Brazil · Architecture

Ancient Rio and Santa Teresa Tour with Hotel pick-up and drop-off

4 Hours Round trip from Rio de Janeiro Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the historic streets and architecture of downtown Rio
02 Visit the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa
03 See the Carioca Aqueduct and the traditional Santa Teresa tram
04 Admire landmarks around Praça XV and Arco do Teles
05 Stop at Cinelândia for photos of its historic buildings
06 View the exterior architecture of the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes
07 See the grand façade of Theatro Municipal
08 Hotel pick-up and drop-off included

Step back into Rio de Janeiro’s past on a half-day tour through the city’s historic center and the charming hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa. Discover elegant early 20th-century mansions, cultural landmarks, and atmospheric streets while learning about the people and places that helped shape the city.

Along the way, admire architectural highlights such as the Carioca Aqueduct, Praça XV, Arco do Teles, Cinelândia, the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, Theatro Municipal, and Biblioteca Nacional. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included, this is an easy and enriching way to explore a more historic side of Rio.

Step back into Rio de Janeiro’s past on a half-day tour through the city’s historic center and the charming hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Rio de Janeiro

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Santa Teresa

Bucolic neighborhood, home to several painters. Admire the wonderful mansions which date back to the 20th century and be amazed at its history. The neighborhood still has the tram which was built back in 1897.

Centro Cultural Municipal Parque das Ruínas

Former home to a preeminent female art supporter, Laurinda Santos Lobo, the Parque das Ruínas is now a cultural center that keeps her legacy of supporting artists everywhere.

Carioca Aqueduct

It used to transport water, but now is a popular means of transportation for residents of Santa Teresa.

Praça XV de Novembro

The square is located in the historical centre of Rio de Janeiro and is surrounded by the Palácio Tiradentes, the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro; and the Paço Imperial. The Praça XV Station is a ferry terminal servicing a number of destinations in the city of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi

Arco do Teles

Located in what was once the downtown market of the city, it has small streets and alleys full of bars and small restaurants.

Cinelandia

Famous square in downtown Rio, surrounded by historical buildings with great places to take a picture.

Museu Nacional de Belas Artes

Designed in 1908 by architect Adolfo Morales de los Rios to host the National School of Fine Arts, heir to the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, this building was built during the urban modernization carried out by mayor Pereira Passos in the then Federal Capital. We do not enter, but we take time enjoying the architecture aspects of this building.

Theatro Municipal

Inaugurated in 1909, the Theatro Municipal is one of the most importante theaters of Brazil and Latin America. The Theatro Municipal has drawn international artists and important names from Brazilian culture, including dancers, musicians, opera singers, and performing artists. Since the 1930s, the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro has maintained its artistic independence, and is the only Brazilian institution to have its own choir, a symphony orchestra, and ballet company. We do not enter, but we take time enjoying the architecture aspects of this building.

Biblioteca Nacional

The biggest library in Latin America was founded in 1810 by D. João VI, the King of Portugal. It is an imponent building with an archive of almost 9 millions items in downtown Rio that holds rare books, manuscripts, original letters written by Princess Isabel, the first newspapers printed in the country, and two copies of the precious Mainz Psalter Bible, printed in 1492. We do not enter, but we take time enjoying the architecture aspects of this building.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Rio de Janeiro 1 city · 4 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle

What's Not Included

Lunch
Entrance to museums

Know before you go

STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS
We contact you back in order to provide proper pickup time. Check your emails and/or cell phone.
If requested, you must present a copy of your ID.
Not wheelchair accessible
Not suitable for pets
No public transportation nearby
Infant seats unavailable
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this tour.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers per Minivan.
Minimum of 2 people are required for this activity to take place.
BOARDING INFORMATION: Arrive 15 minutes in advance to avoid any delays. Contact Rio Carioca Tour at least 24 hours before the start of the tour to inform location and confirm pickup time. Wait for the tour guide in the place informed on a visible location. Delays may occur due to traffic conditions. Different age policies may apply according to each location. ID or copy is mandatory, even for children. Voucher is confirmed only by payment confirmation. The tour itinerary may change its order on a daily basis due to force majeure. Read our Cancellation Policy. IMPORTANT: During high season and major events, the visitation time on each location can be affected, due to long waiting queues. Carnival-related products have a specific cancellation policy. Take care of your personal belongings as we are not responsible for items left in vehicles and/ or in places visited. We recommend that you carry all your belongings.
Pickup is available from most hotels in the areas of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Downtown (Centro). Contact us back to adjust the pickup time.
For Barra da Tijuca/ Recreio we provide pick-up for an additional rate.