Colonial and French Architecture - Santa Teresa The Artistic Heart of Rio!

This tour is special because the breezy hilltop location of Santa Teresa neighborhood in the middle of the downtown city of Rio de Janeiro is very unique. It was not by chance, that it was the first choice for wealthy settlers in Rio, back in time.
The neighborhood’s cobbled streets are lined with some of the finest examples of colonial and French architecture of the time, mansions that were once home to the city’s wealthy elite, and today function as artists’ studios, restaurants, and guesthouses...
The neighborhood is also known as the artistic heart of Rio.
Strolling around the neighborhood is a pleasure in itself, and the views offered from the top are awesome.
Besides, Santa Teresa is a top destination for foodies, as the neighborhood is one of the best places in the city to sample traditional dishes from across Brazil and the best caipirinhas in town.

Pass By: Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The breezy hilltop location of Santa Teresa made it the favorite destination of choice for wealthy settlers since colonial time in Rio.
The neighborhood’s cobbled streets are lined with some of the finest examples of colonial and French architecture of the time, mansions that were once home to the city’s wealthy elite, and today function as artists’ studios, restaurants, guesthouses...

Santa Teresa is also known as the artistic heart of Rio.
Strolling around the neighborhood is a pleasure in itself, and the views offered from the top are amazing.

Besides, Santa Teresa is a top destination for a foodie, as the neighborhood is one of the best places in the city to sample traditional dishes from across Brazil and the best caipirinhas in town.
Lunch included: Feijoada (a black beans stew brewed together with a variety of salted preserved beef, pork spareribs... )
One drink per person: Caipirinha - An authentic and refreshing Brazilian drink or beer or juice or a bottle of water

Stop At: Projeto Morrinho, Rua Pereira da Silva 826 Casa 27 Vila Pereira da Silva, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 22221-140 Brazil

9:00 am - After picking you up at your address, we'll drive about 20 min. towards the Pereira da Silva's Favela (Shantytown/Slum). There we'll meet our host and start a guided visit to this Favela safe environment towards the Morrinho artwork place where the founding local artists recount their path. At Pereirão, Pereira da Silva's nickname, Favela arts, and entrepreneurship are everywhere: Bars, Restaurants, Bed & Breakfasts, Hostels, and the installation of the Project itself. Morrinho Project's main goal is to be recognized as a sustainable community-based tourism project which is transforming the general perception of the territory of the communities through cultural and artistic interventions that seek to reinvent the connection between art, public spaces, and individuals.


Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Centro Cultural Municipal Parque das Ruinas, Rua Murtinho Nobre 169, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 20241-050 Brazil

11:40 am - After we finish our tour at Pereirão, we’ll walk back to our car to drive about 20 min towards the Ruins Park, "Parque das Ruínas". This Cultural Centre was the Laurinda Santos Lobo's house, a big Maecenas of the Belle Époque "carioca" (name of those born and raised in the city of Rio de Janeiro), Laurinda used to meet intellectuals and artists on this magnificent premises of the palace. Today it is one of the most beautiful winning architect projects of Ernani Freire and it houses many experimental works of art, an amphitheater, a coffee shop and a playground for kids


Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Largo dos Guimaraes, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 20241-310 Brazil

After leaving the Parque das Ruinas we go back to our car and drive about 10 minutes to get off the car at Santa Teresa's center, Largo dos Guimarães. At Largo dos Guimarães you'll be able to explore the Santa Teresa hilltop village-like charming atmosphere. You'll see some ethnic and upscale boutiques, quirky cocktail bars, and a variety of restaurants. In addition, to artists' studios, art galleries, crafts, and, of course, souvenir shops.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Bar do Mineiro, Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 99 - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20240-290, Brazil

After our sightseeing, we will read towards a local traditional restaurant around Largo dos Guimarães for lunch. Menu: Brazilian traditional meal Feijoada.
Feijoada is a black beans stew brewed together with a variety of salted preserved beef, pork spareribs, smoked sausages, salted pork loin, smoked pepperoni sausage, paio (Portuguese smoked sausage), smoked bacon, diced onions, bay leaves. It all seasoned with chopped garlic fried in oil or lard.
Side dishes are Rice, sautéed collard greens or kale, orange slices, and toasted cassava flour mixed with fried small pieces of bacon and anions, our very popular "farofa".
It is included one drink per person: Caipirinha (the authentic Brazilian drink), or fruit juice or soda, or a bottle of water.
Caipirinha is considered Brazil's national drink and it is made with cachaca (a potent sugarcane liquor), lime or other fruit, plenty of ice, and sugar.
Do not eat pork? No problem, we provide another option like beef, chicken or fish.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Santa Teresa, Rua Aurea, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 20240-210 Brazil

After lunch, it is time to say goodby to Santa Teresa... You'll have panoramic sightseeing back to your hotel. We hope you keep this experience in your memories for a long time...

14:30 - Return to hotel

Duration: 30 minutes

Sample Menu

• Feijoada, Tradicional Brazilian Stew - Black beans, salted preserved beef, pork ribs, and loin; Smoked sausage and bacon, bay leaves; Diced onions and chopped garlic fried in oil or lard.

• Meat, Chicken or Fish - These are options for those who don't eat pork.
Either with Feijoada or one of these options, one Caipirinha (Brazilian cocktail), p/p, is included.