Cocuruto - Museum of the Tram

Cocuruto - Museum of the Tram is a hidden gem in Rio de Janeiro's Botafogo neighborhood. Housed in a former power station, the museum preserves the history of Rio's tram system, which once crisscrossed the city. Visitors can see beautifully restored wooden trams from the early 20th century, including the iconic 'bondes' that climbed the hills of Santa Teresa. Exhibits feature photographs, tickets, and uniforms, telling the story of how trams shaped Rio's urban development. The museum's highlight is a collection of operational trams that occasionally run short trips along a preserved track. The intimate setting and passionate staff make it a delightful stop for history buffs and families alike.

Don't miss

• Vintage wooden trams from the 1900s, including the Santa Teresa bondes
• Historical photographs and maps showing Rio's tram routes
• Operational tram rides on a short track (check schedule in advance)
• Original ticket machines and conductor uniforms
• A small workshop where volunteers restore trams

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Cocuruto - Museum of the Tram

Cheapest way inEntrance to the Giant Roda of Rio de Janeiro4.8★ · 1,440 travelers20 minutesFree cancellationFrom$12 per personSee dates →Most bookedSkip-the-Line: Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car Ticket4.6★ · 542 travelers2–3 hoursFrom$63 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleCityTour Rio de Janeiro -Christ Redemptor-Santa Teresa- Escadaria5★ · 27 travelers2–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$118 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Check the museum's social media for tram ride schedules, they don't run daily.
• The museum is small; combine with a visit to nearby Botafogo beach or the Museu do Índio.
• Photography is allowed, but flash may be restricted near delicate exhibits.
• Kids love climbing into the old trams, it's very hands-on.

A bit of history

The museum opened in 2003 in the former Cocuruto power station, which supplied electricity to Rio's tram network. It was founded by enthusiasts to preserve the city's tram heritage after the system's decline in the 1960s.