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.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Scale this mountain on foot or by cable car to see impressive views of Rio’s beaches, rain forests and its most famous statue.
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.
Things to do
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari
Grumari, Prainha & Pontal Beach Day Tour with Transfer
Sunset on Palmas Island: Rio’s Hidden Gem with Telegraph Stone
Pedra do Telegrafo - Trail with Tour Guide and Transportation at the Hotel
Sitio Roberto Burle Marx Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer
Top hotels in Santa Cruz
Lagune Barra Hotel
They were able to keep our bags on our last day so we could spend one last day in town for free
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Grand Hyatt Rio De Janeiro
Great place to spend your vacation, everything was clean and safe, great restaurants, gym and spa, friendly staff, safe beach and the neighborhood. Planning to return in the near future.
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Regency Barra Hotel
Swimming pool is very small. It is across the road from the beach. The rooms are nicely air conditioned. Staff don’t have much of a personality. They are not bad but not great either. Overall reasonably clean. They have a feet sand washer in the front which is nice when you finish the beach before ...
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Américas Barra Hotel
Amazing staff!
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Windsor Marapendi
perfect location, amazing hotel and staff
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026
SQUARE DESIGN HOTEL
Localização excelente ,café da manhã honesto com muita variedade e estrutura muito boa ! Funcionários da recepção sem comunicação entre eles ! Renovei mais uma diária ,assinei o check in da nova diária e após,três funcionários vieram me incomodar no apartamento em tempos diferentes,informando que ...
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Santa Cruz
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.
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.
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.
Maracanã
You'll enjoy the museums and historical sites in Maracanã. You might want to make time for a stop at Maracanã Stadium or Júlio Delamare Aquatics Centre.
