The experience
The Selarón Steps, Escadaria Selarón in Portuguese, are 215 steps covered in more than 2,000 tiles from over 60 countries.
The Chilean artist Jorge Selarón started decorating the staircase in front of his house in 1990 and kept working on it until his death in 2013. Many tiles were sent to him by travellers from all over the world.
With Enzo you climb the steps from Lapa, look for the tiles from your own country, and take your photos before the crowds arrive. From there you walk past the white Lapa Arches and up into Santa Teresa, the bohemian hill neighbourhood with its old mansions, artists' studios and the yellow tram.
What's included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel
- Private local guide
- Photo stops on the steps before the crowds
- Walk past the Lapa Arches and through Santa Teresa
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 to 3 hours
- Pickup
- Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo, Flamengo, Barra da Tijuca, Santa Teresa, Centro, the cruise terminal and both airports (GIG and SDU)
- Private: only you and your group
- Every tour is just for you and your group, so you set the pace and can ask anything.
- Languages
- English, Portuguese
Questions and answers
How many steps do the Selarón Steps have?
The Selarón Steps have 215 steps, covered in more than 2,000 tiles from over 60 countries. They connect the neighbourhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa in the centre of Rio de Janeiro.
When is the best time to visit the Selarón Steps?
Early in the morning, before 9 am. The light is soft and there are few people, so you get clean photos. Later in the day the steps get busy with tour groups.
