Here you will find some reviews from people that joined me on a tour before. As a professional guide I try to offer to all clients the minimum they can expect from a tour experience: fun, comfort, security, interesting information, authenticity and good memories. As an optimistic man I try to make them feel how wonderful and important travelling can be for our personal growing and happiness. I just have one thing to say to all of you who wrote the reviews below: You were more than clients. By the end of the day we spent together, I could call you a friend! Thank you very much!
Trip Advisor - By Cassandra Fowles - From England - February 2015
http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowUserReviews-g303509-d2425808-r254538062-Pedra_do_Sino-Teresopolis_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT
“Pedra do Sino with Augusto "Guto" Naufel”
My husband and I decided to hike to Pedra do SIno as part of our holiday in Rio de Janeiro last month. It was the highlight of our trip. We really enjoyed the national park, it's wildlife and tranquility away from the city. Our guide Guto (http://riodeguto.weebly.com) made the trek run very smoothly, and was very knowledgable. A refreshing break from usual tour guides, he was like having a personal friend who knew all the best places, and tailored our trip to suit us, without even asking! The views at sunrise were spectacular, carefully calculated by Guto. We would recommend using Guto for your trip to RIo.
http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowUserReviews-g303509-d2425808-r254538062-Pedra_do_Sino-Teresopolis_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT
“Pedra do Sino with Augusto "Guto" Naufel”
My husband and I decided to hike to Pedra do SIno as part of our holiday in Rio de Janeiro last month. It was the highlight of our trip. We really enjoyed the national park, it's wildlife and tranquility away from the city. Our guide Guto (http://riodeguto.weebly.com) made the trek run very smoothly, and was very knowledgable. A refreshing break from usual tour guides, he was like having a personal friend who knew all the best places, and tailored our trip to suit us, without even asking! The views at sunrise were spectacular, carefully calculated by Guto. We would recommend using Guto for your trip to RIo.
Trip Advisor - By Mandalyn & Tyler - From New York, NY - January 2015
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Attraction_Review-g303506-d1867286-Reviews-Rio_by_Guto-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#mtreview_review_249877266
“Ilha Grande hike to Lopes Mendes Beach. Amazing!!!”
My husband and I spent 10 fantastic days in Rio. We decided we wanted to go on a hike to a beautiful beach so we researched and found AUGUSTO NAUFEL (Rio by Guto) our amazing guide picked us up from our hotel for our hike through Ilha Grande to Lopes Mendes beach. Augusto was fun and knowledgeable and we felt comfortable.
We hiked through the jungle for 2 hours it was a great work out! And our goal the beautiful Lopes Mendes Beach was breathtaking!!!!!!!!! You won't want to leave!!! This was a perfect day with a great guide. Thanks Augusto!!!
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Attraction_Review-g303506-d1867286-Reviews-Rio_by_Guto-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#mtreview_review_249877266
“Ilha Grande hike to Lopes Mendes Beach. Amazing!!!”
My husband and I spent 10 fantastic days in Rio. We decided we wanted to go on a hike to a beautiful beach so we researched and found AUGUSTO NAUFEL (Rio by Guto) our amazing guide picked us up from our hotel for our hike through Ilha Grande to Lopes Mendes beach. Augusto was fun and knowledgeable and we felt comfortable.
We hiked through the jungle for 2 hours it was a great work out! And our goal the beautiful Lopes Mendes Beach was breathtaking!!!!!!!!! You won't want to leave!!! This was a perfect day with a great guide. Thanks Augusto!!!
Trip Advisor - by E.Z. - From Charlotte, North Carolina - June 14th, 2014
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Attraction_Review-g303506-d1867286-Reviews-Rio_by_Guto-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#mtreview_210243165
"I highly recommend Guto as your personal Guide to Rio, Brazil or Beyond. He is very knowledgeable and intellectual person that takes great pride in his country and heritage. Guto customized our day with him to meet our requests and taught us a lot about his country , city, culture and food. Guto exceeded our expectations in every way. When traveling in Rio or Brazil give Guto (Rio by Guto) the opportunity to Guide your adventure. You will not be disappointed, there is no better Guide than Guto! Obrigado Guto until we meet again."
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Attraction_Review-g303506-d1867286-Reviews-Rio_by_Guto-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#mtreview_210243165
"I highly recommend Guto as your personal Guide to Rio, Brazil or Beyond. He is very knowledgeable and intellectual person that takes great pride in his country and heritage. Guto customized our day with him to meet our requests and taught us a lot about his country , city, culture and food. Guto exceeded our expectations in every way. When traveling in Rio or Brazil give Guto (Rio by Guto) the opportunity to Guide your adventure. You will not be disappointed, there is no better Guide than Guto! Obrigado Guto until we meet again."
Trip Advisor - by Amedeo Buonajuti - From Cape Town, South Africa - February 2nd, 2013
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Attraction_Review-g303506-d1867286-Reviews-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#mtreview_151220138
"Combines easy going charm with exceptional knowledge of Rio de Janiero and a native fluency in several languages. An erudite man, who has travelled widely around Brazil and the world. Can show you the sites and the secrets of Rio. Highly trustworthy and reliable. Thank you Augusto."
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Attraction_Review-g303506-d1867286-Reviews-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#mtreview_151220138
"Combines easy going charm with exceptional knowledge of Rio de Janiero and a native fluency in several languages. An erudite man, who has travelled widely around Brazil and the world. Can show you the sites and the secrets of Rio. Highly trustworthy and reliable. Thank you Augusto."
Trip Advisor - by Alain Sintobin - August, 2013
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/ShowUserReviews-g303506-d1867286-r75273170-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html
"UN GUIDE POUR LES FRANCAIS - Non seulement il parle parfaitement la langue de molière, mais il est excellent guide, juste ce qu'il faut comme explications pour être intéressant sans être ennuyeux. Souple pour les programmes à la carte, disponible, intelligent, il est en plus d'une honnêteté et d'une correction irréprochable.
Je ne peux que conseiller de faire appel à ses services, c'est un coup sûr."
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/ShowUserReviews-g303506-d1867286-r75273170-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html
"UN GUIDE POUR LES FRANCAIS - Non seulement il parle parfaitement la langue de molière, mais il est excellent guide, juste ce qu'il faut comme explications pour être intéressant sans être ennuyeux. Souple pour les programmes à la carte, disponible, intelligent, il est en plus d'une honnêteté et d'une correction irréprochable.
Je ne peux que conseiller de faire appel à ses services, c'est un coup sûr."
Trip Advisor - by Navin and Claude Hingorani - November 23rd, 2012
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Attraction_Review-g303506-d1867286-Reviews-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#mtreview_146021703
"Augusto took us around for a day in Rio and covered a lot of ground- we went to Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain and also parts of the city centre. He is one of the best tour guides we have had on all our travels! Very sincere and genuinely wanting to show us a good time. He has also travelled widely around the world so it was great to be able to share travel stories. It also meant he knew exactly what we wanted as tourists. He knew great places to take shots, cute out of the way places for souvenirs, pretty drives around Rio, including a drive into one of the favelas. He also wanted us to try local snacks, so we tried the ‘pastel’, fresh sugar cane and coconut juices and some slushed acacia berries. We booked our taxi rides to and from the airport with him as well which was also very convenient. He is certainly someone you can trust."
.
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Attraction_Review-g303506-d1867286-Reviews-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#mtreview_146021703
"Augusto took us around for a day in Rio and covered a lot of ground- we went to Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain and also parts of the city centre. He is one of the best tour guides we have had on all our travels! Very sincere and genuinely wanting to show us a good time. He has also travelled widely around the world so it was great to be able to share travel stories. It also meant he knew exactly what we wanted as tourists. He knew great places to take shots, cute out of the way places for souvenirs, pretty drives around Rio, including a drive into one of the favelas. He also wanted us to try local snacks, so we tried the ‘pastel’, fresh sugar cane and coconut juices and some slushed acacia berries. We booked our taxi rides to and from the airport with him as well which was also very convenient. He is certainly someone you can trust."
.
Trip Advisor - by Linda & Bob Petcavich - From The Woodlands, Texas, USA - January 9th, 2012
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/ShowUserReviews-g303506-d1867286-r122926416-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#REVIEWS
"The best decision we have ever made on a cruise vacation was to hire Guto Naufel to create a unique adventure for us in Rio by night and day. From initial online query to the last moment with him, the entire experience was beyond superb!
Guto responded quickly and professionally to my email, set up a Skype interview to get a good sense of our desires and give us a feel for who he is and how he works. Right off the bat we were very impressed. He is smart, easygoing, kind, intuitive, ethical, open, honest, and in great condition for strenuous physical activities. He speaks flawless English & French (since he has lived in Pennsylvania & Paris as well as his native Brasil) and is a fascinating conversationalist. His website is http://riodeguto.weebly.com/
My husband and I gave Guto our wish list, which included a samba school rehearsal (for Carnival), Lapa by night & day, the Morrinho Favela Project, Corcovado and some outdoor adventure surprises. He reconfirmed everything by text and email, picked us up at the cruise terminal on time with a warm, welcoming smile for both our night tour and day tours, and fulfilled our entire wish list and beyond. Surprise highlights for us were hiking Pedra da Gavea in Tijuca Park (fantastic!!), a waterfall shower pitstop, a breathtaking view at the Vista Chinese Outlook (stunning, unique vantage point) and lunch in a popular, truly local spot in Leblon. He was able to get us tickets to Christ the Redeemer early, which saved lots of time and hassle given the flood of New Year's tourists.
The samba school rehearsal at Sao Clemente was a total dream come true and would not have been possible without his arrangement (tough to find the location and no way will you find a cab back to the ship late at night if you try to go on your own). Although we were going non-stop for 14 hours total with Guto, he remained cheerful, engaging, and full of information about the history, culture, people, music & politics of Brazil. To top everything off, he drove deftly through tricky traffic in his spotless car and dropped us off at the airport right on time for our return to the U.S.
For active, energetic couples or singles looking for a truly memorable Rio experience off the beaten path, Guto is THE VERY BEST!! Obrigado, Guto! We will never forget our time with you and you have given us some of the best memories of our entire lives!"
http://www.tripadvisor.com.br/ShowUserReviews-g303506-d1867286-r122926416-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#REVIEWS
"The best decision we have ever made on a cruise vacation was to hire Guto Naufel to create a unique adventure for us in Rio by night and day. From initial online query to the last moment with him, the entire experience was beyond superb!
Guto responded quickly and professionally to my email, set up a Skype interview to get a good sense of our desires and give us a feel for who he is and how he works. Right off the bat we were very impressed. He is smart, easygoing, kind, intuitive, ethical, open, honest, and in great condition for strenuous physical activities. He speaks flawless English & French (since he has lived in Pennsylvania & Paris as well as his native Brasil) and is a fascinating conversationalist. His website is http://riodeguto.weebly.com/
My husband and I gave Guto our wish list, which included a samba school rehearsal (for Carnival), Lapa by night & day, the Morrinho Favela Project, Corcovado and some outdoor adventure surprises. He reconfirmed everything by text and email, picked us up at the cruise terminal on time with a warm, welcoming smile for both our night tour and day tours, and fulfilled our entire wish list and beyond. Surprise highlights for us were hiking Pedra da Gavea in Tijuca Park (fantastic!!), a waterfall shower pitstop, a breathtaking view at the Vista Chinese Outlook (stunning, unique vantage point) and lunch in a popular, truly local spot in Leblon. He was able to get us tickets to Christ the Redeemer early, which saved lots of time and hassle given the flood of New Year's tourists.
The samba school rehearsal at Sao Clemente was a total dream come true and would not have been possible without his arrangement (tough to find the location and no way will you find a cab back to the ship late at night if you try to go on your own). Although we were going non-stop for 14 hours total with Guto, he remained cheerful, engaging, and full of information about the history, culture, people, music & politics of Brazil. To top everything off, he drove deftly through tricky traffic in his spotless car and dropped us off at the airport right on time for our return to the U.S.
For active, energetic couples or singles looking for a truly memorable Rio experience off the beaten path, Guto is THE VERY BEST!! Obrigado, Guto! We will never forget our time with you and you have given us some of the best memories of our entire lives!"
Review from Heather and Christopher Danpure - London, UK - July, 2012
"Augusto (Guto) was a wonderful guide on our walk through the Tijuca forest to its peak in May 2012. The last section involves climbing about 120 steep steps carved out of the granite, quite a daunting climb but with Augusto’s support and encouragement we made the top and enjoyed wonderful views over Rio. He also took us up the Corcovado to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer. He took some lovely photos of us during the trip and was such good company during the day we spent with him chatting to us about many different topics and explaining about life in Rio, which was fascinating. We would strongly recommend him as a guide and if we visit Rio again we would certainly ask him to take us around again. He is a great guy and guide."
Trip Advisor - By Charles and Ethan - From Singapure - February 2012
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g303506-d1867286-r125023645-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html
"Touring with Guto was the best decision we made during our short 4-day stay in Rio.
He was outgoing, easygoing, clicked with us very well immediately and our days with him felt as if we were with a local Carioca friend who has a very in-depth knowledge of Rio and Brazil.
We got him to customize the tours towards our interests which are the outdoors, food, and architecture. In 2 days, we covered the main sightseeing sites, a hike to the Tijuca peak, a hang gliding experience, a side trip to Niteroi, a walk around the Centro, as well as visits to the Selaron staircase, and Parque Lage. Guto also gave us the option to engage his services by the hour, which means that we can really have the flexibility to organize on the spot depending on what we feel like doing on that day and on weather.
He was also open to us about his life in Rio, and his own globe-trotting experiences. He gave us a peek to the Carioca spirit of easygoing-ness and openness.
He indeed made our experience in Rio truly special and memorable for many years to come. It won't be long before we go back and that time, we'll look for him to do the Sugarloaf hike-climb, which we unfortunately didn't do due to weather."
He was outgoing, easygoing, clicked with us very well immediately and our days with him felt as if we were with a local Carioca friend who has a very in-depth knowledge of Rio and Brazil.
We got him to customize the tours towards our interests which are the outdoors, food, and architecture. In 2 days, we covered the main sightseeing sites, a hike to the Tijuca peak, a hang gliding experience, a side trip to Niteroi, a walk around the Centro, as well as visits to the Selaron staircase, and Parque Lage. Guto also gave us the option to engage his services by the hour, which means that we can really have the flexibility to organize on the spot depending on what we feel like doing on that day and on weather.
He was also open to us about his life in Rio, and his own globe-trotting experiences. He gave us a peek to the Carioca spirit of easygoing-ness and openness.
He indeed made our experience in Rio truly special and memorable for many years to come. It won't be long before we go back and that time, we'll look for him to do the Sugarloaf hike-climb, which we unfortunately didn't do due to weather."
Trip Advisor - By Greg Jimenez - Scottsdale, AZ, USA - March 2011
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303506-d1867286-r100882675-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#REVIEWS
"Guto gave us an amazing tour with everything we could have asked for. He offers a wide variety of tours, so he can really show you anything that you are interested in. We took the Classic Tour and were amazed. Not only did we find ourselves avoiding long tourist lines at the big tourist attractions like Christ the Redentor, but we were able to go into the best areas the locals frequent as well. We were even able to go into a Favela and tour the area with the comfort of knowing we were safe. Guto is a knowledgeable, energetic, and really makes sure his customers get what they are looking for. This was my 2nd trip to Rio and 2nd time on a tour. I definitely recommend his services. He communicates very well before the tour, so that you know exactly what you to expect. Other larger tour guide groups will not be accommodating and you will have to go with other people. Go with Guto and it will be private and hassle free."
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303506-d1867286-r100882675-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#REVIEWS
"Guto gave us an amazing tour with everything we could have asked for. He offers a wide variety of tours, so he can really show you anything that you are interested in. We took the Classic Tour and were amazed. Not only did we find ourselves avoiding long tourist lines at the big tourist attractions like Christ the Redentor, but we were able to go into the best areas the locals frequent as well. We were even able to go into a Favela and tour the area with the comfort of knowing we were safe. Guto is a knowledgeable, energetic, and really makes sure his customers get what they are looking for. This was my 2nd trip to Rio and 2nd time on a tour. I definitely recommend his services. He communicates very well before the tour, so that you know exactly what you to expect. Other larger tour guide groups will not be accommodating and you will have to go with other people. Go with Guto and it will be private and hassle free."
Trip Advisor - By Neil & Greg Montgomerie-Crowe - From Kahikatea Gardens - Greytown, New Zealand - August 2010
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303506-d1867286-r100882675-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#REVIEWS
"We have had a fantastic 3 days in Rio with the best ever guide in the world. His name is Augusto "Guto" Naufel and he is a truely amazing person. A great ambassador for Brazil and for Rio, he speaks perfect English, understands your needs and has amazing knowledge. Not only does he take you to the "must sees" of Rio but to some of the more out of the way spots. We cannot recommend him enough. check out his website."
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303506-d1867286-r100882675-Augusto_Naufel_Tour_Guide-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html#REVIEWS
"We have had a fantastic 3 days in Rio with the best ever guide in the world. His name is Augusto "Guto" Naufel and he is a truely amazing person. A great ambassador for Brazil and for Rio, he speaks perfect English, understands your needs and has amazing knowledge. Not only does he take you to the "must sees" of Rio but to some of the more out of the way spots. We cannot recommend him enough. check out his website."
Trip Advisor - By Cecília Medeiros - May 2008
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303506-r66605297-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html
"I can't say enough of Augusto "Guto" Naufel of Rio by Guto http://riodeguto.weebly.com/index.html. He was our tour guide for Tijuca Forest and Santa Teresa back in May 2008 when he was still working for another company. This guy has what it takes for the tour guide business as he is very knowledgeble about Rio and Brazil in general, speaks perfect English and has a super easy going attitude. I still cannot thank him enough for his thoughtfulness and patience with me during our tour as I was not feeling well and I held up the group quite a bit due to my slow walking. As a result, the tour ran much longer than scheduled but Guto was not bothered in the least as he said "this is the natural pace in Rio". If I ever get back to beautiful Rio, I most definitely will call on Guto."
Message from Alexander Smith - London, UK - March 24th, 2011
""Hi Guto, Tour today was really good so thanks very much. Normally we don't bother with tour guides as they have too large groups and don't tell you much that you can't find out yourself. The way you tailored the tour and focus on small groups is really good- it is like strolling around with a friend. You also have enormous knowledge which was fabulous, the only thing you didn't know was whether Bar Mineiro do Pisco Sours (I will find out this evening!!). (....) Thanks again, very inspiring to find someone who has jacked in a corporate career for a job they want to do. We all talk about it but very few of us have the courage to act upon it so hope it continues to go well. Cheers, Alex and Victoria"