Rio's Historic Center & Little Africa Walking Tour

PRIVATE TOUR

Discover Rio de Janeiro’s historic region and uncover the rich cultural heritage of Little Africa in a unique tour designed for those who want to understand the city’s history through the lens of its past while highlighting the African heritage that shaped Rio’s culture.

Overview

This guided walking tour takes you through Rio de Janeiro’s historic center and the Little Africa region, revealing stories from over 450 years of history.
We begin at Praça XV, the site of the city’s foundation and significant historical events, including the arrival of the Portuguese Royal Family. The Arco do Teles provides a glimpse into the 18th century with its colonial architecture and tales of opulence.

Next, we visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa dos Mercadores before heading to the grand Candelária, where we discuss urban expansion and the slave trade that shaped the city. At Praça Mauá, we explore the impact of the waterfront’s revitalization and the transformation of the port area, delving into the Porto Maravilha project and the social changes that accompanied it.

The tour culminates at Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of samba, and Valongo Wharf, one of the most significant landmarks of the African diaspora, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
More than just a tour, this is an immersive experience for those who wish to see Rio de Janeiro beyond the typical postcard images. Discover how every corner of the city holds memories that continue to resonate today, and how African heritage remains deeply rooted in Rio’s culture and identity.

Join us for this enriching experience and immerse yourself in the city’s true soul!

Highlights
  • Join a unique tour led by expert guides specializing in history and Afrotourism, making every stop an authentic immersion into the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
  • Explore the Little Africa region, visit Valongo Wharf—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and uncover the Afro-Brazilian influence on Rio’s cultural identity.
Book your tour
What includes

Included:

  • Accredited tour guide

Not Included:

  • Transportation to/from the Meeting point;
  • Food and Drinks;
  • Personal shopping;
  • Tips for your local guide.
Important Information
  • You must book this tour at least 48 hours in advance.
  • Our tours are private. That is, prices vary depending on the size of your group. The greater the number of people, the lower your rate per pax.
  • Children up to 5 years old do not pay.
F.A.Q.
How can I book this experience?

Click the ‘Book your tour’ button. Choose the date you want and the number of people taking the tour. Then add to cart. Click on the cart icon in the lower right corner of your screen to open your shopping cart. Fill in the primary contact information and then ‘Continue’ to be directed to payment. Once your reservation has been processed, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with all the information about the experience.

Our online booking system is simple and secure, and we accept various credit and debit cards. But if you prefer, you can make your reservation directly with our sales team by e-mail: [email protected] or by phone (WhatsApp): +55 21 99552-3996.

Is it possible to have this experience without being private?

Our experiences are private to offer you a safer, more personalized, and more comfortable experience. By opting for a private tour, you can enjoy the company of your loved ones or a select group of friends without worrying about strangers. This creates a more unique environment, allowing for greater flexibility regarding the itinerary, the pace of the tour, and even adjusting the schedule to your personal preferences.

Our guides will be exclusively available to you, offering in-depth information and interesting stories and answering all your questions. This will ensure you have an enriching experience, learning about the local culture, history, and traditions more intimately.

What should I wear or take on the tour?

There is no general rule of what to bring or use. Still, we recommend bringing an identification document (it doesn’t have to be the original), money, and a lot of energy and excitement. Any specific recommendations will be noted on your voucher.

Can this experience be done with children?

Yes, this experience can be done with children, accompanied by at least one responsible adult.

Is there a discount for children?

Yes, we offer complimentary value of our experiences for children up to 5 years old (4 years and 11 months), accompanied by a paying guardian.

What happens if, on the day of my experience, it rains or there is bad weather?

We do not cancel tours due to bad weather, so the tour will take place even with rain and/or cloudy weather, except in cases of force majeure. We adapt the script or, if possible, change the date. If you cancel the tour less than 48 hours in advance (except in extreme cases), there will be no refund as per our cancellation policy.

Do you pick it up and return it to my accommodation?

No, as this is a walking tour, this experience does not include transportation to the meeting point. If you want to add transport, please get in touch with our team.

What are the preventive measures against covid-19 adopted on the tours? Do I need to be vaccinated or follow them?

As part of our commitment to Safe Travels, we follow all security measures recommended by the UNWTO and city laws. All our guides and drivers are fully vaccinated, and our vehicles are sanitized.

As per the national rule, visitors must be vaccinated or have a negative COVID test to enter the country. Face masks are no longer mandatory, but we recommend using them for people with health problems. 

What do I do if I need to cancel my tour after booking?

You must request the cancellation of your experience by e-mail to the following address: [email protected]. Once we receive your order, we will determine the refund due as follows:

– If you cancel 7 (seven) days or more before the start of the tour: no cancellation fee, i.e., a full refund.

– If you cancel between 6 (six) and 3 (three) days before the start of the tour: 50% cancellation fee. If you paid in full for your experience, we’ll issue you a 50% refund of the amount paid.

– If you cancel less than 48 hours (2 days) before the start of the tour: 100% of the cancellation fee, i.e., there is no refund.

If your tour is carried out by one of our suppliers, the cancellation will be carried out according to the supplier’s rules.

I have a question that doesn’t appear in this FAQ. How should I proceed?

If you have any other questions about our services, please contact our team at +55 21 99552-3996 or by e-mail: [email protected].

Meet Your Tour Guide

Luana is a tour guide and historian specializing in historical and cultural tourism, with an emphasis on Afro-referenced narratives. She enjoys walking around the city, listening to stories, and savoring the landscapes, flavors, and people.

Meeting Point

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