Rio Little Africa Tour

based on 147 reviews

Duration:3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil

From $99

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Embark on a transformative journey through the hidden narratives of Little Africa in Rio de Janeiro's bustling Port with Florencio's immersive walking tour. Delve into the profound legacy of over four million Africans enslaved in Brazil over three centuries, where Rio emerged as the epicenter of the global African slave trade in the 19th century, welcoming one in every five enslaved individuals of the modern era.

Today, the echoes of this rich heritage resound throughout Brazil, with over half of its population proudly identifying as black. From the pulsating rhythms of samba to the kaleidoscope of colors at the carnival, from the tantalizing flavors of Afro-Brazilian cuisine to the spiritual beats of African-influenced music, the vibrant tapestry of African culture is woven into the very fabric of Brazilian life.

Join Florencio on an unforgettable journey through time and culture, where the past comes alive, and the legacy of Little Africa continues to inspire and enchant.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Museu de Arte do Rio - MAR
Meeting Place for "No Hotel Pick-Up" - Museum de Arte do Rio (MAR). The museum is located at Praça Mauá, 5 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro.
2. Igreja de Sao Francisco da Prainha
At Largo da Prainha you’ll see the Mercedes Baptista Statue. She was the very first African-Brazilian ballet dancer to enroll in the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro's ballet group in the late 1940s. Fun, ice beer, samba, and black music are always in the air.
3.
Next, our journey will lead us to Pedra do Sal, a revered site in Rio steeped in the history of urban carioca samba. Its significance traces back to the enslaved Africans who toiled to unload imported salt from Portugal, hence its name. These resilient individuals also painstakingly carved the steps that characterize the area, setting the stage for the emergence of the first ranchos carnival, afoxés processions, and sacred spaces in the late 1800s. Following their laborious days, sambistas (samba musicians) and longshoremen would congregate in the homes of Bahian Aunts, forming vibrant samba circles. Notable figures such as Pixinguinha were regular attendees, contributing to the rich tapestry of musical expression. Today, Pedra do Sal remains a vital hub for samba circles and cultural gatherings, carrying forward its legacy as a bastion of Afro-Brazilian heritage and artistic expression.
4. Cais do Valongo
Cais do Valongo, a world heritage site in Rio de Janeiro, is an old stone wharf built in 1811 to land enslaved Africans. It is estimated that around 900,000 Africans arrived in South America via Valongo. The site has several archaeological layers and is the most significant physical evidence of the arrival of African slaves in the Americas.
5. Boulevard Olimpico
The Ethnicities mural is a 3,000 square meter painting located in Rio de Janeiro's Zona Portuária (Saúde). It was created for the 2016 Olympics and features five representatives from different tribes, one from each continent. The Huli, Mursi, Kayin, Supi, and Tapajós tribes were chosen to represent the diversity of the world. The mural took two months of work with 12-hour shifts to complete, using over 3,000 spray cans, 700 liters of colored paint, and 1,800 liters of white paint for the background.
6. Instituto de Pesquisa e Memoria Pretos Novos - IPN
After MUHCAB we walk towards IPN a museum and archaeological site in Rio de Janeiro dedicated to honoring the memory of Africans who were brought to the city as slaves. It is located on the site of the "New Blacks Cemetery" and has been offering cultural activities and workshops on the history and culture of people of African descent since 2005. The museum has been recognized by the State and designated as a Cultural Space since 2009.
7.
MUHCAB is a museum in Little Africa, based around the Valongo Wharf, a World Heritage Site. It tells the story of the region's largest arrival of enslaved Africans, milestones of black affirmation in Brazil, the development of Afro-Brazilian culture, and contemporary issues faced by black people in Brazil.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Tanya_W
It was interesting to learn the history of Africans in Brazil. Our guide was knowledgeable and presented information with clarity. I enjoyed the break from the Brazilian sun when we toured the site where they excavated the bodies found during the home renovation.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-06 11:35:58

Posted By : gerryh752
This is a must do tour to learn about Brazilian history. Larissa was our tour guide and she was excellent! She had a depth of knowledge and compassion about the African slave trade and how it was integral to Portuguese history and founding of Brazil. She also highlighted some of the current developments in recognizing this history and educating the general public. We toured Vlongo Wharf and walked the area of "Little Africa" pointing out significant highlights. We started the tour at IPN institute/museum which shows some of the archaeological finds of buried slaves and has a good pictoral display. All in all a great tour and be sure to ask for Larissa!
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Posted On : 2024-04-29 10:26:03

Posted By : Malissa_S
I couldn’t ask for a better tour. This was a wonderful experience. I learned so much about the African culture here in Brazil. My tour guide Ana was great and even included a fun game during the tour. I had many questions and our guide was so patient with me and knowledgeable. I will recommend this tour to all of my friends.
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Posted On : 2024-04-25 08:11:46

Posted By : inez_c
Wonderful tour guide. Very knowledgeable about about events in that area. Learned a lot of things I never knew or heard of. The walking was easy and the time spent on the tour was well worth it 😄. Love the tour and would recommend all to take it 😄
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Posted On : 2024-04-21 09:13:52

Posted By : Earnie1906
I am a world traveler who has been on many tours both in my country ( USA) and around the world and the Rio Little Africa Tour with Ms. Anna Julia ranks among the very best. My tour guide knows her subject matter well and her nuances of information are outstanding and MOST important although very painful to hear. My tour guide is young but I was pleasantly surprised, as she is not only knowledgeable, professional and articulate, but passionate and posed important questions which inspire more research and political action!. My tour guide also added a big dose of culture, with regard to food, music, religion , and local ambience interwoven in a historical context. This four of Rio de Janeiro was exemplary! Request my tour guide by name to ensure an incredible experience.
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Posted On : 2024-04-11 05:33:56

Posted By : 384andrae
The guide, AnnaGuilia, was fantastic. She was young but incredibly passionate, smart, knowledgeable and informative. The area and sites we visited were fascinating and if you dont want a superficial Rio trip, you shouldn't miss this Florencia tour of Little Africa. The tour was inspiring and deeply moving.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-07 16:19:48

Posted By : Dawn_T
Great tour! Damiana was a wealth of information about the historical events of slavery here in Brazil. It was moving to see the original wharf, and hear stories of what transpired here. This is an essential part of history, so anyone who comes to Rio needs to experience this and learn about the history of Brazil’s inhabitants. It definitely is a must-do tour!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-03 07:02:49

Posted By : behuemane
In a sea of tour providers vying for attention, Florencia Tours emerges as a beacon of professionalism, sophistication, and sheer enjoyment, all underpinned by exceptional service. Our commitment to creating unforgettable experiences has left a lasting impression on our clients, who have not only immersed themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Brazilian culture but have also embarked on journeys of a lifetime.

Here's what some of our satisfied clients have to say:

"I had an excellent experience exploring the beauty of Rio while delving into the city's rich history. Damiana was an outstanding host, curating an unforgettable experience. I'll be recommending Florencia Tours to all my friends and family visiting Rio."

"My time with Damiana provided me with unforgettable experiences. She made Brazil feel like home, and I will forever be grateful. I highly recommend her services to anyone traveling to Rio. You won't be disappointed."

"Damiana provided us with a fantastic cultural experience. Her knowledge and warmth made us feel welcomed throughout our journey, from relaxing on the beach to exploring major historical sites. I wouldn't consider booking a tour with anyone else."

We look forward to working with them in the future.
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Posted On : 2024-03-02 16:46:12

Posted By : hffamily
My wife and I arranged 4 days of private tours with Damiana Silva’s tour company. We could not have been more pleased with the experience from beginning (a month before our trip) to the end. Damiana was a joy to work with, she is a consummate professional who is passionate about her native country and most importantly, she is a decent lovely person. Her team including drivers (Anderson and Marcus in our case) and other guides (Kelly and Larissa) were informed, thoughtful and full of insights about Rio. I would hire Florencia Tours again without hesitation. Tijuca, Little Africa, Rio, Walking tour, Copacabana, Ipanema, Maracana
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Posted On : 2024-02-16 01:43:05

Posted By : Russell L
Just went on this tour! I had a great guide (Larissa) who was very informative and knowledgeable! I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the past and what Africans experienced in Brazil!
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Posted On : 2024-02-04 21:52:54