
Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour worth booking?
Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour is a 3-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $100 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $100 per person
We will take you on a ride in one of the oldest tramways of the world: The Santa Teresa tram. The tour connects the city center to Santa Teresa, passing on top of the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa), where we can have a view of Lapa from above. In Santa Teresa we will alight at Largo do Guimarães, the gastronomic area of the neighborhood. There, you can try the local cuisine in the neighborhood's trendy restaurants and bars. After, we'll explore the neighborhood on foot, walking around its cobblestone streets, observing its colonial houses and hidden views. We will visit its cultural centers, museums, and local artists' ateliers, including one of the 6 best viewpoints of the city and then walk to Lapa, passing by the colorful Selarón steps, that connect the two neighborhoods. In Lapa, we will finish admiring the Arcos da Lapa (the Carioca aqueduct) at a hidden rooftop that only locals know.
What you get
About this experience
We will take you on a ride in one of the oldest tramways of the world: The Santa Teresa tram. The tour connects the city center to Santa Teresa, passing on top of the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa), where we can have a view of Lapa from above. In Santa Teresa we will alight at Largo do Guimarães, the gastronomic area of the neighborhood. There, you can try the local cuisine in the neighborhood's trendy restaurants and bars. After, we'll explore the neighborhood on foot, walking around its cobblestone streets, observing its colonial houses and hidden views. We will visit its cultural centers, museums, and local artists' ateliers, including one of the 6 best viewpoints of the city and then walk to Lapa, passing by the colorful Selarón steps, that connect the two neighborhoods. In Lapa, we will finish admiring the Arcos da Lapa (the Carioca aqueduct) at a hidden rooftop that only locals know.
What's included
Included
- Santa Teresa Tram ticket (round trip)
- Licensed Tour Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Tips
What you'll see and do
We will take you on a ride in one of the oldest trams of the world: The Santa Teresa tram. The tram connects the city center to Santa Teresa, passing on top of the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa), where we can have a view of Lapa from above.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Largo dos Guimaraes
We will alight at Largo do Guimarães, the cultural and gastronomic area of Santa Teresa. There, you can try the local cuisine in the neighborhood's trendy restaurants and bars.
60 minutes here
Centro Cultural Municipal Parque das Ruinas
We will visit one of the 6 best viewpoints in the city - Ruins Park, which features gorgeous views over downtown Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay.
30 minutes here
Escadaria Selaron
We will walk towards Lapa, passing by the colorful Selarón steps, that connects the two neighborhoods.
30 minutes here
Arcos da Lapa
In Lapa, we will admire the Arcos da Lapa and walk by the area, finalizing the tour at a local cachaça bar to try our national beverage.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will finish the experience at a hidden rooftop in Lapa with a beautifull view of the Lapa Arches and Downtown.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rio de Janeiro by Cariocas Travel
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Carina’s tour through...
Carina’s tour through Santa Teresa, Lapa, and Glória was exceptional! Her passion and insider knowledge brought these neighborhoods to life. She shared fantastic tips for activities and restaurants, making the experience even more enriching. It was perfectly curated and couldn’t have been better. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Rio!
via Viator
Private tour of Santa Teresa and Lapa
We had a great experience. Communication was perfect. Andre, our guide, got in touch with us the day before to confirm the meeting time and place, and even arrived a good 30 mins before the tour started. Andre was very knowledgeable on the area, with many stories and facts on Santa Teresa. It looked that he knew quite a lot of people in the area, which made the tour so much more interesting and personal. Oveall, a great extperience.
via Tripadvisor
The most beautiful thing about having a tourist guide like Monique is that you don't feel like she is a guide, you feel
I would not have known the landscapes that I saw with Monique if I had arrived in Rio on my own. It's definitely great to have a guide like her showing you the best places in Rio
via Tripadvisor
St Theresa and Lapa
I was fortunate enough to be in the company of Monique, one of the founders of the company. We met at the station at the start of the St Teresa tram. That was fun just as an opener. We rode the tram to the end of the line and started back down. We stopped and got off about 1/2 way back and walked down through the streets and stopped for lunch. I had the fajeido which was delicious. Then we continued our journey into Lapa, finishing up at the base of the Selaron Steps, which we had just descended. Monique was engaging, informative and entertaining. We really connected and when I go back to Rio, I will seek her out as my reference and my guide if possible. Well worth the cost for the tour.
via Tripadvisor
Friendly local guide for us as a family with our first time in Rio
Monique was recommended to us by a friend, and she did not disappoint our family of 4. We took the walking tour and brought us to great locations that only a local (Cariocas) would know. We did some research ahead of time about Rio (as it was our first time in Brazil) to learn about the standard ‘touristy’ things but Monique also provided other good recommendations for the rest of our vacation. We’ve gone on other tours before with agendas that are very strict with timing. Monique was very friendly, paced the tour to our needs (without rushing us), and became more of a friend than a typical tour guide. We would highly recommend Monique to any other first timers to Rio!
Response from the operator: Thank you, Tuan for your lovely review! It was a pleasure to spend time with your beautiful family and show you everything Rio offers beyond the touristy stuff!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $100 to $920
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rio de Janeiro usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rio de Janeiro is not rushed.
Is Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rio de Janeiro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rio de Janeiro can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rio de Janeiro and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rio de Janeiro within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?
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On Outty we rank every Rio de Janeiro experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio, Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour?
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Included: Santa Teresa Tram ticket (round trip); and Licensed Tour Guide. Not included: Lunch; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Lapa and Santa Teresa Private Walking Tour?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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