The most picturesque district of Rio is with no doubt Santa Teresa, located on a hill facing the city center with gorgeous views of the Guanabara Bay it was once in the XIX century the most exclusive area of Rio, full of beautiful great villas with gardens and cobble stoned streets.

In the early XX Century it has faced a degradation and abandon period with the most wealthy residents moving out to beach neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema, then Santa Teresa started a revival by first housing many local artists like painters, sculptors, visual artists, writers, musicians, intellectuals in general in the search of more affordable and centrally located housing, that in the 60s 70s and 80s have shaped the new face of the area turning it into a lovely bohemian district.

In the late 90s many European expats and Brazilian investors have bought and turned many old and dilapidated villa houses into guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and boutique hotels along with cozy and good restaurants. Nowadays this particular area has a great laid back artsy atmosphere with still the look of a quiet small countryside village.

This area of Rio is the base of our program.

 

 

Day 01 Rio de Janeiro

 

Airport meet and greet and transfer with driver/guide to our selected charming guesthouse in the bohemian district of Santa Teresa.

Our hand-picked guesthouses/pousadas are historical beautifully restored villas, with a cozy and warm ambiance.

Free evening, perfect to try the many cozy and nice restaurants of this area.

 

Day 02: Rio de Janeiro

 

Walking tour of Santa Teresa and Historical City Center

The city has a rich and fascinating history that is best discovered on foot through old historical center of Rio de Janeiro.

Our guide reveals the stories behind the colonial Portuguese, renaissance and eclectic buildings that line the streets and gives you an insight in the psyche of the city.

You will get to know the different periods that Rio has passed: its Colonial time, as Capital of the Brazilian colony, even Capital of Portuguese Empire and its royalty, as independent and Monarchical capital and as Republican Belle Époque period contrasting with the modern city of skyscrapers of nowadays.

The tour is done by foot, making use of public transportation that gives a great insight of the everyday life of the locals.

In the afternoon you will go back to Santa Teresa and explore all the secrets this neighborhood has to offer. You will meet a local artist visit his/her atelier and get acquainted about his/her work. The visit also covers the famous and colorful ceramic staircase, which connects Santa Teresa and Lapa and where you can inspect the works of the artist Jorge Selaron creator of the decorated steps.

 

Day 03: Rio de Janeiro

 

Half-Day Tour Backgrounds of Carnival:

Rio is internationally recognized for its grandiose Carnival Parade and Samba. But only a few people really know how the parades are made.

With this tour, you will get to know the origins of this world known festivity, visiting the Sambadrome (Carnaval stadium) and its cultural center; the revitalized port area where the samba has its roots, including a visit to the charming port area neighborhood of Morro da Conceição an old hidden historical area nowadays full of artists and ateliers; the historical site Pedra do Sal, where the samba started, familiarize yourself with the African-Brazilian culture, the period of slavery and all the pillars that have supported the modern day Carnival.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the tour is the visit to a samba school atelier, where you can experience how the carnival in Rio is being done behind the scenes. The impressive and gigantic work of designing and building all the magnificent floats that will be used in the famous parade at the Sambadrome during carnival.

 

Day 04: Rio de Janeiro

Free day to enjoy other attraction that Rio has to offer or combine with another Multi-Day Packages in Rio or in Brazil.

 

Included:

- Airport meet and greet and transfer to your accomodation

- 3 Nights at a local charming Guest House and/or Pousada. DBL Room. Breakfast included.

- Walking Tour Santa Teresa and City Center

- Backgrounds of Carnival Tour

 

Not included:

- Drinks and meals 

- Tips

- Personal Expenses

- Travel Insurance

- Flights

 

Price per person in double room occupancy: From: USD495,00

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Rates not applicable during New year’s Eve, Carnaval, National and local holidays. Please consult us for further information.​