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Offered languages
- Portuguese
- English
- French
- Spanish
Let's walk through the history of Samba, following the steps of this rhythm symbol of Rio cultural identity, icon of local african heritage and afro-brazilian resistance.
Visiting the main cultural spots in Cinelandia and the Mauá Square, we talk about how the Portuguese culture developed carnival as a political party and samba as a afro-brazilian identity.
Walk with us through the Portuary Zone to see the biggest open-air street art gallery and learn about cultural resistance at Pedra do Sal, icon of africanity in Rio.
Let yourself vibrate with Carnival magic doing some steps and taking pictures with the colorful costumes at City of Samba, headquarters of the Samba Schools.
The main idea is that you enjoy the stories that made Samba the soul of our lovely city. We want you to feel safe, confident and relaxed while we are going through the downtown area of the marvelous city.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
There are many bars, taxis and ubers in this area. VLT Station: Museum Stop
Itinerary
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1Museu de Arte do Rio - MAR
Meeting point for the group. We went up to the museum terrace to have a panoramic view of Praça Mauá and Guanabara Bay. The museum is closed on Mondays.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
2Maua Square
Plaza Mauá marks the beginning of Avenida Rio Branco avenue and also of the Port Region. From 1910 on, with the inauguration of Porto do Rio ("Rio's Port"), it began an important place to welcome ships and brought tourists to the city. Around the square there are important buildings, such as the Rio Art Museum (MAR) and the Museum of Tomorrow, as well as the Night building, the first skyscraper of the city, built in 1930.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Boulevard Olimpico
On the VLT (Tram) trip from Plaza Mauá to Samba City, we can see the old docks and the street art gallery on Olympic Boulevard.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Cidade Do Samba
Following the same exploratory tour, the Carnival Experience, promoted by Grande Rio Samba School, opens the workshop for visitors who want to know a little more about the creation and production of the parade, long before it takes place at Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome. This unique experience shows how the allegories and customs of the school are produced, the carnivalesque designs, how the customs and the assembly of the big cars are done by hand, and shows up close the hard work of the professionals involved in the production of a parade
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
5Pedra do Sal
Pedra do Sal, at Conceição hill, makes part of the region historically known as small Africa, that stretched from around Plaza Mauá to Cidade Nova. On the backyard, it has happened the rural samba, played with the hands, with tambourine, plate and knifes; and dancing with tap dancing, sieved and "umbigadas". It was there that was born the urban carioca samba, that came from "popular samba" and old ranches of the carnival.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
We finish our tour celebrating black women and their role in samba music and afro Brazilian dance. At Largo da Prainha, you can grab a snack and some refreshments and get in the mood to join Pedra do Sal "roda de samba", living an authentic experience of Rio.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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