Arcos da Lapa (Carioca Aqueduct), Rio de Janeiro

At a glance

The aqueduct

The aqueduct was built between 1723 and 1750 (Diário do Rio) and was listed as national heritage by IPHAN in 1938 (Correio Braziliense).

The arches carried water to the centre of colonial Rio. Riotur describes them as the city’s postcard and the largest architectural work of the colonial period in Brazil: stone masonry with lime mortar, whitewashed, in Romanesque style, with 42 double arches and round openings (oculi) in the upper part.

Today the arches stand at Praça Cardeal Câmara, between the Fundição Progresso and the Circo Voador, two of Lapa’s best-known music venues.

The bonde over the arches

Since 1896 the Santa Teresa tram has used the aqueduct as its bridge from Centro to the hill. You board at Carioca station (Rua Lélio Gama, 2), cross the arches and climb into Santa Teresa.

According to the state government’s page (checked 29.10.2026): Monday to Friday 8:00-18:30; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 9:00-17:00; every 15 minutes; fare R$ 20,00 with no half-price ticket; debit or credit card or cash, no PIX. Every trip ends back at Carioca station. Full details on our Santa Teresa page.

Lapa

Riotur calls Lapa the cradle of Rio’s bohemian life: bars, restaurants and clubs with samba, forró, choro, electronic music, funk and rock. The Circo Voador and the Fundição Progresso, right by the arches, host concerts and parties. The area is busiest in the evening and at weekends.

Selarón Steps

The tiled steps made by the artist Jorge Selarón climb from Lapa toward Santa Teresa, a short walk from the arches. A classic half day goes up by bonde over the arches, through Santa Teresa and down the Selarón Steps into Lapa. See our Selarón Steps page.

Also close by

• Metropolitan Cathedral (Av. Chile, 245): open daily 7:00-17:00 and a boarding point for the vans to Christ the Redeemer. See the cathedral page.
• Theatro Municipal and Cinelândia, a short walk north.

How we help

We put the arches, the bonde, Santa Teresa and the Selarón Steps into one plan: a private guide in your language, a driver waiting at the end of the walk, and an evening in Lapa with a table booked for dinner or live music if you want one.

What to tell us in your request

• Your date, and whether you prefer the day or the evening
• Whether you want to ride the bonde
• How many people, and the ages of any children
• The language you’d like your guide to speak
• Music you like, if you want an evening in Lapa
• Anything to plan around: steps, mobility, a stroller

Write to us on WhatsApp first, or use the request form.