Santa Cruz 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
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari
Past - Present and Future of Rio/ from Selarón to Calatrava
Grumari, Prainha & Pontal Beach Day Tour with Transfer
Sitio Roberto Burle Marx Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer
Personalized Tour in Rio. Main Attractions and Cultural Walk.
Top hotels in Santa Cruz
Regency Barra Hotel
"The room was clean and the reception staff had flat affect and not very friendly. The card key malfunction several times and had to come down to reception 6 times to correct it. The staff at the front desk weren’t very friendly and or very helpful."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Windsor Marapendi
"Everything was perfect."
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Grand Hyatt Rio De Janeiro
"Great"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Lagune Barra Hotel
"The hotel itself wasn’t very clean"
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Américas Barra Hotel
Hilton Barra Rio De Janeiro
"Staff was very professional and accommodating"
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Santa Cruz
Barra de Guaratiba
You'll enjoy the beaches and monuments in Barra de Guaratiba. You might want to make time for a stop at Barra de Guaratiba Beach or Sitio Roberto Burle Marx.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes
You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Recreio dos Bandeirantes. You might want to make time for a stop at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach or Posto 12.
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.
Barra da Tijuca
If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Barra Shopping Mall and Village Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's pristine beaches before hopping on the metro at Jardim Oceânico Station to see more of the city.
Alto da Boa Vista
Alto da Boa Vista is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Christ the Redeemer and Tijuca National Park.
São Conrado
Discover São Conrado, memorable for its beaches. Popular attractions in São Conrado include Sao Conrado Beach and Pedra da Gavea, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at São Conrado Station.
