Immersive Experience in Little Africa

Little Africa. A Tour Through the History and Resistance of the Black People in Rio de Janeiro

Discover the places that tell the story of the African heritage in the city, reframe narratives, and dive into Black culture with a traditional African-rooted lunch.

Rio de Janeiro is a city of contrasts and intertwined stories, holding deep memories in its streets and alleys that shaped Brazil’s identity. The Marvelous City is also an open-air museum, where the history of Black people is present at every corner, especially in the region known as Pequena África (Little Africa).

The African heritage in Rio is a key chapter in Brazilian history. For centuries, the city was the main entry port for enslaved Africans in the country, and the region of Pequena África, named by the artist and sambista Heitor dos Prazeres, became an epicenter of resistance, culture, and tradition. Today, this area is part of the Historical and Archaeological Circuit of the Celebration of African Heritage, a space that rescues and values the contribution of Black people to the construction of Brazilian identity. And it is in this setting that the Pequena África tour takes place—an experience that goes beyond tourism: it is a journey of discovery, reflection, and celebration.

BLACK HISTORY AND CULTURE

The tour begins at the Museum of Art of Rio (MAR) in Praça Mauá at 9 AM, where the guide will give a brief introduction about the historical significance of Pequena África. From there, you will head to Morro da Conceição, one of the most emblematic points of the region, where Black history and culture intertwine with colonial architecture. The tour then takes you to Largo de São Francisco da Prainha, a place that once hosted celebrations and gatherings of the Black community in the 19th century.

One of the highlights of the tour is Pedra do Sal, known as the “cradle of samba.” This historic location was a meeting point for major names in Brazilian music and is still a living space of culture and resistance. The tour continues through Jardim Suspenso do Valongo, an overlook with a view of the port area, and ends at Cais do Valongo, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This was the main landing port for enslaved Africans in Brazil and is now a place of memory of that history.

At the end of the tour, you are invited to enjoy a special lunch at Casa Omolokum, a restaurant that celebrates African-rooted gastronomy with dishes inspired by food from Afro-Brazilian religious traditions.

LEARN MORE!

The experience lasts about 3 hours, including stops for reflection, photos, and detailed explanations of each visited site. Immerse yourself in the richness of Afro-Brazilian culture, from samba to gastronomy, and expand your view of Brazilian history.

HOW TO GET THERE

• Tom Jobim International Airport – RIOgaleão
• Santos Dumont Airport