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The African Heritage in Rio and Olympic Boulevard Walking Tour

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$47.30

REG. $54.50

Overview

Discover the heart of Rio de Janeiro through its African roots on this walking tour. We start at Praça Mauá, home to the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow and the historic MAR, blending the city’s past and future. Next, we stroll to Largo da Prainha, where the Church of São Francisco da Prainha stands, echoing centuries of faith and community. Just steps away is Pedra do Sal, the cradle of samba and choro, once a landing point for enslaved Africans and a gathering place for legendary musicians. We continue to Cais do Valongo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the city’s African heritage is powerfully preserved. Finally, the tour ends at the Boulevard Olímpico, a vibrant promenade celebrating Rio’s culture through art and public spaces. This 4-hour tour offers a journey through history, music, and culture — a chance to feel the heartbeat of Rio through its African legacy.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

We will meet everyone in the lobby of the Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel

Language Offered

Portuguese-GUIDE

English-GUIDE

Spanish-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro

We will meet in the lobby of the Belmond Copacabana Hotel. From there we will take a walk to the nearest subway station where our tour will begin.

Duration: 10 mins

2. Maua Square

Our journey begins at Praça Mauá, the starting point of Rio Branco Avenue and the city’s revitalized Port Zone. In 1910, this was the arrival point for ships carrying goods and travelers, shaping the city’s early international connections. Today, Praça Mauá is home to striking landmarks such as the Museum of Art of Rio (MAR) and the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow, designed by Santiago Calatrava

Duration: 10 mins

3. Museu do Amanha

The Museum of Tomorrow rises over the bay. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, its futuristic, organic lines invite us to reflect on Rio’s future while acknowledging its African roots, essential to understanding the city’s past and identity. Please note that we will not enter the musem.

Duration: 10 mins

4. Largo São Francisco da Prainha

From there, we stroll to Largo de São Francisco da Prainha, at the foot of Morro da Conceição. Before the construction of Rio’s port, this was a small beach called Prainha. Over the centuries, land reclamation erased the sand, but the spirit of the place remains. The square is named after the Church of São Francisco da Prainha, built in 1696 in the Jesuit Baroque style and entrusted to the Third Order of Saint Francis of Penance in 1704. Walking here, you can almost feel the echoes of centuries of faith, community, and resilience.

Duration: 15 mins

5. Pedra do Sal

Next, we arrive at Pedra do Sal, a short distance from the square, one of the most vibrant cultural spots in Rio. Once a landing point for enslaved Africans who unloaded salt from ships, this rock became the heart of Little Africa, where communal houses known as zungus preserved traditions and nurtured a sense of community. Over the years, Pedra do Sal became a cradle for samba and choro music, hosting legendary musicians such as Donga, João da Baiana, Pixinguinha, and Heitor dos Prazeres. From its base at Largo do João da Baiana, stone steps carved into the rock lead to Morro da Conceição, offering breathtaking views and a tangible sense of history.

Duration: 15 mins

6. Cais do Valongo

Our tour continues to Cais do Valongo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important monuments of African heritage in the Americas. Once the main landing site for enslaved Africans in Rio, it stands as a powerful reminder of the city’s past and the resilience of its people. Walking here, you can sense the weight of history, as well as the spirit of celebration and survival that has shaped Rio’s identity.

Duration: 15 mins

7. Boulevard Olimpico

Finally, we reach the Boulevard Olímpico, a modern promenade along the revitalized Port Zone. Here, contemporary murals and public art honor Rio’s rich cultural diversity, linking the city’s historic roots with its dynamic present. It’s a perfect spot to reflect on the journey we’ve taken, connecting the past and present through stories, music, and art. This walking tour, lasting approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, is a journey through time, culture, and music — a chance to feel the heartbeat of Rio through its African heritage.

Duration: 30 mins

Inclusion

Bilingual licensed guide

Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)

Exclusion

Food and drinks

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Entrance fees

Cancellation Policy

Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes

Not recommended for people with walking difficulties

Operated by a multilingual guide

Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date

Supplied by Carioca Tropical Tour Operator

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The African Heritage in Rio and Olympic Boulevard Walking Tour Discount Tickets

Select your ticket

Overview

Meeting and Pickup

Language Offered

Itinerary

1. Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro

2. Maua Square

3. Museu do Amanha

4. Largo São Francisco da Prainha

5. Pedra do Sal

6. Cais do Valongo

7. Boulevard Olimpico

Inclusion

Exclusion

Cancellation Policy

Additional Info

Reviews

5.0

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