We’ve all seen the Instagram photos of some beautiful Instagram model. She’s by herself on the beautiful tiled steps of the Escadaria Selaron (or Selaron Steps) in Rio de Janeiro. So naturally, this site was on my list of places to see.
Going with a tour group
I came across a free walking tour of Rio with Strawberry Tours. I was excited to see the Selaron Steps as a stop. We got to the tour start point and saw some beautiful historic places while learning about Rio’s history. A few hours later (about noon) were being guided up an incredibly crowded street lined with vendors and flooded with people. Cars were even struggling to get by. Sure enough, when we got to the steps, there were HUNDREDS of people walking, trying to take pictures, dancing, selling trinkets…. So much was going on that we attempted a photo and waited back where we were supposed to meet our tour guide. This was quite disappointing to say the least.
Get there early
After talking with some locals, we decided to try again, but this time, get up super early. We got to our hotel’s breakfast when it opened and took an Uber straight to the steps. It was a little later than I had planned (about 0730), but I was so relieved! Only a handful of people were there and we stood in a nice, organized line waiting to take pictures. Of course, the line was only to take photos with the tiles that say “Escadaria Selaron, Rio De Janeiro,” so in reality you don’t HAVE to wait in line at all!
Tip: There’s a few spots up the stairs that can be used for pictures without getting in the pictures of people below.
Don’t be THAT guy (or girl)
There is only a small amount of people there in the mornings. This doesn’t mean you should take half an hour to get the “perfect” photo. If there is a line of people waiting, take a few, and get back in line, or move up to the other set of stairs where no one is. Don’t be rude, we all want to take our silly pictures and go on about our day. Most of the people there are so nice and will even help take your pictures if you’re a couple or group, but there’s always one person who just doesn’t care. Don’t let that be you!
So, when’s the perfect time to go?
According to locals, after sunrise between 0600 and 0800 is THE time to go. The earlier you go, the less people. If you don’t party too hard the night before you’ll be fine. Unless you really want a souvenir from the steps or something, I do NOT recommend going around midday (noon-ish). It’s the most crowded, you can hardly see the steps, and there are a ton of vendors with absurd amounts of trinkets for sale. But if you’re like me and clicked on this post to really get them by yourself, head there as early in the morning as you can. You won’t regret it.
If you want more posts on Brazil, click here, and if you want to save this post for later, pin it!
I love taking pictures of such beautiful vantage points. it’s funny that I heard and seen pictures of many places like in lisbon, Goa and many other places with similar stairs but had not heard about Escadaria Selaron (or Selaron Steps) in Rio de Janeiro. Now it’s high on my list.
Never?! You HAVE to visit at some point!
Rio De Janeiro is always a worth visiting place and therefore Selaron steps are high on the list. These steps are very colorful and therefore very photogenic. As it is always crowded so taking pictures must always be tricky, so thanks to you for sharing so many tips to avoid crowd.
Thank you! It seemed hard to avoid, but we figured it out!
Lol I never want to be ‘that girl’, I’ve seen so many people like that and it’s damn annoying! I’ve not yet been to Brazil, but will definitely take your advice and visit early. The Selaron Steps are so colourful and iconic too!
Isn’t it the WORST?! You absolutely have to visit Brazil. I highly suggest!
I really want to see Rio de Jaineros and take a photo on those steps. They say it’s a bit dangerous so don’t be alone. It’s nice to see your travel photos. I hope I’ll be able to go there soon. PS: Yes! It doesn’t have to be perfect photo!
You must! During the day it is not dangerous at all. The only time it’s dangerous is at night (like anywhere else). Hope you get to visit!
I like waking up early and I have seen some beautiful sunrises (totally worth it). One thing I don’t like however, are crowded places and not particularly fond of group tours either 😛. One thing I hate more than that is THAT guy/girl 🙂
I agree, I need to start working towards being a morning person. Isn’t it awful?! I only did the group tour since it was free 😉 hah
It’s such a good idea to get up super-early to get photos at the top tourist spots. We always seem to get to the places where we really want a picture at the busiest time. You got some really nice shots on your second attempt – much better than having all those other people in the photos!
I know it, yet I still hate it! Mornings are such a bummer. Thank you! Most definitely!
Some really great tips there. I have to confess, when it comes to travelling in South America, I have very little knowledge, so it was nice to know about the steps in the first place. As for taking photos, which I love to do, I know the struggle of finding a popular spot without any tourists. Getting there early always ways. On the other hand, I love street photography as well, so something having people around actually adds to the charm, although not in the hundreds.
It’s so hard sometimes! I hate early mornings but I guess I need to get used to it haha.
I am one of the guys which dont like to wake up early, but of course I have seen some sunrises worth it. Plus I also dont like crowded places and this one would not have the same atmosphere and the same pictures with a lot of people. therefor, Ok you convinced me 😛
You have to do what you have to do sometimes! haha
I absolutely just love this picture of you and Michael! 🙂 I wondered how you got it with no people in the background.
Thanks! Now you know my secret!