An Exclusive Discovery of the Marvelous Rio de Janeiro, the Mighty Iguazu Falls and the Heart of Afro-Brazilian Culture

From Slavery to Freedom: an Afro-Brazilian Heritage Tour

  • Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site

It’s time to trace the footsteps of Afro-Brazilian culture in Rio, as we head out along a historic path, taking us from the sordid story of the first arrival of the enslaved Africans, to the intriguing mix of cultures that is present day Rio. We’ll also appreciate the African roots of Rio’s famed carnival.

Although the history of slavery in the United States seems to be the most recognized, Brazil actually takes the title of being the country where slavery was the most prominent. In fact, Brazil trafficked more slaves than any other nation in the Western hemisphere. Not only that, but it also held the dubious distinction of holding onto its slave practices the longest. Slavery not only played a vital role in shaping Brazilian history, but also in infusing a culture rich in African heritage and tradition into modern-day Brazil. Brazilian music and dance, such as the famed samba and bossa nova, owe their rhythm and texture to Afro-Brazilians, and the country’s mainstream religion is largely tinged with elements of West-African polytheism.

Our explorative walk will begin as we depart our hotel and head towards the Praca XV (15 Square), which was the original port of Rio from its founding until 1811. It was from this port where slaves were transferred to the Cais (docks) do Valongo. This square is also historic for the end of slavery in Brazil, as it’s where Princess Isabel signed “The Golden Law,” which emancipated all slaves in Brazil in 1888.

Continuing our walk, we’ll make our way to the newly restored Jardins (gardens) do Valongo. Once the wharf where an estimated 900,000 African slaves were delivered to, it was restored in 1906 in an attempt to erase the past transgressions of Brazilian slavery. Today it remains as one of the most important physical traces of the arrival of slaves in Brazil. From here, we’ll climb the Conceiçao Hill, where we’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of downtown Rio and Favela da Providencia, the first favela (slum) of Rio.

As we descend down the opposite side of the hill, we’ll catch a glimpse of Guanabara Bay and the area of the city once known as Little Africa before arriving at Pedra do Sal, an important historic and cultural area for Afro-Brazilians. This is where enslaved... and eventually freed slaves gathered to work, rest, sing, dance, and celebrate their culture. It’s also where, many years later, samba would be born. The samba rhythm eventually went on to become an iconic symbol of Rio and Brazil, as it’s musical style played in Rio’s carnival. We’ll end our explorations by visiting the “Sambodrome”, referred to by some as the “temple of samba”, as its the arena where the world-famous Rio Carnival Parade is held.

Our walk comes to an end as we head back to our hotel with the newfound insight into the impact slavery had on Rio, and its huge influence all across modern Brazilian culture.

Since you’ll be doing this tour with your own private vehicle and guide, you’ll be able to enjoy each attraction at your own pace; making all the stops you want, all the while enjoying personalized assistance and care from your expert guide. You’ll also enjoy more convenient and faster transfers to and from your hotel, as there will be no other travelers to pick up or drop off at other hotels.

Important: the tour’s exact itinerary and duration may change subject to weather conditions and decisions of the tour guide to optimize your tour experience.

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Difficulty: easy.

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Duration: half day.

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Guide: private guide.

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Vehicle: private vehicle.