Rio Afro Culture + Samba in Pedra do Sal Free Tour

Tour Details

Geography says the Atlantic Ocean separates Africa from Brazil. However, the music, architecture, and art of Rio all suggest the opposite. We'll meet at the indicated time in central Rio de Janeiro to start our amazing free tour of the city's African cultural heritage.

On this tour, we'll visit the Praça Mauá square, the gateway to the vibrant area known as Pequena África (Little Africa). Here, we'll be able to see the striking Museum of Tomorrow, a futuristic landmark designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. While its design points to the city's future, it also echoes the African influences that have shaped Rio's history. In this square, we’ll explore how the port area's urban reforms for the 2016 Olympic Games reshaped the neighbourhood and reflect on the cultural legacy that remains today.

From there, we'll walk through the Largo de São Francisco da Prainha, heading toward Pedra do Sal. This historic district in Saúde once housed an African-origin quilombo village, and its streets still pulse with traces of that past. Graffiti, rhythms, and local culture all pay homage to the community that once thrived here.

Pedra do Sal is also widely regarded as the birthplace of samba in Rio. Here, we'll witness the vibrant samba gatherings that still bring the streets alive and hear the story of Tia Ciata, a key figure in the formation of Brazilian popular culture.

For samba lovers, Monday is the perfect day to be here: the oldest popular samba circle in the world takes place right in the streets of Pedra do Sal. You'll be in the right place at the right time to experience this extraordinary cultural tradition firsthand. Along the way, we'll also highlight the connections between these African roots and Rio's famous Carnival.

We'll continue to Valongo Pier, a site deeply connected to Rio's African roots. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the remnants of the port where enslaved Africans were brought to Brazil, serving as a powerful reminder of the city's history and the enduring influence of the African diaspora.

Finally, after between 1.5 to 2.5 hours of walking, we’ll wrap up our tour near Valongo Pier.

Groups

Our free tour does not accept reservations for groups of more than 6 people. If you're a part of a larger group, you can choose our private tour of Rio de Janeiro.

Itinerary Changes

Please note that, for organizational reasons, the order of visits described in the itinerary may vary.