Discover Rio Little Africa: A Cultural and Historical Journey

What's included

What you'll see and do

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.

   Pass by without stopping

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.

   20 minutes here

3. Pedra do Sal

   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.

   20 minutes here

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.

   20 minutes here · Admission included

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.

   20 minutes here

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.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

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.

   70 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• One-way Hotel Transfer

  Stay & Explore Option: Ideal for guests who wish to stay longer in Little Africa or downtown instead of returning to the hotel. One-Way Cultural Transfer: Includes hotel pick-up only. After the tour ends, guests may stay to explore Little Africa or downtown. Duration: 4 hours: Approx. 4 hours, including hotel pick-up. Tour ends in Little Africa or the downtown area. End in Little Africa: Explore Afro-Rio landmarks, then end your tour near shops, restaurants, and museums downtown. Executive Vehicle: Private air-conditioned sedan or van, depending on group size. Always clean, safe, and insured. No Return Transfer: Pick-up from South Zone hotels only. Barra Hotels are not included. Return to the hotel is not provided after the tour. Pickup included

• Little Africa Cultural Walk

  Meeting Point Info: Meet at Museu do Amanhã, Praça Mauá. The guide will wear a Florencios uniform and a “Welcome to Rio” sign. Semi-Private Experience: Runs privately even for 1 guest. If others book the same date and time, you may join a small group. Duration: 3 hours: Approx. 3.5 hours. Tours depart at 09:30 and 14:30 from the designated meeting point. Afro Rio Heritage Walk: Explore Valongo Wharf, Pedra do Sal, Prainha Square, and more with a guide focused on Afro history. Meeting Point by Tour Time: Morning: Museu do Amanhã (09:30). Afternoon: MUHCAB Museum (14:30). No hotel pick-up or drop-off included.

• Mondays | No Museums

  Duration: 3 hours: Approx. 2.5–3 hours; duration may vary by group size and pace. Monday Edition = No Museums: No internal visits (MUHCAB and IPN closed) Adapted itinerary for those whose only option to do tha the tour is on Monday.

• Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off

  Duration: 5 hours: Approx. 5 hours, including hotel pick-up and drop-off in Rio’s South Zone (Barra not included). Sedan, Van or Micro Bus: Executive vehicle with AC. The model depends on group size. Always clean, comfortable, and insured. Hotel Pick-up Policy: Pick-up/drop-off is included only for hotels in Rio’s South Zone. Barra da Tijuca not included. Pickup included

• Afro Rio Icons – Full Tour

  Christ the Redeemer & Selarón : Includes Christ & IPN tickets + private transport. No hidden fees. Private Cultural Tour: This is more than a tour — it’s a deep cultural journey through Rio’s Afro-Brazilian soul, led by passionate local experts. Duration: 7 hours: Half-day tour, approximately 7 hours, depending on the group size and pace, including hotel pick-up and drop-off. Afro + Iconic Rio Route: Little Africa, Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps — a journey through culture and history. Florencios Premium Ride: Air-conditioned sedan or van, depending on group size. Always clean, spacious, and comfortable. Included Extras: Admission to Christ the Redeemer included. Flexible itinerary tailored to your pace and interests. Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

pt, en, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Florencios Tour

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos