Brazil · HISTORY TOURS IN RIO DE JANEIRO
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 history tours in Rio de Janeiro worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
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 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!!!!!”
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.”
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!”
Review of Rio’s private Centro walking tour, covering historic squares, Selarón Steps, Lapa, Confeitaria Colombo, price, timing, and value.
“Amazing, friendly and very informative walk around the historical center of Rio! 5 / 5 stars! Thank you!”
Explore old Rio on foot, from Candelária and São Bento to Mauá Square and Confeitaria Colombo, with hotel transfers and local history.
“Unfortunately, not enough people signed up for the tour and it was cancelled. HOWEVER, the communication between the operator and Viator was seamless, and the tour was refunded with kind apologies. Tourism is full of moving parts, and sometimes things just happen. I must admit I was disappointed, however given the opportunity to revisit, will definitely try again.”
Ride from Rio’s Afro-Brazilian roots to Ipanema on a small-group e-bike tour with history, beaches, photos, and coconut water.
“Man sitzt hinten auf einem E-Bike und fährt meistens auf Radwegen durch die schönsten Stadtteile. Sehr informativ. Fotos und Zwischenhalte überall möglich. Ich war alleine mit dem Guide.”
Review of Rio’s 4-hour downtown tour, with the Museum of Tomorrow, colonial sights, Olympic Boulevard, hotel pickup, value, and practical tips.
“Despite the downpour, Sandra was an amazing guide! Loved walking the city with her. Would definitely recommend .”
Review of Rio’s four-hour Downtown tour, with Valongo Wharf, Kobra mural, Museum of Tomorrow, Saint Benedict Monastery, and Colombo Café.
“La guía, Marilia, se perdió al llevarnos de un punto a otro. No explicaba los lugares de visita, siempre nos estaba apurando a pesar del tiempo que perdió al perderse entre las calles. El transporte casi nos deja al final del recorrido ya que como eran dos tours en el mismo transporte parecía que estábamos ligados al segundo tour. No fue una experiencia agradable. Por lo que no lo recomiendo.”
Explore Rio’s Afro-Brazilian past through art, archaeology, food, samba, and percussion on this thoughtful five-hour private tour.
“This was a great tour for folks who want to know what it’s like to be Black in Brazil and to get a diasporic perspective. Jaíse is clearly very passionate about all of the above and this tour is a great testament to this. I believe she’s gonna be putting together a local R&B tour soon and i can’t wait to come back and check that out someday! So many landmarks and historical events are covered here - phenomenal!”
Pick a coast, a city or a river, and see what is worth booking there.
