Colorful mural at Pedra do Sal, one of the key stops on the Rio Little Africa Tour in downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Explore Rio Little Africa – Cultural Tour (Meeting Place)

Rio Little Africa Tour: Explore Afro-Brazilian Culture in the Heart of Rio

Welcome to the Rio Little Africa Tour, an unforgettable journey through Afro-Brazilian history, heritage, and resilience. Walk through the streets where samba was born, where resistance was nurtured, and where culture continues to thrive.

Led by passionate Afro-Brazilian guides, this half-day walking tour uncovers the stories, symbols, and places that shaped Rio’s African identity. From sacred sites to UNESCO heritage landmarks, every stop reveals a layer of Brazil’s true soul.

Discover the Hidden Gems of Rio’s African Diaspora

Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa, or Pequena África, is not just a place — it’s a living memory. This tour highlights the contributions of Black Brazilians to the culture, politics, religion, and rhythm of the city. Walk in the footsteps of heroes, artists, and ancestors who transformed pain into power, and silence into samba.

Highlights of the Rio Little Africa Tour

  • 🩰 Statue of Mercedes Baptista – Honoring Brazil’s first Black ballerina and activist, linked to the 1951 Afonso Arinos anti-racism law.
  • 🎶 Pedra do Sal – The birthplace of samba and a historic quilombo site. On Mondays, enjoy the vibrant local street party here.
  • 🧱 Valongo Quayside – A UNESCO World Archaeological Heritage Site, once the largest slave port in the Americas.
  • 🕊️ IPN – Instituto Pretos Novos – A memorial built over a cemetery for enslaved Africans. Open: Tue–Fri (AM/PM), Sat (AM only).
  • 🏛️ MUHCAB – Museum of Afro-Brazilian History and Culture – Discover powerful exhibits of Black resistance and creativity. Closed Mondays.
  • Warehouse Docks Pedro II / Docas André Rebouças – Architectural legacy of a brilliant Black engineer who modernized Rio’s port.
  • 🎨 Ethnicities Mural – Olympic Boulevard – One of the world’s largest murals, by artist Kobra, celebrating global ancestry and diversity.

What to Expect During the Tour

This is a culturally immersive experience. Expect a walking tour of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, with engaging storytelling, heritage education, and powerful visuals. Whether it’s your first time in Brazil or your fifth, this tour brings you closer to the real Rio.

Tour Details

  • 🕒 Duration: 3h30min
  • 🌐 Languages: English, Spanish, or Portuguese
    French available upon request
  • 📅 Schedule:
    – Tuesday to Sunday: 09:30 AM & 2:30 PM
    – Monday: 03:00 PM
  • 📍 Morning Meeting Point (Daily):
    Museu do Amanhã – Praça Mauá, 1 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro
  • 📍 Afternoon Meeting Point:
    Mondays only: Museu do Amanhã (includes Pedra do Sal street party)
    Tuesday to Sunday: MUHCAB – R. Pedro Ernesto, 80 – Gamboa

Florencios: Connecting Cultures, Creating Memories

As a Black-owned DMC, Florencios is committed to honoring African heritage through respectful, powerful, and inspiring experiences. Our tours are more than sightseeing — they’re storytelling, connection, and transformation.

Tour Pequena África Rio de Janeiro: Explore a Cultura Afro-Brasileira no Coração do Rio

Bem-vindo ao Tour Pequena África Rio de Janeiro, uma jornada inesquecível pela história, herança e resistência afro-brasileira. Caminhe pelas ruas onde o samba nasceu, onde a luta por liberdade se fortaleceu, e onde a cultura continua viva.

Guiado por especialistas locais afro-brasileiros, este tour a pé de meio dia revela as histórias, símbolos e locais que moldaram a identidade negra carioca. De locais sagrados a patrimônios reconhecidos pela UNESCO, cada parada revela uma camada da verdadeira alma do Brasil.

Descubra os Tesouros Escondidos da Diáspora Africana no Rio

A Pequena África não é apenas uma região — é uma memória viva. O tour destaca as contribuições dos negros e negras brasileiras na formação cultural, política e religiosa do país. Você caminhará por locais onde ancestrais transformaram dor em resistência, e silêncio em samba.

Paradas Principais do Tour Pequena África

  • 🩰 Estátua de Mercedes Baptista – Homenagem à primeira bailarina clássica negra do Brasil. Sua trajetória inspirou a criação da Lei Afonso Arinos (1951), a primeira legislação antirracista do país.
  • 🎶 Pedra do Sal – Berço do samba e antigo quilombo urbano. Às segundas-feiras, o local é palco de uma animada roda de samba popular.
  • 🧱 Cais do Valongo – Patrimônio Mundial da UNESCO, foi o maior porto de desembarque de africanos escravizados nas Américas.
  • 🕊️ IPN – Instituto Pretos Novos – Memorial construído sobre um antigo cemitério de africanos escravizados. Aberto: Terça a sexta (manhã e tarde), sábados (manhã).
  • 🏛️ MUHCAB – Museu da História e Cultura Afro-Brasileira – Exposições poderosas sobre resistência e cultura afro-brasileira. Fechado às segundas.
  • Docas Pedro II / Docas André Rebouças – Legado do engenheiro negro que modernizou o porto do Rio no século XIX.
  • 🎨 Painel Etnias – Boulevard Olímpico – Um dos maiores murais grafitados do mundo, obra do artista Kobra, celebrando os povos e origens do mundo.

O Que Esperar Durante o Tour

Esta é uma experiência cultural profunda. Um tour a pé com duração de aproximadamente 3 horas e 30 minutos, com narração envolvente, educação patrimonial e paisagens impactantes. Seja sua primeira visita ao Brasil ou não, este tour te conecta com a essência do Rio.

Detalhes do Tour

  • 🕒 Duração: 3h30min
  • 🌐 Idiomas: Inglês, Espanhol ou Português
    Francês sob solicitação e disponibilidade
  • 📅 Horários:
    – Terça a domingo: 09h30 e 14h30
    – Segunda-feira: 15h00
  • 📍 Ponto de Encontro (Manhã):
    Museu do Amanhã – Praça Mauá, 1 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro
  • 📍 Ponto de Encontro (Tarde):
    Segunda-feira: Museu do Amanhã (inclui vivência na roda de samba da Pedra do Sal)
    Terça a domingo: MUHCAB – Rua Pedro Ernesto, 80 – Gamboa

Florencios: Conectando Culturas, Criando Memórias

Como uma DMC de liderança negra, a Florencios promove experiências turísticas respeitosas, transformadoras e afrocentradas. Nossos tours são mais que passeios — são pontes entre passado e presente, conexão e pertencimento.

Join us on a powerful cultural journey through Rio’s Little Africa — a living memory of Brazil’s African roots and the cradle of samba, resistance, and Black identity.

Led by a passionate guide, this walking tour offers more than history — it offers connection. You’ll explore streets that carry ancestral energy, visit memorials that honor those who came before us, and experience the vibrant heartbeat of Afro-Brazilian culture.

This is not just a tour — it’s a tribute. To those who resisted. To those who built. To those whose legacy still sings through the stones, the rhythms, and the stories of Rio de Janeiro.

🌍 Main Stops:

  • 🩰 Statue of Mercedes Baptista – Discover the story of Brazil’s first Black classical ballerina and activist. Her legacy is deeply connected to the Afonso Arinos Law (1951), the country’s first anti-racism legislation, inspired by public incidents of racial discrimination including one involving African-American dancer Katherine Dunham in São Paulo.
  • 🎶 Pedra do Sal – Visit the legendary birthplace of samba, a cornerstone of Brazilian culture and a vibrant hub of musical heritage.
    On Mondays (afternoon only): Pedra do Sal becomes the main highlight with a vibrant local street party.
  • 🧱 Valongo Quayside – Experience the profound impact of this UNESCO World Archaeological Heritage Site, a powerful testament to Brazil’s intricate and multifaceted history.
  • 🕊️ IPN – Pretos Novos Archaeological Site – Honor the memory of newly arrived Africans enslaved in Rio and reflect on their enduring legacy.
    Open: Tuesday to Friday (AM/PM) & Saturdays (AM only)
    Closed: Sundays and Mondays
  • 🏛️ MUHCAB – Museum of Afro-Brazilian History and Culture – Discover the vibrant stories of the African diaspora in Brazil’s cultural landscape.
    Open: Tuesday to Sunday
    Closed: Mondays
  • Warehouse Docks Pedro II / Docas André Rebouças – Marvel at the engineering legacy of André Rebouças, one of Brazil’s most important Black intellectuals, whose innovative work transformed Rio’s port infrastructure.
  • 🎨 Ethnicities Mural – Olympic Boulevard – Admire one of the world’s largest graffiti murals celebrating humanity’s cultural diversity, created by Brazilian artist Kobra to honor the five continents and their ancestral roots.

What’s Included:

  • 👣 Guided Afrocentric cultural walking tour
  • 🧑🏾‍🏫 Certified local English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking Afro-Brazilian guide
    French-speaking guides available upon prior request and depending on availability
  • 🏛️ Entry and visit to IPN – Pretos Novos Memorial
  • 🏺 Entry and visit to MUHCAB – Museum of Afro-Brazilian History and Culture

Not Included:

  • 🚗 Transportation to and from the meeting point
  • 🍽️ Food and beverages
  • 💸 Personal expenses
  • 💁🏾 Tips for the guide (optional)

ℹ️ Practical Information:

👟 Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
This is a walking tour through historical and sometimes uneven streets.

🌦️ The tour operates rain or shine
Bring a light raincoat or umbrella if necessary. In case of extreme weather conditions, we will contact you.

☀️ Stay hydrated and protect yourself
Bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during summer months.

📄 Bring valid ID
We recommend carrying at least a copy of your passport as identification.
Keep the original document safe in your accommodation or hotel safe box.

📱 Stay connected
Ensure your phone is charged. Wi-Fi may not be available in some areas.

💬 Download WhatsApp before arriving in Brazil
WhatsApp is the most widely used instant messaging app in Brazil and the easiest way to stay in touch with local operators and tour guides. We strongly recommend downloading it to facilitate smooth communication during your stay.

📞 Need assistance?
Message us anytime on WhatsApp or follow us on Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Portuguese to enjoy the tour?
No! All our tours are guided in English. We also offer Spanish and Portuguese. French-speaking guides may be available upon request and guide’s availability.

Is transportation included?
No, this version of the tour begins at a meeting point. Please check your confirmation email for location details and how to get there.

Can I do the tour if it’s raining?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine. Please bring a raincoat or umbrella. In rare cases of severe weather, we may reschedule.

What happens if I arrive late?
We work with a maximum 10-minute delay. We kindly ask all guests to arrive at least 10 minutes early. Due to the walking nature of the tour, guides may not be able to wait.
Late arrivals may miss the tour without refund.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, as long as participants are comfortable walking for about 3.5 hours on uneven streets. We recommend lightweight shoes and hydration.

How can I contact you during my trip?
Once in Brazil, the easiest way to reach us is via WhatsApp. It’s free to download and widely used for instant communication.
👉 Message us on WhatsApp.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, some historic areas (like Valongo and Pedra do Sal) have uneven cobblestones and steep paths that are not ideal for wheelchairs.
However, if you are accompanied by someone to assist and push the wheelchair, participation is possible with caution.

Ready to explore the soul of Rio through its Afro-Brazilian roots?

Join us on a powerful journey of culture, ancestry, and memory in the heart of Little Africa.

Secure your spot below and come walk with us!

Florencios Tours – Connecting Cultures, Creating Memories.

Ready to explore the soul of Rio through its Afro-Brazilian roots?

Join us on a powerful journey of culture, ancestry, and memory in the heart of Little Africa.

Secure your spot below and come walk with us!

Florencios Tours – Connecting Cultures, Creating Memories.

Translate »
Select your currency