Rio de Janeiro Cultural Tours

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.

The Top Brazilian Show is the perfect immersive cultural experience for who wants to enjoy the brazilian culture and will stand out for providing a world-class dinner, signed by award-winning chef Danilo Parah, and will reflect the country's gastronomic that celebrate the country's culinary diversity. During dinner, guests will be rocked by the "Roxy Band", with the elegance of Bossa Nova under the musical direction of Pretinho da Serrinha. The evening will culminate with a show called "Aquele Abraço" directed by Abel Gomes, that takes the audience on a journey through the five regions of Brazil, highlighting their cultural characteristics. The old Roxy cinema, known for its Art Deco style, will be restored to its former glory. The project, led by architects Sérgio Dias, Ana Lúcia Jucá and the renowned Jorge Astorga, aims to maintain the historical authenticity of the venue while integrating comfort and modern technology. Feel free to choose your package.

Favela Brothers is a family run tour company, operated by the brothers Maka and Obi Basilio, both born and raised in Favela da Rocinha. We decided to organize guided tours within the community in which we live to offer a unique and quality service for travellers who are in search of culture and knowledge. Our tours allow a great immersion into daily life inside the favela and it is a great cultural exchange for all. You will learn about the history from the eyes of the locals, As the whole tour is carried out on foot where you get to know the alleys, rooftops, shops, cultural projects with which we work, and delicious local restaurants if you get hungry. Let's have a genuine cultural exchange (We can learn a lot from each other). Your support is greatly appreciated! ;)

Rio's downtown is more than a busy work center for hundreds of thousands of Cariocas. It is a witness of more than 450 years of history. We can still find some of this history in the layout, buildings, places, and names in the city. We will discover this mix of the old and new city together. A good example of this history is the history of its cathedrals, several churches have served this role until the very modern cone-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro was build. Another example is the Benedictine monastery in Rio with its baroque church which baths in gold, the richness that was gathered on the backs of an army of thousands of slaves. The legendary Maracana stadion, which was the host to two world cups and the rio2016 Olympic games. The colorful and enchanting steps of Selaron are two of the other stops on this full-day tour.

The difference of my tour is that you live the Rocinha really, accompanying a local Guide who was born and lives in the community. We start with the famous motortaxi climb — an authentic adventure that already puts the vacationer within the rhythm of the favela. The whole journey is safe, cultural and full of real stories, showing exclusive sights, urban art, local business and the routine of the locals. It is not an ordinary tourist tour: it is a human immersion that only those who live here can provide.

Visit the Botanical Garden, an institution that is at the forefront of scientific research on tropical flora, and attracts the curiosity of distinguished visitors such as the scientist Albert Einstein. Now it is your turn to know this pleasant space. • Come and visit the Botanical Garden that integrates culture, environment, and scientific knowledge. • Observe the plantation areas and leisure spaces crossed by alleys and decorated with sculptures, bridges, pergolas, fountains, and lakes. • Meet the place for the acclimatization in a tropical climate of oriental spices, such as black tea, in the early nineteenth century. • Get to know the place where the Chinese, who held millenarian knowledge about tea culture, came to take care of the spices. • Make a quick visit to the Brazilian Jockey Club, close to the Botanical Garden, and built in Louis XV style.

The main differential is the face-to-face tour guides. We believe in communication as a way of connecting and exchanging knowledge and expectations. It is not a tour to expose one's knowledge. It is a tour to generate connection and make exchanges between human beings, taking advantage of everything around us to make it happen. So, we work in the study not only of buildings and spots, but also of local behaviors, expressions and peculiarities and much more

Explore the culture and black history of Rio DE Janeiro on a walking tour of the main sites DA Little Africa, accompanied POR an African-Brazilian culture expert Guide. The journey begins at the Museum DE Arte do Rio (MAR), where you understand the transformation OF the region POR tualets through DE a detailed model. Then the group goes to the Brazilian Staircase, a colorful artistic intervention that symbolizes urban renewal. The tour includes a visit to a public work that celebrates the Carnival, and to the Largo DE San Francisco DA Prainha, where murals and stories reveal black characters that marked the Carioca identity. Then the route reaches the Stone of Salt – the cradle of the samba and symbol DA black resistance – and the Cais do Valongo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which commemorates the arrival OF more DE a million enslaved Africans. The tour ends in front of the Mural of the Ethnies, DE Eduardo Kobra, a tribute to diversity and unity of peoples.

In my tour I always search to make the tourists not just to see but feel the places and people, it's like they become part of the favela too, so if you want an active experience, I'm the right person.

Join a delicious guided food tour of Rio visiting Copacabana, Santa Teresa and Lapa neighborhoods. Begin in Copacabana with a tasting of açaí and soursop juice. Try a steak, cheese, and pineapple sandwich nearby. At Adega Pérola, enjoy octopus, goat cheese, cod pearls, and codfish cakes with natural guaraná and refreshing mate. Explore Royal Portuguese Reading Cabinet, Confeitaria Colombo, and Cinelândia. In Santa Teresa, sample cheese bread, açaí, cheese pastries, and beer. Discover local shops and the Selarón Steps. Visit a local artist's studio, admire graffiti, and take in the view of Sugarloaf Mountain. Explore authentic local bars and restaurants. At Mirante Dona Marta, appreciate Tijuca Forest's view, learn about Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Wrap up with a visit to Latin America's largest shopping center. The final stop is at the Monastery, with a view of the Museum of Tomorrow. Experience local culture and much more during the tour.

What do you do in Rio in the months leading up to the official carnival parades? To prepare for the showy carnival parades in February, samba schools need a long preparation that starts in June. Get the feeling of Carnival by taking a guided tour of an exciting rehearsal experiencing the passion that unites all Brazilians. Immerse yourself in one of the most interactive Brazilian cultural expressions with dancing, singing and cheering alongside fans at one of the samba schools warehouses the night away. Before rehearsal, assimilate into the samba and carnaval culture by joining workshops taking the first steps in the samba dance from professional dancers, and even learn a little how to play the main carnaval instruments from talented musicians. After the workshops, enjoy the official rehearsal on the court putting into practice what you learned with dancers, drummers and flag bearers. In addition, learn about the history of samba and the school's community, and its main projects.

Visit to the Rocinha community to learn about the way of life of its residents and their customs such as capoeira circles, crafts and culture. Our 3hs tour of Favela Rocinha aims to educate you about life in a favela that is such an important part of Rio de Janeiro's culture. In addition to that, see how the residents live and learn about the hardships of Rocinha, the largest favela in Latin America. Come and see this super interesting tour! You will love it!

Explore Rio’s dynamic mix of street art, history, and culture in a journey that blends graffiti with the city’s most iconic landmarks. This tour goes beyond murals, connecting travelers to the stories that shaped Rio’s identity — from its Belle Époque splendor to its Afro-Brazilian heritage. Embark on a 3-hour walking experience that begins in front of the Municipal Theater at Cinelândia, where Belle Époque architecture and cultural treasures set the stage. Continue to the world-famous Selarón Steps, a vibrant mosaic masterpiece by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. From there, admire Eduardo Kobra’s monumental “Etnias” mural, once the world’s largest by a single artist. The tour then leads into Pequena África and Bafo da Prainha, areas filled with Afro-Brazilian history. The journey concludes at Praça Mauá, a lively waterfront square home to the Museum of Tomorrow and the Rio Art Museum (MAR). Guests may choose to stay exploring or count on the guide’s help to return to their hotel.

If you have just one day to know the city of Rio de Janeiro, our guides are going to take you to the most iconic spots of the city and tell you about the history and specific facts that only locals know about. Optimizing your day, we are going to make a special day at the city. Small groups makes the tour much more exclusive with 100% of attention from the guides. That's what makes our tour unique!

Discover the Museum of Modern Art of Rio de Janeiro — affectionately called MAM by locals — an architectural landmark that perfectly blends art, design, and nature. Designed by Affonso Eduardo Reidy and landscaped by Roberto Burle Marx, this iconic museum houses an impressive collection of over 15,000 works, including sculptures and paintings by internationally renowned artists as well as leading Latin American creators. Beyond its striking modernist structure, the museum offers a deep dive into Brazil’s artistic evolution and cultural identity. Right in front of MAM lies the beautiful Flamengo Park (Aterro do Flamengo), a vast green area where visitors can stroll, relax, and enjoy breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay. This experience includes skip-the-line tickets, a professional tour guide, and round-trip transportation — making it the perfect way to explore one of Rio’s greatest cultural treasures.