Friday, 28 February 2025

Day 42. Rio De Janeiro. 27.2.25

"SANTA TERESA & LAPA 4 HR WALKING TOUR. Embark on our exclusive tour to explore two of Rio's cherished neighbourhoods, Santa Teresa and Lapa. Journey with our knowledgeable local guide via the subway to experience the city's local transportation. Disembark at Carioca Station and traverse the Financial District en route to Lapa—a lively suburb renowned for its vibrant nightlife, historical monuments, and the Roman-style Arcos da Lapa aqueducts. Board the charming tram for a 20-minute ride over the aqueducts to Santa Teresa. Alighting at Largo dos Guimaraes, immerse yourself in exploring the cobblestone streets of one of Rio's oldest suburbs. Ascend through the hilltop suburbs, where your guide will highlight hidden local gems and vantage points offering fantastic views over downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay. Once a neighbourhood dominated by the elite, Santa Teresa has transformed into an artistic center, attracting numerous artists as residents. Visitors often liken Santa Teresa to the bohemian district of Montmartre in Paris—an apt comparison. During Carnival, experience street performances, with the famous "Bloco das Carmelitas" a notable highlight.

Descend towards Lapa, where your guide will introduce you to a Brazilian speciality—Acai, a superfood made from a blueviolet berry predominantly found in the Amazon. Blended with Guaraná, a nutty seed native to the Amazon, Acai boasts a distinctive sweet taste. Indulge in this authentic local dish. Proceed to the final and significant stop on your tour: Selaron's Staircase, a masterpiece crafted by the late artist and a highlight of our Rio tour."

We have a 4 hr morning tour then the rest of the day is ours to explore. Visiting Rio is a bonus for us as it was a "would like to" but not a "must do" for us but somehow our travel agent managed to squeeze it in in the time frame we gave her. I am nervously looking forward to the tram ride across the aqueducts.

Our view of Copacabana Beach out the bedroom window.  Shame about the curtain reflection. 

Copacabana Palace. 
The trains are no different to ours.






We took a 20 min tram car ride up to Santa Teresa. 














1 of 7 castles in Rio.




The same castle as we walked down the hill.


An art store where the guy makes everything from 'junk' found laying around.




will fill in the gaps tomorrow. too tired again.











Temperature got to 31 and we walked 7+ kms.







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