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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Uncover the true soul of Rio de Janeiro on a meaningful and immersive walking tour through historical sites linked to the African diaspora in Brazil. Starting in the region known as “Little Africa,” this private experience reveals the deep-rooted influence of Afro-Brazilian culture in the shaping of both the city and the country.
You’ll be guided by a licensed historian, fluent in English and Spanish, who will lead the experience with sensitivity, historical context, and deep respect for the legacy of the African diaspora.
We’ll walk through places that witnessed resistance, struggle, and cultural survival — such as Valongo Wharf, Pedra do Sal, and the former slave market — while reflecting on their significance today.
Perfect for conscious travelers, researchers, or anyone seeking to understand Rio beyond traditional tourism.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your experience begins with a private, air-conditioned transfer from your hotel to the starting point, ensuring a relaxed start. Then, explore the city’s landmarks on foot, guided by a licensed historian. At the end, your private vehicle will be waiting to take you back — no stress, just a seamless and unforgettable day.
Itinerary
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1
Once the heart of colonial and imperial power, Praça XV hosted the Imperial Palace and the city’s first mass. Its stones echo Brazil’s royal legacy, the violence of slavery, and the nation's formation.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Behind elegant shopfronts, Rua do Ouvidor was once a hub of the slave trade. The Lapa church, built by free and enslaved men, holds centuries of untold stories of resistance and erased Black faith.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Church of Our Lady of the Candelaria
This area symbolizes both empire and pain. Near the grand Candelária church, Black women sold sweets and freedom. Casa França-Brasil, once a customs house, controlled the arrival of lives treated as cargo.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
In this square, enslaved people waited in chains while their owners attended mass. Beside them, the slave market operated in the open. A silent site of faith, violence, and endurance.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
More than an exhibit, MUHCAB is a voice of memory and celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture. It honors roots, spirituality, and struggle — still alive in every drumbeat, gesture, and word.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
During a home renovation, the largest burial site of enslaved Africans in the Americas was discovered. This institute emerged to honor lives erased, making visible the history others tried to hide.
25 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
7Cais do Valongo
A UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest slave port. Over a million Africans disembarked here. These stones are the starting point — and continuation — of Brazil’s Black history.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Pedra do Sal
Pedra do Sal is the birthplace of samba, Afro-Brazilian religion, and community. After abolition, this space became a hub of resistance through culture. Largo da Prainha still hosts celebrations of identity and joy.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9Kobra "Etnias" Mural
This massive mural by Eduardo Kobra depicts Indigenous and African faces that represent global diversity. At the former slave port, it stands as a visual tribute: art as memory, and dignity restored.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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