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.
Ipanema Beach
See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach.
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Grumari, Prainha & Pontal Beach Day Tour with Transfer
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari
Pedra do Telegrafo - Trail with Tour Guide and Transportation at the Hotel
Pedra do Telegrafo Hiking Tour with the Best Tour Operator in Rio
Top hotels in Santa Cruz
Lagune Barra Hotel
Amazing hotel, modern and clean. Staff were all friendly and fun. Loved the breakfast selection as well.
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
Regency Barra Hotel
The front desk lady was not friendly at all. My overall experience was not the best at this hotel. Won’t recommend it.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Grand Hyatt Rio De Janeiro
The room was fine, and the staff were courteous. But the hotel is too far away from dining options and the interesting parts of the city, a fact that hotels.com kept to itself.
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026
Hilton Barra Rio De Janeiro
All of the above
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026
Windsor Marapendi
The hotel is well located, the staff is excellent, and the breakfast is outstanding. However, the property clearly needs renovation, and it does not meet the standards expected of a five-star hotel, despite being marketed as such. Overall, it is a comfortable stay, but the classification feels ...
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Américas Barra Hotel
It was too crowded. It took me 1 hour in line to check in. The elevators were always full and I had to waiting long time to simple go up and down. Besides, the room was dirty.
Reviewed on 16 Jan 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.
Alto da Boa Vista
Alto da Boa Vista is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Tijuca National Park and Corcovado.
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.
