The bonde that travels up to Santa Teresa from Centro is the last of the historic streetcars that once crisscrossed the city. Its romantic clatter through the cobbled streets has made it the archetype for bohemian Santa Teresa. Currently the bonde travels from the cable-car station in Centro over the scenic Arcos da Lapa and up as far as Largo do Curvelo. From there it's a 500m walk to Largo do Guimarães and the heart of Santa Teresa.
After a tragic accident in 2011, the bonde was taken out of commission, while much-needed improvements to the tracks were made. After more than four years, the line opened again – but only traveling 1.7km of the 10km of tracks. Work continues on the route, with full completion expected by 2017 at the earliest.
