• Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro - The meeting point is the lobby of the Belmond Copacabana Hotel. From there, participants will walk to the nearest subway station to commence the tour.
• Maua Square - The adventure begins at Praça Mauá, the starting point of Rio Branco Avenue and the city’s rejuvenated Port Zone. In 1910, it served as the entry point for ships carrying goods and travelers, establishing the city’s early international ties. Today, Praça Mauá features remarkable landmarks like the Museum of Art of Rio (MAR) and the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow, designed by Santiago Calatrava.
• Museu do Amanha - The Museum of Tomorrow overlooks the bay. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, its futuristic, organic design encourages reflection on Rio’s future while acknowledging its African roots, crucial for understanding the city’s history and identity. Please note that the museum will not be entered.
• Largo São Francisco da Prainha - The tour continues to Largo de São Francisco da Prainha, at the base of Morro da Conceição. Before Rio’s port was built, this area was a small beach called Prainha. Over time, land reclamation removed the sand, but the essence of the place remains. The square is named after the Church of São Francisco da Prainha, constructed in 1696 in the Jesuit Baroque style and entrusted to the Third Order of Saint Francis of Penance in 1704. Walking here, one can almost feel the echoes of centuries of faith, community, and resilience.
• Pedra do Sal - The next stop is Pedra do Sal, a short distance from the square, one of Rio’s most vibrant cultural locations. Once a landing point for enslaved Africans unloading salt from ships, this rock became the heart of Little Africa, where communal houses known as zungus preserved traditions and fostered 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.
• Cais do Valongo - The tour proceeds to Cais do Valongo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant 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, one can sense the weight of history, as well as the spirit of celebration and survival that has shaped Rio’s identity.
• Boulevard Olimpico - The final destination is the Boulevard Olímpico, a modern promenade along the revitalized Port Zone. Here, contemporary murals and public art celebrate Rio’s rich cultural diversity, linking the city’s historic roots with its dynamic present. It’s an ideal spot to reflect on the journey 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 — an opportunity to experience the heartbeat of Rio through its African heritage.

• Bilingual licensed guide
• Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Entrance fees

Explore the essence of Rio de Janeiro by delving into its African heritage on this engaging walking tour. The journey begins at Praça Mauá, where the innovative Museum of Tomorrow and the historic MAR showcase the city’s blend of past and future.

The tour then proceeds to Largo da Prainha, home to the Church of São Francisco da Prainha, a testament to centuries of faith and community. Nearby, Pedra do Sal awaits, known as the birthplace of samba and choro, once a landing site for enslaved Africans and a hub for iconic musicians.

The adventure continues to Cais do Valongo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the city’s African roots are vividly preserved. The tour concludes at the Boulevard Olímpico, a lively promenade that celebrates Rio’s culture through art and public spaces.

This 3-hour tour provides an enriching journey through history, music, and culture — an opportunity to experience the vibrant pulse of Rio through its African legacy.

• 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

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