A Secret Guide to Santa Teresa: Art, flavors, and views no one told you about
When we think of Rio, the image that comes to mind is the beach, samba, Sugarloaf, and Corcovado. And Rio is all of that, but not only! The soul of the Marvelous City is also in its neighborhoods, and one of the most charming is Santa Teresa. With its hillsides, streetcar, and old mansions, Santa is a refuge for artists and a place that seems to have stopped in time.
Many people visit Lapa, go up the steps, take a picture, and leave. Little do they know that the true experience begins where the staircase ends. If you want to go beyond and discover the secrets of one of the city's most peculiar neighborhoods, get ready.
We've put together a guide with the most special stops on our tour, with art, gastronomy, and views you can't even imagine.
The art that inspires and the view that stops you
Our first stop is at NAU, a gallery of Brazilian folk art that is, by itself, a hidden gem. It's the perfect kind of place to find a travel souvenir that has soul and history, different from any airport gift shop. This is where you start to feel the artistic vein of Santa Teresa.
Afterward, we go up the hillsides to explore the neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and vintage architecture. At every turn, a new secret is revealed, until we reach a secret spot with a view that makes you forget time exists. It's a different perspective of the city, more peaceful and authentic than the more well-known views.
Flavors that tell stories
Our journey wouldn't be complete without local gastronomy. Santa Teresa is a paradise for those who seek authentic flavors. Along the way, we stop at a few places to eat and taste snacks that only Cariocas know. We'll take you to restaurants that are the face of the neighborhood, where the food is unique and conversation flows.
The icing on the cake: the Selarón Steps
And to end on a high note, we go down the famous Selarón Steps. After having seen the gallery, the panoramic view, and tasted the local flavors, the staircase stops being just a tourist spot and becomes the celebration of a tour that connected you with the soul of Santa Teresa.
Ready to discover the soul of Santa Teresa with us? Book your tour now!
