Brazil · HISTORICAL TOURS
The 15 best historical tours you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Explore Rio’s historic center on a 3 to 4-hour walking tour with Selarón Steps, grand churches, colonial squares, and local history.
“Great tour with great guides and a variety of things to see that we might not have discovered otherwise.”
Review the Maria Fumaça wine tour in Bento Gonçalves, with Italian culture, Garibaldi Winery, chocolate, and a historic train ride.
“They really made an effort for me because I dont speak Portugese. And everything was arranged really well.”
Review of Rocinha’s private cultural walking tour, with rooftop views, local guides, motorbike rides, practical tips, price, and safety notes.
“The whole tour was informative and interesting & thrilling. I really enjoy the school cultural show - fantastico! Antonio was so informative, helpful, & caring! A true highlight of my brief trip to Rio.”
Explore Rio’s Little Africa on a moving small-group tour through samba, slavery, museums, memory, and Afro-Brazilian culture.
“The tour was well informed! I could feel the passion behind the story of black Brazil! Money and time well spent.”
Review of Rio’s four-hour historic center and Santa Teresa tour, with Lapa, Parque das Ruínas, hotel pickup, guides, price, and practical tips.
“This was an excellent tour. Millene was a very helpful guide and went above and beyond to provide a great tour. She even brought me to a store close to seleron steps to buy some gifts. I highly recommend this tour. Santa Teresa is a must visit when in Rio. 10/10 tour for both the experience and the wonderful guide Millene!!!!!”
Ride 9 to 12 miles through São Paulo, from Paulista Avenue to Sé Cathedral, with local stories, bike paths, snacks, and small-group guidance.
“I had the best time of my life during this tour, I really enjoyed it! I had a very good tour guide. There was a good explanation of all the places in the city, all my question where answered also. He was really funny and really great to connect with. I can recommend this tour to everyone to learn more about the city!”
Ride a 19th-century railway from Curitiba through Atlantic rainforest to Morretes and Antonina, with lunch, history, and a scenic return.
“O motorista da Van que veio ao hotel constava na lista da empresa nossos nomes errados a muito custo conseguimos convencer o motorista a nos permitir embarcar. Foi tenso. Ninguém na empresa de turismo atendeu nossos contatos. Na Van que nos trouxe de volta não cumpriu o itinerário combinado ficou de fora o tour pela Estrada da Graciosa a guia simplesmente informou sem mais detalhes que não seria possível realizar o passeio. Enfim, NAO CUMPRIRAM O INTINERÁRIO ACERTADO. Ficamos FRUSTADOS. Fomos prejudicados e nenhuma correção feita a desconformidade ocorrida. Não recomendamos a viator.”
Explore Rio’s Little Africa on a moving 150-minute walk through samba, slavery, Afro-Brazilian culture, and historic port sites.
“This was one of the best experiences I had on my visit to Brazil. It made my visit more culturally significant. My tour guide was informative and easily relatable. I highly recommend this tour. The history of African people in Brazil is necessary to understanding all of our people in the diaspora.”
Taste Rio from Copacabana to Santa Teresa while exploring local history, art, landmarks, and Brazilian food with a bilingual guide.
“We had an epic tour with Camila from Gregtur. From local cuisine to hidden local treasures, she thoroughly engaged us with her knowledge of Brazilian history, how the locals actually live, and got us out of the major tourist traps that, while fun, do not give you a close up view as to how wonderful life can be in Rio. I highly recommend her. I have two young adult children - who can be hard to please- and they absolutely loved her. If you want an engaging thoughtful tour guide Camila will teach you a lot while sharing tasty local cuisine spots for you to enjoy.”
Hike Rio’s Tijuca Forest with a small group, waterfalls, caves, history, and a refreshing waterfall shower for $67.69.
“Really nice trip into the forest. Nice to have a small group. The guide is great and will let you know interesting facts of Brasil and the forest along the way.”
Review of Foz do Iguaçu’s Triple Frontier Landmark, with sunset views, cultural shows, transport details, costs, and practical tips.
“The whole experience was very personalised and all done in a timely manner. The show itself was amazing and should not be missed. One has to get there and take seats by 17:30 nearly an hour/45 mins before the show but it’s worth the wait. Interactive show of the three countries. Really enjoyed and highly recommend……”
Walk through Rio’s past and present with Bruno, from Cinelândia and Selarón Steps to Valongo Wharf, churches, art, and colonial landmarks.
“Amazing insights into Rio, and a fantastic experience overall. I feel like I learnt so much in just 4 hours - Thank you Bruno!”
Explore Rio’s Little Africa through Afro-Brazilian history, Valongo Wharf, Pedra do Sal, museums, and expert local guides.
“Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and fun. I wish we would have done this tour our first day like we originally planned but our flight was delayed. We would have definitely gone back to revisit some of the spots. The company worked with us to rebook because we missed our first reservation. They are wonderful ❤️ highly recommend!”
Explore Paraty’s UNESCO-listed centre, learn its surprising past, and taste local Cachaça Gabriela on a 90-minute guided walk.
“Great tour! We learned a lot about the history of Paraty. Guide was friendly, knowledgeable and took the time to show us all around and answer our questions! Highly recommended!”
Explore São Paulo’s historic center, Copan, Sé Cathedral, Pátio do Colégio, and Liberdade on a small English-language walking tour.
“Great experience with Juliano as our guide. Very knowledgeable and likeable guy. Learnt a lot and found out stuff we never would have known if we didn’t take this tour!”
Pick a coast, a city or a river, and see what is worth booking there.
