copy of a sample itinerary below, dates of activities may change based on availability.
Monday, May 31 – You will have the morning at your leisure before the group transfer from the Fairmont Copacabana to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls.
Flight Schedule (subject to change)
- Depart: GIG at 8:00am – Arrive: IGU at 10:10am
Upon arrival we will check into the hotel for the evening. Dinner at the hotel will be at your own expense. Included Meals: Breakfast
Tuesday, June 1– This morning after breakfast, you will be treated to a tour of the Argentine side of the Falls. First, we will cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge with its lovely view of the Iguassu Canyon heading towards Iguacu National Park. Here we will visit the upper walkways, which allow a different perspective and more intimate contact with the Falls. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the suspended platform at the very brink of the Devil’s Throat! Included Meals: Breakfast
Wednesday, June 2 – Today, enjoy a walking tour of the Brazilian side of the Falls. Starting from the hotel, a moderate walk brings us high above the river to a series of galleries with breath-taking views. Inside Iguassu National Park, we ride through the Macuco Trail in an open jeep-towed wagon permitting a free view of the fantastic scenery. During the ride, we stop for those who wish to take a dip in one of the Falls (optional). Next is the Macuco Safari, which an inflatable bi-motor boat will bring us up-river, passing the canyon to have a direct look at the rapids. Rocks, wildlife and a spectacular green landscape complete the scenery until it reaches the great horseshoe known as the Devil’s Throat. To top the tour off, the pilot will give everyone a splash by navigating through the spray of one of the Falls! Included Meals: Breakfast
If time allows in the itinerary, we will offer the following optional tours:
- Parque das Aves – Bird Sanctuary
- Helicopter Tour of the Falls
- Churrascaria Show with Dinner at Rafain
Thursday, June 3 – After breakfast this morning, the group will transfer to the airport for your flight back to Rio to connect with your international flight home. Included Meals: Breakfast
Flight Schedule (subject to change)
- Depart: IGU at 10:50am– Arrive: GIG at 12:40pm
Please be sure to book your return international flight home from the Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) after 5:00 PM*.
*Recommendation based on current flight itinerary, which is subject to change at anytime.
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Packages & Rates
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Rio de Janeiro Signature Package| Five-Nights: May 26 – 31, 2027
- Five nights’ accommodation at the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
- Breakfast Daily at the hotel
- Welcome Cocktail Reception
- Half Day Rio City Tour with admission to Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer)
- Pre-Race Dinner (Saturday, May 29)
- Roundtrip Race Day Transfers
- Post-Race Celebration
- Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
- Guaranteed VIP Race Entries (in addition to the package price)
- Exclusive VIP Start Corral – Just after the Elite Runners for the 21K & 42K events
- VIP area at the finish line with exclusive bathrooms, buffet, and massages (for runners)
Rio de Janeiro Classic Package| Four-Nights: May 27 – 31, 2027
- Four nights’ accommodation at the Arena Ipanema
- Breakfast Daily at the Hotel
- Welcome Drink at Hotel
- Pre-Race Dinner (Saturday, May 29)
- Roundtrip Race Day Transfers
- Post-Race Celebration
- Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
- Guaranteed VIP Race Entries (in addition to the package price)
- Exclusive VIP Start Corral – Just after the Elite Runners for the 21K & 42K events
- VIP area at the finish line with exclusive bathrooms, buffet, and massages (for runners)
Iguassu Falls Post-Race Extension | Three-Nights: May 31 – June 3, 2027
Features:
- Roundtrip airport transfers with English speaking guide
- Roundtrip Airfare to/from Iguassu Falls (subject to change)
- Monday, May 31, 2027
- Depart: GIG at 8:00am – Arrive: IGU at 10:10am
- Thursday, June 3, 2026
- Depart: IGU at 10:50am – Arrive: GIG at 12:40pm
- Monday, May 31, 2027
- Three (3) nights’ accommodation at the Belmond das Cataratas
- Breakfast Daily at the hotel
- Private sightseeing tours on air-conditioned motorcoaches with licensed English-speaking guides
- Half-Day Walking Tour of the Brazilian side of the Falls
- Macuco Safari Boat Tour
- Half-Day Tour of the Argentinian side of the Falls
- All hotel taxes and service fees
- Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel (minimum 20 guests required)
Not Included:
- International Round-Trip Airfare
- Airport Transfers
- Race Entry Fees
- Optional Activities
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance
- Visa – New Requirement for Australian, Canadian and U.S. nationals as of April 10, 2025. You can apply for your e-Visa online here.
Airfare:
You should fly in and out of Galeao International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro. For those on the Iguassu Falls extension, please be sure to book your return flight home from Rio after 8:00 PM.Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents
2027 Rates (all prices in US dollars and per person rates)
Note: The Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana has nightly entertainment at the pool from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Noise from the pool WILL be heard in the Ocean View Rooms.
*Includes Exclusive Gold Lounge Access for gourmet breakfast, cocktails, and private check in/out.
Rio de Janeiro Marathon | 5-Night Signature PackageFairmont Copacabana (5*) Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Fairmont City View Room $2495 per person $3770 Deluxe Ocean View Room $2845 per person $4565 Fairmont GOLD City View Room* $2845 per person $4565 Fairmont GOLD Ocean View Room* $3155 per person $5185 Rio de Janeiro Marathon | 4-Night Classic PackageArena Ipanema (4*) Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Standard City View Room - One Bed $1590 per person $2565 Superior Park View Room $1680 per person $2745 Deluxe Park View Room $1770 per person $2790 Iguassu Falls Post-Race Extension | 3-Night PackageBelmond das Cataratas (5*) Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Superior Room $2435 per person $3695 Race Entry FeesRace Distance Entry Fee VIP Wonderful City Challenge Entry (42K & 21K) $TBD per person VIP Marathon Entry (Sunday, May 30) $TBD per person VIP Half Marathon Entry (Saturday, May 29) $TBD per person VIP 10K Entry (Friday, May 28) $TBD per person VIP 5K Entry (Thursday, May 27) $TBD per person Run all Four Races (5K, 10K, 21K & 42K) $TBD per person
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Hotels
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Discover one of the best luxury hotels in Brazil, set in an unrivaled location on the shores of iconic Copacabana Beach. Imbued with all the glamor of the city in the 1950s, Fairmont Rio is your gateway to a bohemian setting that has inspired countless poets and artists, and which shines today as an epicenter of culture and gastronomy.
Rio de Janeiro, BrazilA stylish beachfront hotel overlooking the iconic Ipanema Beach, offering modern accommodation, a rooftop pool with panoramic ocean views, and easy access to Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Its prime location and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect base for exploring one of the world’s most famous beach destinations.
Foz do Iguassu, BrazilComplete your Rio Marathon journey with an unforgettable escape to Iguassu Falls. Stay at the iconic Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel located within Brazil’s Iguassu National Park, offering privileged access to the falls before and after regular visitor hours. Marvel at one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, explore scenic walkways with breathtaking views, and relax in luxury surrounded by lush rainforest.
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Event Information
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Race Date:
- Thursday, May 27 – 5K
- Friday, May 28 – 10K
- Saturday, May 29 – 21K | Half-Marathon
- Sunday, May 30 – 42K | Marathon
Race Time:- 4:00 PM – 5K (Thursday, May 27)
- 7:00 AM – 10K (Friday, May 28)
- 5:30 AM – 21K | Half-Marathon (Saturday, May 29)
- 5:30 AM – 42K | Marathon (Sunday, May 30)
Course: Starting in Barra da Tijuca and following the Atlantic coastline through São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, and Botafogo, runners are treated to continuous ocean views and iconic landmarks including Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. With its predominantly flat profile, energetic crowds, and unforgettable beachfront finish at Flamengo, the Rio de Janeiro Marathon offers one of the most scenic marathons in the world!
Temperature: May/June is the late fall in Rio, but the average temperature still is 70F (21C). The temperature drops to a comfortable 68F in the evening (18C).
Entry Fee:
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Wonderful City Challenge (42K & 21K) – $TBD
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Marathon – $TBD
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Half Marathon – $TBD
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10K – $TBD
- 5K – $TBD
- Run all Four (5K, 10K, 21K & 42K) – $TBD
Eligibility: The minimum age limit for the marathon is 20 years old, 18 years old for the half-marathon, 16 years old for the 10K and 14 years old for the 5K.
Time Limit: The course time limit for the Marathon is six (6) hours, Half-Marathon is three (3) hours, 10K is 90 minutes and the 5K is 90 minutes.
Number Pickup: A time will be organized for the group to stop at the Expo to pick up your race bib during the city tour. The Expo is open May 27 from 9 AM to 5 PM; May 28 from 9 AM to 7 PM; and May 29 from 8 AM to 5 PM at Casa Maratona located at Marina da Gloria (Aterro do Flamengo).
Difficulty: Mostly flat, with heat and humidity.
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: Land Prices may change due to currency fluctuations or changes in any taxes or park fees.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a deposit of 30% of the package price + 100% of the race entry fees must be received at time of booking. The second installment of 30% will be automatically charged to the card on file 24 weeks prior to the event date (December 13, 2026). The final balance will be automatically charged to the card on file 12 weeks prior to the event date (March 7, 2027). Payments received after March 7, 2027, are subject to a $50 per person late fee.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. The race entry fee and required Brazilian visa is additional.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Insurance: Travel Insurance may offer protection for covered events if your plans do not go as expected. Travel insurance plans are available through Travel Guard. A Travel Guard Travel Insurance Plan can help cover your trip investment, reimburse certain expenses from travel disruption and provide you with emergency travel assistance. To learn more about Travel Guard Travel Insurance Plans or to obtain a quote, please click here. All Customers should carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy including the Pre-existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver language. Refer to your state specific policy of insurance. For questions, call Travel Guard at 855-403-5335.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
General Conditions for 2026
Revised as of 09/2026
For full terms and conditions please see Booking conditions
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Testimonials
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"The communication and attention..." - 2026
The communication and attention to detail. Nothing seemed rushed or poorly planned. This was my first marathon tour and I really had no idea what to expect – I was very impressed!
"The falls extension was the best..." - 2026The falls extension was the best part for me. Rio was great, but I always enjoy the more adventurous portions of Marathon tourist trips as opposed to the big city.
"The organization was excellent..." - 2026The organization was excellent, as always. The level of information was great to remove any concerns typical of foreign travel.
"I didn't have any expectations..." - 2025I didn’t have any expectations, and this so far has been one of my favorite trips with Marathon Tours.
"Very well organized and it was a very friendly..." - 2025Very well organized and it was a very friendly group. Knew one person when I came and left with so many new friendships."Loved being around all the runners and having conversations with like-minded people..." - 2023Loved being around all the runners and having conversations with like-minded people. All the activities were just fabulous. Corcovado and SugarLoaf and the views from each of those were breathtaking. The hotel was amazing located on beautiful Copacabana Beach
"Ann really knows the Rio de Janeiro Marathon and she shared that wealth of experience..." - 2023Ann really knows the Rio de Janeiro Marathon and she shared that wealth of experience with the runners. When you are in a foreign country and preparing for a marathon, having someone like Ann available to us is a tremendous resource.
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Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship
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You can use this event to qualify for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships (AGWC). If you secure a place, we invite you to book our official travel package and share the championship experience with other Age Groupers here.
For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship go here.
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Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Ann Haebler
Senior Trip Designer
Ann Haebler
Senior Trip Designer
Ann joined the Marathon Tours & Travel team after spending five years working as Group Sales Manager for a domestic tour operator specializing in train travel. She has now been a member of the team for eight years and hopes to continue to expand her knowledge of the world. Since her seventh grade world geography class, she has had an interest in learning about all the world has to offer.
During her time majoring in geography at the University of New Hampshire, her love of travel really kicked into high gear after spending a semester abroad in Australia. Let’s just say it was love at first flight! She has completed several half-marathons, 10K and 5K’s around the globe and in her local community.
Ann currently manages trips to the Antarctica Marathon®, Mendoza Marathon, Rio de Janeiro Marathon, Kangaroo Island Run Festival and the Aussie Challenge.
