Santa Teresa, Lapa & Selarón Steps Tour with Tram Ride

Discover the cultural and bohemian side of Rio de Janeiro on this Santa Teresa, Lapa and Cinelândia tour, a great option for travelers from the United States and Canada looking for unique things to do in Rio beyond beaches, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.

This approximately 4-hour cultural experience combines some of Rio's most historic neighborhoods and landmarks, including a ride aboard the famous Santa Teresa Tram, the colorful Selarón Steps, the iconic Lapa Arches, Cinelândia and the historic Confeitaria Colombo.

Begin in downtown Rio de Janeiro and board the traditional Santa Teresa tram, locally known as the bondinho. The tram crosses the spectacular Lapa Arches, a former aqueduct and one of Rio's most recognizable architectural landmarks.

Once in Santa Teresa, explore one of Rio's most charming and artistic neighborhoods. Known for its narrow cobblestone streets, historic homes, galleries and bohemian atmosphere, Santa Teresa has a character often compared to Montmartre in Paris.

The tour also visits Parque das Ruínas, a cultural space built around the remains of a historic mansion. From here, enjoy views over downtown Rio and Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance.

Continue to the world-famous Selarón Steps, one of the most photographed attractions in Rio de Janeiro. Covered with hundreds of colorful tiles, the staircase is one of the city's most distinctive examples of public art.

From Selarón Steps, continue into Lapa, a neighborhood known for its history, nightlife and cultural atmosphere, before walking through Passeio Público, one of the oldest public parks in South America.

Next, arrive at Cinelândia, one of the cultural centers of downtown Rio, where you'll see landmarks including the Municipal Theatre and the National Library.

The experience ends at Confeitaria Colombo, one of Rio's most famous historic cafés. Known for its elegant Art Nouveau interior, mirrors and stained glass, it's a great place to experience the atmosphere of early 20th-century Rio. Food and drinks are available for purchase if you would like to try Brazilian favorites such as coxinha or brigadeiro.

For travelers searching for things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa tours, Rio cultural tours or historic downtown experiences, this half-day tour offers an excellent introduction to the city's artistic, architectural and cultural heritage.

WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE?

Explore bohemian Santa Teresa

Ride the iconic Santa Teresa Tram

Travel across the famous Lapa Arches

Visit the colorful Selarón Steps

Discover Parque das Ruínas

Explore historic Lapa

Walk through Passeio Público

Visit Cinelândia

See the Municipal Theatre and National Library

Stop at historic Confeitaria Colombo

Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected South Zone hotels

Professional guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese

Perfect for travelers looking for culture, history and local neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Duration: approximately 4 hours

Scheduled start time: 9:00 AM

Available Tuesday through Sunday

Pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels in Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema and Leblon

Pickup is not available from hostels or B&Bs

Your hotel name must be provided to confirm your pickup time

This experience includes walking, so comfortable shoes are strongly recommended

Parque das Ruínas is closed on Mondays

Confeitaria Colombo is closed on Sundays

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Children under 5 are complimentary provided they do not occupy a separate seat

The tour operates rain or shine

Departures from Barra da Tijuca may be available upon request and may involve an additional fee