Campo de Santana Park Rio de Janeiro
A free, historic urban park in Rio de Janeiro, offering abundant wildlife, mature trees, and scenic lookouts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Campo de Santana Park Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, historic urban park in Rio de Janeiro, offering abundant wildlife, mature trees, and scenic lookouts.
"A surprising urban oasis with capybaras, peacocks, and stunning views – all for free!"
👀 Spot Capybaras!
You might find capybaras here! Look around the lake for these gentle giants.
🦚 Admire the Peacocks
These colorful birds are a common sight, adding beauty to your stroll.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Capybara Spotting
Around the lake
Keep an eye out for the famously chill capybaras lounging by the water. A unique urban wildlife encounter!

Peacock Parade
Throughout the park
Majestic peacocks strut their stuff, adding a splash of vibrant color and regal charm to the park's landscape.

Centenary Trees
Various locations
Wander beneath the canopy of ancient, mature trees, some centuries old, offering shade and a sense of timelessness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife & History
Best Time to Visit for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👀 Spot Capybaras!
You might find capybaras here! Look around the lake for these gentle giants.
🦚 Admire the Peacocks
These colorful birds are a common sight, adding beauty to your stroll.
Capybaras in Rio
💧 No Public Restrooms
Plan accordingly, as there are no public restrooms available in the park.
🚶♀️ Safe Strolls
Enjoy the diverse plants and animals, but be mindful of your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
👀 Spot Capybaras!
You might find capybaras here! Look around the lake for these gentle giants.
🦚 Admire the Peacocks
These colorful birds are a common sight, adding beauty to your stroll.
💧 No Public Restrooms
Plan accordingly, as there are no public restrooms available in the park.
🚶♀️ Safe Strolls
Enjoy the diverse plants and animals, but be mindful of your surroundings.
🌳 Explore Mature Trees
Discover the beauty of the park's ancient, centenary trees.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Campo de Santana Park is praised as a beautiful, free urban oasis teeming with diverse wildlife like capybaras and peacocks. Visitors appreciate the mature trees and scenic lookouts, though some mention concerns about the presence of homeless individuals and the lack of public restrooms. Despite these drawbacks, it's considered a worthwhile spot for nature and history enthusiasts.
"Great place in Rio to spot lots of different wildlife"
Gavin Heaney
"Some homeless but safe! I like this park for the animals including birds (various), cats, etc. Nice lake! Some police but no washrooms!"
Antoine Assaad
"Beautiful park!"
Daigars Berzins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Campo de Santana Park is easily accessible in downtown Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors arrive by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. It's also a reasonable walk from some central metro stations. If driving, there is parking available at each of the four lookouts, though it can fill up quickly.
Yes, the park is a well-known landmark in the heart of downtown Rio. Its central location makes it relatively straightforward to locate, especially if you're familiar with the city center.
Absolutely! All four lookouts within Campo de Santana Park are accessible by car or motorcycle, with dedicated parking available at each. This makes it convenient for those who prefer not to walk long distances.
For those with good physical preparation, walking is a fantastic way to experience the park's full beauty and discover its hidden corners. Alternatively, you can drive or take a moto to the various lookouts.
Yes, parking is available at each of the four lookouts within the park. This is a convenient option for visitors arriving by car or motorcycle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the great news is that entry to Campo de Santana Park is completely free! This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction for everyone.
The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday, typically from 6 AM to 5 PM. It's closed on Mondays.
Since the park has free entry, no advance booking or tickets are required. You can simply show up during operating hours.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions beyond the park's operating hours. However, it's always a good idea to check for any temporary closures or special event notices.
The park is usually open on public holidays that fall on a Tuesday through Sunday. It's advisable to confirm hours closer to the date if you plan to visit on a holiday.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spot a variety of animals, including capybaras, peacocks, ducks, and numerous bird species. Many stray cats also call the park home.
Unfortunately, there are no public restrooms available in the park. However, water drinking fountains are located at various points throughout the park.
While the park has police presence and offers a beautiful environment, some visitors note the presence of homeless individuals. It's recommended to stay aware of your surroundings, especially during less crowded times.
The park features four distinct viewpoints, each offering spectacular panoramic views of different parts of the city and surrounding landscape. These are accessible by car or on foot.
The park offers an outdoor gym and plenty of open space for children to explore. The presence of animals also provides a natural playground for young visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The four lookouts offer stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The diverse wildlife, especially peacocks and capybaras, also make for excellent close-up shots. The mature trees and the lake provide beautiful natural backdrops.
Yes, the animals are often quite accustomed to visitors, making it relatively easy to get good shots. Patience is key, especially for capturing specific behaviors.
Morning light is often ideal for capturing the park's beauty, offering soft illumination and fewer harsh shadows. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
The park features works of art by renowned artists like Oscar Niemeyer, which can be interesting subjects for photography.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is great for general shots of the park and wildlife. If you're keen on capturing distant birds or animals, a telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm or longer) would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit