Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
Santa Teresa, Morrinho Project & Sugarloaf Mountain
Santa Teresa is a hillside neighborhood known for its cobbled streets and early 20th-century homes overlooking Guanabara Bay and the city center. Long a home to artists, musicians, and writers, the area has developed a distinctive character. Its restaurants, bars, and small shops have become increasingly popular with both locals and visitors. The tour includes stops at notable locations such as the Selarón Steps—a staircase covered in colorful tiles that leads to the former home and studio of artist Jorge Selarón. Another highlight is Parque das Ruínas, a cultural center housed in the remains of a historic mansion, offering one of the best viewpoints over the bay. After a brief pause for a drink at a local bar, the tour continues through the quiet Urca neighborhood en route to Sugarloaf Mountain. A cable car first takes passengers to Morro da Urca at 215 meters. A second ride climbs further to the summit of Sugarloaf at 395 meters. From the top, the views stretch across the city, its coastline, and nearby hills. This spot is especially well known for its sunsets, when the changing light gives a striking perspective on Rio’s landscape.