Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro: the bonde and the hilltop neighbourhood

At a glance

The bonde (Santa Teresa tram)

The bonde has run over the Arcos da Lapa from Centro to Santa Teresa since 1896, and the state has protected it as heritage since 1988. The Paula Mattos line, back in service since January 2025 after more than ten years, stops at Largo do Curvelo, Largo dos Guimarães and Largo das Neves.

What the state government’s official page says (checked 29.10.2026, page version dated 15.04.2025):

• Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00-18:30; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 9:00-17:00.
• Trams run every 15 minutes; each car takes 32 people.
• On very busy days ticket sales can close before 16:00.
• Tickets are sold only at Carioca station (Rua Lélio Gama, 2, Centro); at Curvelo only when available. You must be on the platform yourself to buy a ticket.
• Every trip ends at Carioca station, where all passengers get off.
• Payment: debit card, credit card or cash. PIX is not accepted.
• Fare: R$ 20,00. There is no half-price ticket. Source: Bondes de Santa Teresa, Governo do Estado RJ, checked 29.10.2026.
• Each car has a limited number of seats for those with free-travel rights. Animals travel only in a proper carrier or with medical authorisation.

What to see in Santa Teresa

Parque Glória Maria (former Parque das Ruínas)

The mansion of Laurinda Santos Lobo, a patron of the arts in the Belle Époque, fell into ruin after her death in 1946. The city took the site back in 1993 and opened a park in 1997, with architects Ernani Freire and Sônia Lopes combining iron and glass with the ruins. In 2023 it was renamed after the journalist Glória Maria. Inside are the Teatro Ruth de Souza, galleries, a stage and a viewpoint over Sugarloaf, the Arcos da Lapa, Guanabara Bay and Christ the Redeemer. Address: Rua Murtinho Nobre, 169.

Museu Chácara do Céu

The former home of the collector Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya, at Rua Murtinho Nobre, 93, next to the park: painting, prints, drawings, Luso-Brazilian furniture, silver, Asian and folk art. According to Ibram it is open daily 10:00-16:30 except Tuesdays, Sundays and holidays, and closed at Carnival, Christmas and New Year. Entry is free (Ibram, checked 29.10.2026).

Museu Casa de Benjamin Constant

Rua Monte Alegre, 255. Tuesday to Friday 10:00-17:00, weekends and holidays 13:00-17:00; the park is open daily 8:00-17:00.

Largos and viewpoints

Largo dos Guimarães is the second bonde stop on the Paula Mattos line. The Rato Molhado viewpoint looks over Guanabara Bay, Santos Dumont airport and Glória. The Academia Brasileira de Literatura de Cordel, founded in 1988 at Rua Leopoldo Fróes, 37, opens on weekdays.

Arte de Portas Abertas

Every year Santa Teresa artists open their studios to the public. The 34th edition took place on 19, 20, 26 and 27 September 2026, with about 120 artists in 35 studios and venues including Parque Glória Maria, Chácara do Céu and the Benjamin Constant house. The organisers announce the next dates on Instagram (@artedeportasabertasoficial).

Santa Teresa, Lapa and the Selarón Steps

The bonde crosses the Arcos da Lapa, and the Selarón Steps climb from Lapa up toward Santa Teresa. Many visitors combine all three in one half day: up by bonde, a walk around the largos, and down to Lapa.

How we help

We plan Santa Teresa around the bonde hours: a private guide in your language, a driver who meets you at the top or in Lapa, and a route that fits your pace, with lunch or a viewpoint at sunset if you like.

What to tell us in your request

• Your date, and a weekday or weekend preference (the bonde hours differ)
• Whether you want to ride the bonde, walk, or go by car
• Museums or studios you’d like to see
• How many people, and the ages of any children
• The language you’d like your guide to speak
• Anything to plan around: hills, cobblestones, a stroller

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