Santa Teresa Walking Tour in Rio de Janeiro

Leave behind the glitz of Copacabana and discover another side of Rio on this 4-hour walking tour. Follow an expert guide into the cobblestoned hilly neighborhood of Santa Teresa, where old meets the new. Inside revitalized belle-epoque mansions, uncover a thriving bohemian spirit: art studios, trendy bars and shops. Capture sweeping views from Ruins Park, browse through spontaneously organized art exhibits and then descend the well-known steps of Selarón Stairs. Learn history and receive tips on the latest hotspots of Santa Teresa from your in-the-know guide.

1. 1

   Cine Odeon - Centro Cultural Luiz Severiano Ribeiro

   Pass by

   Meeting point is at Cine Odeon right in front of Cinelândia Metro Station. The common way to get up to Santa Teresa is by Tram through the Lapa Arcs (Arcos da Lapa) a former aqueduct, but the tram line is temporarily deactivated, so we go up by bus. From there the little cobblestone streets invite you to be acquainted with the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa.

2. 2

   Santa Teresa

   1.5 hours

   The neighborhood has a complete different vibe from the rest of Rio. Here Old Rio comes alive. Santa Teresa is a neighborhood where casualty and tradition meet. It is full of artists who find in Santa Teresa an inspiring scenery and way of life that helps them create their art and work on their craft whatever that is. At night, it hosts the bohemian crowd of Rio, who dodge the most popular places and go for the lesser known little spots amongst Santa Teresa’s inspiring architecture.

3. 3

   Centro Cultural Municipal Parque das Ruinas

   1 hour

   In Santa Teresa there is a wild variety of interesting places to get to know. From the Ruins Park (Parque das Ruínas) where you get to see one of the most beautiful views of the lesser known Rio, to the random exhibits organized by the different artists’ workshops around the neighborhood.

4. 4

   Escadaria Selaron

   30 min

   Leave Santa Teresa’s treasured little secrets behind as you walk down the Selaron stairway steps to reach Lapa. The beautiful steps done in ceramic by artist Jorge Selarón are one of a kind. The Chilean Selarón was in love with Rio and that love shows on these very steps. The pieces of ceramic were placed on top of the paintings done by the locals who were decorating the stairs in show of support for the National Soccer Team in 1994’s World Cup, won by Brazil.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Hotel pick ups and drop offs are not available. The meeting point is at Municipal Theater stairs. Address: Praça Floriano, s/n - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20031-050

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.