Walking Tour Santa Teresa & Lapa: Selarón Steps and Street Art

Walk Rio's artistic neighborhoods and climb the world's most colorful staircase

A five-hour guided walking tour through Santa Teresa and Lapa in Rio de Janeiro takes you by local tram to Largo dos Guimarães, up to Parque das Ruínas for city views, down the tile-decorated Escadaria Selarón, and into Lapa's historic streets and spiritual landmarks. Your local guide shares stories of Rio's music, history, and street art while pointing out hidden alleys and spots most tourists miss.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Santa Teresa and Lapa neighborhoods

• Ride local Tram to Largo dos Guimarães
• Explore Largo dos Guimarães bars and shops
• Walk to Largo do Curvelo, admire views
• Visit Parque das Ruínas for views and drinks
• Walk traditional streets to Selarón Steps
• Take photos at Selarón Steps
• Explore Lapa: Arch, bars, and altar
• End tour at Carioca subway station

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Ruins Park 1h
2. Selarón Steps 1h
3. Lapa 1h

What’s included

• Local tram ticket from Rio's center to Santa Teresa.
• guided walking access to Largo dos Guimarães, Largo do Curvelo, Parque das Ruínas, the Escadaria Selarón, and Lapa's historic streets and landmarks.

Times

• Monday and Friday 15:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 15 1 private ›

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts. 3 with pickup ›

Ages Adult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (under 10)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Spiritual Travel in Rio

The experience

The tour starts with a ride on Rio's historic local tram from the city center to Largo dos Guimarães, the bohemian heart of Santa Teresa. This square fills with bars, restaurants, and shops selling handcrafted goods by local artists. Your guide will walk you through the neighborhood's character before heading to Largo do Curvelo, where you stop to see 1950s architecture and take in views across Rio's center.

Parque das Ruínas sits next, a former mansion ruin now known as Parque Gloria Maria. The vantage point frames the city's landmarks: downtown Rio, Santos Dumont airport, Niterói across the bay, Guanabara Bay itself, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. From there you walk traditional Santa Teresa streets lined with colonial buildings until you reach the Escadaria Selarón: a monumental staircase covered in hand-painted tiles from around the world, where most visitors spend time photographing.

The final stretch moves into Lapa, where your guide shows you the Arco da Lapa, the neighborhood's famous bars, and the Altar of Zé Pilintra, a spiritual site in the Umbanda tradition. The tour ends at Carioca subway station. Throughout, the guide, a local expert, fills the route with stories about Rio's music, spiritual life, and the street art woven into both neighborhoods.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (under 10).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Escadaria Selarón and why is it covered in tiles?

The Escadaria Selarón is a monumental public staircase in Santa Teresa decorated entirely with hand-painted tiles collected from around the world. It's become one of Rio's most photographed landmarks and a centerpiece of the walking route.

Can I see the views from Parque das Ruínas on this tour?

Yes. Parque das Ruínas is a key stop where you get views of Rio's center, Santos Dumont airport, Niterói, Guanabara Bay, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. It's designed as a photo point during the tour.

Does the tour include the tram ride to Santa Teresa?

Yes, the ticket for the local tram from Rio's center to Largo dos Guimarães in Santa Teresa is included in the tour price.

What is Lapa known for and what will I see there?

Lapa is Rio's historic nightlife and music hub. On the tour you'll see the Arco da Lapa, visit well-known bars in the neighborhood, and learn about the Altar of Zé Pilintra, a spiritual site important to Umbanda tradition.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator. It involves walking through neighborhoods and climbing the Escadaria Selarón, so consider your comfort with stairs and uneven terrain.