Long before other metropolises, Rio inaugurated its first electric tram in 1892. The golden magic of that era survives in the Santa Teresa Tram.
Rio de Janeiro has always been in a hurry to modernize. Long before other major South American metropolises adopted modern mass transit technologies, the Brazilian capital was already making history on rails, becoming a pioneer in urban mobility.
In an era when public transport relied exclusively on donkey- and horse-drawn carriages, Rio de Janeiro leaped into the future by inaugurating its first electrically powered tram (known locally as the "bonde") in the distant year of 1892. Technological innovation changed the face of the city, accelerated neighborhood expansion, and became a symbol of progress.
Today, although the vast tram network that crossed the entire city has vanished to make way for cars and buses, the magic of that golden era bravely survives in the charismatic Santa Teresa Tram. Painted a vibrant yellow, it continues to cross the bohemian neighborhood's winding hills and pass majestically over the Lapa Arches.
Cariocando Tip: The ride on the Santa Teresa Tram is one of the cheapest and most memorable tours you can do. Catch the tram at the Largo da Carioca station (Downtown) and prep your camera for the exact moment it crosses the Lapa Arches at over 17 meters high.
