Santa Teresa & Historic Center : dive into the heart of Rio – Southeast Region, Brazil, Brazil

EXPERIENCE

Heading to Santa Teresa, the famous neighborhood of 18th-century colonial Rio with a bohemian atmosphere, vibrant with a flourishing artistic and cultural life…

Affectionately called “Santa” by the Cariocas, the hillside neighborhood stretches from southwest to northeast. Its heights are dotted with squares frequented by tourists and locals alike : Largo do Curvelo, Largo dos Guimarães, and Largo das Neves, with their small bars and churches coexisting side by side. Santa Teresa was once inhabited by the upper class of the time and was one of the first extensions of the city from the initial core. Houses inspired by French architecture were built, some of which still remain, giving the area its unique charm. We will visit one of them at “Parque das Ruínas.” The former mansion of patron Laurinda Santos Lobo, who used to gather intellectuals and artists, has now been transformed into a cultural center while preserving the structure of the ruins.

Next, we head to the “Selarón Steps,” which begin in Santa Teresa and lead us down to the very typical neighborhood of Lapa. Decorated by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón in the 1990s and 2000s, these stairs have become one of Rio’s most popular spots, just behind Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain. These 215 steps, stretching 125 meters in length and adorned with 2,000 tiles from 120 different countries, delight thousands of visitors every day.

We will continue our journey to the “Arches of Lapa.” The Aqueduct was built in 1723 during the colonial period of Brazil to transport water from the Carioca River to the city center. Since 1896, it has served as the route for the picturesque “bondinho,” the electric tram that climbs up to Santa Teresa.

Next, we head to downtown Rio de Janeiro, passing by the Municipal Theater, with visits to the Real Gabinete Português Library and its 350,000 works (some of which are very rare), the popular Saara market, Confeitaria Colombo, Praça XV, Praça Mauá with its Museum of Tomorrow dedicated to the creation of the Universe and the future of humanity, as well as the “Ethnicities Mural” by artist Eduardo Kobra (the largest graffiti in the world).

Not to forget a few other gems of old Rio, such as the São Bento Monastery, a 16th-century baroque jewel… Founded by the Benedictines in 1590, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Brazil and still houses around forty monks who celebrate the Divine Office and Mass daily with Gregorian chants.

Then, we’ll enjoy lunch at a “kilo” restaurant, a typical Brazilian concept with homemade cuisine, in the steep streets of old Rio. It’s a great way to appreciate the lively and unique atmosphere of downtown Rio during the lunch break.

And a few other treasures that we’ll keep as a surprise…

HIGHLIGHTS

Admire the breathtaking view from the top of Parque das Ruínas
Soak in the unique atmosphere of the Selarón Steps
Discover the towering walls of books at the Portuguese Library
Marvel at Rio’s most beautiful baroque church at the São Bento Monastery

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