Santa Maria Travel Guide
Rio de Janeiro
Popular places to visit
Copacabana Beach
More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.
Christ the Redeemer
This mountain rising out of the city center is most well known as the home of Rio’s iconic skyscraper-sized Jesus statue.
Ipanema Beach
See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach.
Maracanã Stadium
To truly appreciate Brazil’s obsession with “the beautiful game,” watch a match or take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most historic soccer stadiums.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach during your travels in Rio de Janeiro? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
Avenida Atlantica
Golden sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, walking paths and some of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular neighborhoods surround this bustling seaside avenue.
Things to do
Full Day in Rio - Christ the Redeemer by Van, Sugarloaf, City Tour & BBQ
Day Trip to Buzios from Rio with Boat Ride & Lunch
Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket
Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Arraial do Cabo with Boat Tour from Rio de Janeiro
Angra dos Reis Full-Day from Rio with Boat Ride & Lunch
Top hotels in Santa Maria
Hotel Atlântico Prime
"Listen, not the best hotel, but the breakfast is good and all the fun nightlife stuff is really close by. It’s not safely walkable so there’s that. It could definitely be cleaner omg"
Reviewed on 25 May 2026
Hotel Atlantico Business Centro
"Very good!"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Hotel Atlântico Avenida
"My first room had now AC, i tried sleeping couldn't, but went down to lobby and they were able to place me in a new room that had good AC. The rooms are okay, get what you payed for, I would spend double the money to be near beach now that I know."
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Américas Granada Hotel
"Deberían revisar que el personal que limpia las habitaciones lo hagan bien no lo hacen bien y también les pedí que me cambien de sábanas y cobertor y no lo hicieron el agua no abastece y el calentador de agua igual"
Reviewed on 28 May 2026
Lagune Barra Hotel
"The hotel itself wasn’t very clean"
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Rio Aeroporto Hotel Galeão
"Great staff!"
Reviewed on 28 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Santa Maria
Maracanã
You'll enjoy the museums and historical sites in Maracanã. You might want to make time for a stop at Júlio Delamare Aquatics Centre or Maracanã Stadium.
Jacarepagua
You'll enjoy the live music and parks in Jacarepagua. You might want to make time for a stop at Shopping Metropolitano Barra or Tijuca Lake.
Tijuca
Tijuca is well liked for its mountain views and churches. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Shopping Tijuca and Tijuca National Park are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Uruguai / Tijuca Station or Saens Pena Station to get around.
Rio de Janeiro Centro
You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Santa Teresa
Get to know Santa Teresa and its many features like its mountain views and monuments. You might want to explore sights like Largo do Guimarães and Selarón Steps, and you can jump on the metro at Largo do Guimarães Tram Stop or Largo do Curvelo Tram Stop to get around the city.
Lapa
You'll enjoy the churches and live music in Lapa. You might want to make time for a stop at Circo Voador or Arcos da Lapa.
