BUNG OF SANTA TERESA - BONDINHO
The little yellow funicular has been connecting the centro to the bohemian district of Santa Teresa for a century, passing through the arches of Lapa.
Rio's famous tramway is known as the bonde (or bondinho). There is only one left, which goes back and forth between Centro and Santa Teresa, passing over the old Arcos da Lapa aqueduct. This retro yellow wagon that goes up and down the morro does not go unnoticed in the main street of the district. It is the most pleasant way to get to Santa Teresa during the day.
Its progressive rehabilitation since 2015 is a real joy for the inhabitants of the neighborhood. An accident had caused several deaths in August 2011, causing the service to stop.
At present, it only operates on part of its historic route, every 20 minutes. You have to queue patiently to get on the bondinho, which takes you to Santa Teresa from Rio's business center, near the cathedral, Petrobras Towers and Carioca metro station. The tramway currently goes to Largo do Guimarães. For safety reasons, you need a seat to get on the bondinho and behaviour is more polite, especially as the Arcos da Lapa is very narrow.
During Carnival, this little tram, revered by the locals, dresses up in its festive clothes and even becomes a part of the party, as one of the blocos marches on board.
Buses no. 6, 7 and 14 go up and down the morro de Santa Teresa from Lapa, which makes it a well-served district, as the bondinho is now more of an attraction. Guided tour on Saturday.