Activities

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Activities

EO 2025 Rio University invites you to spend your day the Carioca way - with movement, mindfulness, and awe-inspiring views.

Leave your comfort zone and move into the rhythm of Rio.

Registration for all activities is now open!

Register here

Wednesday 5 November 

Optional Pre-University Event: Gastromotiva Volunteer Activity (user-pay) 

📍Location: Refettorio Gastromotiva, Rio de Janeiro 

🗓 Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025

⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

👥 Capacity: 30

💰 Fee: $150 per person 

Overview: 

EO members will engage in a hands-on volunteer experience at Gastromotiva, a social gastronomy hub focused on fighting food waste and hunger.

The event includes: 

– A warm welcome and introduction to Gastromotiva’s mission and impact. 

– Collaborative meal preparation using rescued ingredients to create 102 nutritious meals for the local community. 

– A shared lunch with story exchange and reflections. 

This unique activity combines meaningful community service and inspirational learning. 

Registration for all activities is now open!

Register here

Thursday 6 November 

On Thursday, 6 November, choose from two unforgettable ways to start your day, designed to fit your pace and preference.

All registrants are required to sign up for one of the Thursday morning experiences below. Sign-ups are now open and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Option 1: Private Sunrise at Christ the Redeemer – The Iconic Early Rise Experience 

For those seeking a truly extraordinary start, join us for an exclusive sunrise visit to Corcovado Mountain, home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer and available only to EO that early morning.  With a 4:00 AM wake-up and 4:30 AM departure from the hotel, you’ll witness the breathtaking sunrise over Rio’s skyline, including views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the surrounding landscapes.  

This bucket-list experience is limited to 200 participants and promises to be one of the most memorable moments of your University journey. 

Option 2: Carioca-Style Beach Workshops – A Later Rise, Local-Inspired Start

If you prefer to rise a bit later, immerse yourself in the spirit of Rio with our Carioca Workshops — a chance to reconnect with yourself and lean into growth through play, movement, and new experiences. These beachside sessions are not about mastery, they are about presence: trying something different, maybe falling, and finding resilience in the act of trying again. Join us on Copacabana to discover how getting out of your comfort zone can unlock clarity, strength, and fresh perspective.

Choice of: Stand-up Paddle

Paddle Through Paradise — One Peaceful Stroke at a Time

Discover Rio from a whole new perspective — gliding across its sparkling waters on a stand-up paddleboard. Whether you are a first-timer or seasoned paddler, this activity offers the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility. Surrounded by lush mountains and golden beaches, you will float through postcard views while strengthening your core and calming your mind.

Choice of: Beach Tennis

Hit the Sand, Swing into Action

Trade the court for the coastline and dive into the fast-paced fun of beach tennis! Set against the stunning backdrop of Copacabana Beach, this social and energetic sport is ideal for all skill levels. Play in the sunshine, build camaraderie, and unleash your competitive side — all while feeling the soft sand under your feet and the ocean breeze in your hair.

Choice of: Foot Volley

Where Athleticism Meets Beach Culture

Experience Rio’s legendary beach spirit through volleyball or its thrilling cousin, foot volley — a Brazilian favorite that blends soccer and volleyball into one electrifying sport. Whether you are spiking a ball or kicking it with finesse, these beach games bring people together for fun, friendly competition, and a chance to get your heart pumping in paradise.

Choice of: Bike Ride

Cruise the Coastline with Style

Hop on a bike and explore Rio at your own pace. Ride west towards Ipanema and Leblon, feel the sea breeze on your face, and soak in postcard-perfect views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the endless Atlantic Ocean. Whether it is a casual cruise or a fitness-focused ride, this experience offers freedom, fresh air, and the best seat to witness city life by the sea.

Choice of: Functional Training with a Personal Trainer

Your Fitness, Your Pace, Your Paradise

Unlock your fitness goals with a tailored personal training session in one of the world’s most iconic outdoor gyms — Copacabana Beach. Whether you are looking to build strength, improve endurance, or kick-start your wellness journey, your expert trainer will lead you through an engaging session, with Rio's vibrant coastline as your backdrop. Sweat, sculpt, and thrive under the sun!

Friday, 7 November

Optional Morning Yoga

Find Your Flow on Rio’s Most Iconic Shoreline

Stretch, breathe, and center yourself with yoga sessions held on the sands of Copacabana. Guided by experienced instructors, these classes blend mindful movement with the natural beauty of the beach. Reconnect your body and mind to the rhythm of the ocean and emerge refreshed, balanced, and inspired.

Saturday 8 November

On Saturday, you will have the chance to take part in a group activity designed to help you experience some of the best of what Rio de Janeiro is known for. Whether it be adventure, cultural sites or nature – we will have a little something for everyone!
Important: One (1) off-site activity is included in the price of your University registration. These activities are open to members and their registered guests (full participation and limited participation).

Registration for all activities is now open!

Register here

Please read these important notes about off-site activities: 
  • Registered members and their registered guests (full or limited participation) may sign-up for one (1) off-site activity per person. 
  • All off-site activities include lunch. Some activities that depart in the early morning will include breakfast. 
  • All off-site activities have limited space and are first come, first served. 
  • Some activities are weather permitting and may be cancelled due to inclement weather. 
  • All activities require a minimum number of people to participate and may be cancelled prior to the event if the minimum has not been met. 
  • Some off-site activities may require a user-pay supplement and are indicated in the description. 
  • All user-pay activities are non-refundable. 
  • Members and guests that sign-up for the same activity will be assigned to the same group. 
  • There are no waitlists for sold-out activities. 

Option 1: Take The Famous Cable Car to the Sugarloaf Mountain 

Saturday, 8 November

Soar, Savor, and See Rio Like Never Before
Ride the legendary cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, where sweeping panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach, and Christ the Redeemer await. After soaking in the scenery, enjoy a delicious lunch with a view — where tropical flavors meet breathtaking vistas.

Want to take it to the next level? Add an optional helicopter tour and soar above the city’s most famous sights, including a close-up view of the Christ the Redeemer statue, for an unforgettable aerial adventure. This is Rio from every angle — epic, elegant, and exhilarating.

Option 2: Discover Santa Tereza and Take a Picture at The Lapa Steps

Bohemian Charm and Old-World Beauty in the Hills of Rio
Wander among cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, and colonial-era mansions in Rio’s most artistic neighborhood. Santa Teresa invites you to slow down and soak in its soulful charm — where every corner tells a story and local art thrives. Discover hidden galleries, iconic staircases like Escadaria Selarón, and the rhythm of Rio’s creative heartbeat.

Midday, relax with a flavorful lunch at a local eatery known for its warm hospitality and authentic Brazilian cuisine. This is more than a tour — it is cultural immersion filled with color, history, and heart.

While in Santa Tereza, you’ll also make your way to Bar do Mineiro, which has been a most-loved place for Santa Teresa locals since 1992.

Here is the place to enjoy a caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail and a typical Brazilian meal. You’ll have a feast with traditional dishes such as feijoada, beans, sausage and the famous fried empanadas.  

Optional Beach Volleyball

Dig, Spike, and Serve with a View

Feel the pulse of Rio’s beach culture with a thrilling game of beach volleyball on Copacabana’s legendary sands. With Sugarloaf Mountain in the background and the ocean breeze keeping you cool, this is more than a workout — it is an iconic experience of sun-soaked energy and camaraderie.

Whether you are in it for friendly fun or fierce competition, the beach becomes your arena and the vibe is always electric. Join a match, meet new people, and play where the locals play — in the heart of Rio's vibrant outdoor culture.

Enhance Your Limited Participant Pass with
Additional Experiences

While members are participating in learning sessions on Thursday and Friday mornings, guests with a Limited Participant Pass can join additional curated experiences to make their time in Rio even more memorable. 

Thursday 6 November

Discover the Flavors of Brazil — A Hands-On Cooking Experience

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and cook like a local!
This intimate cooking experience is designed for all skill levels, whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned home chef.
Under the guidance of a passionate local instructor, you will join a small group to prepare some of Brazil’s most iconic dishes — from the succulent Picanha steak, to the rich and hearty Feijoada, or the fragrant Bahian Moqueca. You will also whip up a selection of authentic appetizers. Of course, no Brazilian cooking class would be complete without crafting the country’s signature cocktail: the Caipirinha.
It is more than a cooking class — it is a cultural experience full of flavor, fun, and unforgettable memories.
Friday 7 November

Afternoon Escape to Leblon Shopping Mall — Shop, Stroll, and Soak In Rio’s Style

Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at one of Rio de Janeiro’s most upscale and stylish shopping destinations — the Leblon Shopping Mall.
On Friday, 7 November, we will provide round-trip transportation, departing at 1:30pm and returning by 5:00pm. This mini getaway is perfect for anyone looking to explore Rio’s fashionable side.
At Leblon Mall, you will find a mix of high-end Brazilian designers, international luxury brands, and boutique shops. Take time to browse, shop, or simply enjoy the elegant atmosphere.

Register here