The Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches) are the icon of Rio de Janeiro's downtown Lapa district — the Carioca Aqueduct, built in the 18th century to carry water from the Carioca River into the colonial city. Its whitewashed double-tiered arcade runs about 270 m (42 arches, roughly 17.6 m high) and was completed in 1750; a landmark of Brazilian colonial engineering, it is protected as national heritage by IPHAN. Since 1896 the aqueduct has doubled as a viaduct for the Santa Teresa tram (bonde), the only tram still running in Rio, which crosses right over the arches today. By day it is a historic monument; by night it becomes the backdrop of Lapa's samba clubs and street parties, so the atmosphere shifts dramatically with the time you visit.
The sweeping 270 m white double-tiered arcade — a photogenic landmark from both the front and the side
The Santa Teresa tram (bonde) rolling across the top of the arches — Rio's last surviving streetcar, still in service
After dark, the plaza beneath the arches fills with samba, forró and street performers — Lapa's signature energy
An easy downtown walking loop tying in the nearby Selarón Steps and Lapa Cathedral
The historical layer: part of an 8 km colonial water system built with enslaved African and Indigenous labor
Good to know
SafetyLapa sees frequent pickpocketing and phone snatching (on foot or by motorbike). Carry minimal cash, keep phones, cameras and jewelry out of sight, and wear a bag across your front.
SafetyAt night stay on busy, well-lit main streets and avoid empty alleys and staircases. For getting around, use registered ride apps (Uber, 99) rather than hailing a taxi on the street.
CautionStreet caipirinha and cachaça vendors sometimes overcharge or shortchange — confirm the price before ordering and count your change. Never accept a drink from a stranger and keep your glass in sight.
MannersBars and restaurants usually add a 10% service charge (serviço) automatically, so an extra tip is optional. Many samba clubs also charge a cover (couvert) plus a minimum spend — check before entering.
SeasonSummer (December–March) is hot, humid and prone to sudden downpours, so bring water, a hat and an umbrella. During Carnival in February, Lapa is extremely crowded and theft risk rises.
RulesThe arches themselves are an open-air, free monument you can see anytime, but the Santa Teresa tram that crosses them requires a separate ticket bought at Carioca station — always verify current hours and fares before you go.
Practical info
The arches are about a 10-minute walk from Cinelândia metro station (Lines 1 and 2) or the VLT Carioca light rail (Cinelândia / Sete de Setembro stops), and viewing them is free and open-air. The Santa Teresa tram that runs over the arches departs from Estação Carioca (Rua Lélio Gama 2) downtown; confirm the fare, operating hours and routes on official channels before visiting.
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