Museu de Ciências da Terra

In this fascinating museum many thousands of artifacts provide a comprehensive overview of the geological and paleontological history of Brazil.

Take a journey through the world of Brazilian natural history at the Museu de Ciências da Terra (Earth Sciences Museum). Discover hundreds of thousands of exhibits, which offer an insight into the antiquities and environmental makeup of this huge and diverse nation. Admire the grand neoclassical architecture of the building that houses the Museu de Ciências da Terra.

Among the museum’s exhibits are 7,000 examples of minerals found in Brazil and around the world. There are also an incredible 12,000 fossil, meteorite and rock samples. Many of these are displayed in the mineralogical and petrographic room with information about their chemical compositions. In another gallery learn about the work and legacy of Llewellyn Ivor Price, who was one of Brazil’s first recognized paleontologists.

Study a chronological timeline of the dinosaurs that inhabited Brazilian lands during the Mesozoic Era. See original skeletons and life-size re-creations of various types of dinosaur. Don’t miss the fossils of the Austroposeidon magnificus, a titanosaur that measured up to 82 feet (25 meters) long.

Spend a moment appreciating the architectural beauty of the museum. It dates back to 1908 and features a restored neoclassical style. Gracing the façade are imposing Greek columns and a grand staircase flanked by animal sculptures. Portraits and carved floral patterns decorate the interior walls.

Located in the Urca neighborhood, the museum is easy to reach via public buses and taxis. The journey from Copacabana takes just over 10 minutes by car and from Ipanema its 20 to 30 minutes. Metered parking is available adjacent to the museum. Visit other attractions in Urca such as Vermelha Beach, Pasmado Hill Lookout and the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, accessible by riding a scenic cable car.

The Museu de Ciências da Terra is open from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. Arrange group tours in advance. Be aware that the museum’s information signs are in Portuguese only.

Guide to Exploring around Museu de Ciências da Terra

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.

See hotels near here

Corcovado (Christo Redentor)

This mountain rising out of the city center is most well known as the home of Rio’s iconic skyscraper-sized Jesus statue.

See hotels near here

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Spend time exploring this historic botanical garden to see water features and sculptures, exotic plant species and endangered animals, including the black capuchin.

See hotels near here

Copacabana Fort

Visit this historic fort at the south end of Copacabana Beach to learn about Brazil’s military history through many fascinating displays and artifacts.

See hotels near here

Hippie Fair

Admire colorful folk art, stock up on Brazilian clothing and souvenirs, and savor some of Rio’s original fast food at one of the world’s largest open-air markets.

See hotels near here

Cinelândia

Surrounding this central square are Rio’s historic buildings, including its impressive opera house, its world-class library and one of its most beloved bars.

See hotels near here

Convent of St. Anthony

This historic church and convent in Rio de Janeiro contains exceedingly beautiful oil paintings, rare religious artifacts and interesting rooms.

See hotels near here

Selarón’s Steps

Climb this urban staircase to experience one of Rio’s largest and most useful public art projects, a series of mosaics created singlehandedly by a much-loved Rio personality.

See hotels near here

Parque Henrique Lage

A lavish Italian villa, hidden caves, miles of trails and views to the statue Christ the Redeemer await at this park at the base of Rio’s Corcovado Mountain.

See hotels near here

National Fine Arts Museum (Museu Nacional de Belas Artes)

Brazilian paintings of the 19th and 20th century, works by European masters and pieces of African art make up this museum’s extensive collection.

See hotels near here

National Historical Museum

A fascinating repository of artifacts, including royal carriages, weapons and a vast collection of coins, provide insights into the history of Brazil.

See hotels near here

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar)

Scale this mountain on foot or by cable car to see impressive views of Rio’s beaches, rain forests and its most famous statue.

See hotels near here

Prainha

Swim in the secluded bay, hike up into the wooded hills and dine on the fruits of the sea at beachside restaurants at this beach, one of Rio’s best kept secrets.

See hotels near here

Museum of Modern Art

Explore the best of 20th-century Brazilian art and sample cutting-edge Brazilian cuisine at this bold 1950s modernist gallery on the edge of Rio’s Guanabara Bay.

See hotels near here

Copacabana Beach Vacation Packages

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.

See hotels near here

Avenida Atlântica Vacation Packages

Golden sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, walking paths and some of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular neighborhoods surround this bustling seaside avenue.

See hotels near here

Ipanema - Leblon

Relax on beautiful beaches, shop for fashion and revel in the nightlife of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most stylish areas.

See hotels near here

Arpoador Beach

Considered the birthplace of Brazilian surfing, this small beach is also one of the most popular places to catch Rio de Janeiro’s spectacular sunsets.

See hotels near here

Rocinha Favela

Take a guided tour through Rio de Janeiro’s largest and most colorful slum. Discover its proud history and experience a very different side of Rio.

See hotels near here

Catedral Metropolitana

With its futuristic Mayan pyramid-inspired design, this modern 20,000-capacity cathedral is a striking feature in the Rio de Janeiro cityscape.

See hotels near here

Pista Cláudio Coutinho (Cláudio Coutinho Trail)

Stunning coastal views, wildlife spotting and access to Sugarloaf Mountain make this one of the most popular walking trails in Río.

See hotels near here

Museu de Arte do Rio - MAR

Spread across a historic building and a modern construction, connected by a canopy roof structure, this art museum exhibits an eclectic range of Brazilian art.

See hotels near here

Museum of Tomorrow

Have fun with interactive exhibits that reveal the way the world is transforming and how climate change and social disintegration can be avoided.

See hotels near here

Best Lodging Options Near Museu de Ciências da Terra

See all 2,567 Properties near Museu de Ciências da Terra

Hotel Atlântico Rio ￥2,741

Per night/room

Oct 2 - Oct 3

See details

Hotel Atlântico Rio

Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Copacabana, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Rua Barata Ribeiro and Avenida Atlantica. Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach are also within 1 mi (2 km). Cantagalo Station is only a 2-minute walk and Siqueira Campos Station is 14 minutes.

Hotel Astoria Palace ￥5,537

Per night/room

Oct 6 - Oct 7

See details

Hotel Astoria Palace

Av. Atlantica 1866, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Offering direct access to the beach, this Copacabana hotel is in the entertainment district and within a 5-minute walk of Copacabana Beach and Avenida Atlantica. Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Fort are also within 2 mi (3 km). Cardeal Arcoverde Station is 25 minutes by foot.

Windsor Leme Hotel ￥7,941

Per night/room

Sep 30 - Oct 1

See details

Windsor Leme Hotel

Avenida Atlantica 656, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Copacabana hotel is steps from Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach, and Avenida Atlantica. Sugar Loaf Mountain and Ipanema Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km). Cardeal Arcoverde Station is 17 minutes by foot and Siqueira Campos Station is 27 minutes.

Arena Copacabana Hotel ￥6,917

Per night/room

Oct 4 - Oct 5

See details

Arena Copacabana Hotel

Av Atlantica 2064 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Copacabana, this beachfront hotel is on the boardwalk, just steps from Copacabana Beach and Avenida Atlantica. Praia do Leme and Chacrinha State Park are also within 15 minutes. Cardeal Arcoverde Station is 8 minutes by foot and Siqueira Campos Station is 10 minutes.

Hotel Atlantico Praia ￥3,710

Per night/room

Oct 1 - Oct 2

See details

Hotel Atlantico Praia

Avenida Atlantica 1456, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Copacabana hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Rio Sul Shopping Mall, Pasmado Viewpoint, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Vermelha Beach is 2 mi (3.2 km) away. Cardeal Arcoverde Station is 7 minutes by foot and Siqueira Campos Station is 17 minutes.

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro ￥11,236

Per night/room

Sep 30 - Oct 1

See details

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro

Avenida Atlantica, 1020, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Copacabana, this beachfront hotel is in the entertainment district and within 2 mi (3 km) of Copacabana Beach and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Museum of Modern Art and Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden are also within 6 mi (10 km). Cardeal Arcoverde Station is 11 minutes by foot and Siqueira Campos Station is 22 minutes.

Windsor Excelsior Hotel ￥8,388

Per night/room

Oct 6 - Oct 7

See details

Windsor Excelsior Hotel

Avenida Atlantica 1800, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Copacabana, this beach hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Avenida Atlantica and Copacabana Beach. Ipanema Beach and Sugar Loaf Mountain are also within 3 mi (5 km). Cardeal Arcoverde Station is 6 minutes by foot and Siqueira Campos Station is 12 minutes.

Aquarela do Leme ￥4,492

Per night/room

Oct 2 - Oct 3

See details

Aquarela do Leme

Ladeira Ary Barroso,21, Leme RJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

2.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Copacabana, this beach hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach, and Avenida Atlantica. Sugar Loaf Mountain and Ipanema Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km). Cardeal Arcoverde Station is 22 minutes by foot.