Afro-Brazilian Rio: understanding racial history in Rio Rio's Afro-Brazilian River: understanding racial history in Rio

Stories that don't appear on postcards, but explain Brazil. From MUHCAB to Pretos Novos, this tour sensitively connects past and present. At the end, a view that changes your perspective.
This tour through the central port region of Rio de Janeiro offers a deep and sensitive experience of the city's historical, cultural, and social formation, based on Afro-Brazilian memory and its contemporary reinterpretations. The tour kicks off at the Museum of Afro-Brazilian History and Culture (MUHCAB), a space dedicated to celebrating African heritage in Brazil, covering topics like ancestry, resistance, religion, art, and black identity. The visit lets you understand the central role of African and Afro-descendant populations in the construction of Rio and the country.

Next, the group visits the Instituto Pretos Novos (IPN), one of the city's most impactful memorial sites. Built on an old cemetery for newly arrived Africans, the institute invites you to reflect on the transatlantic slave trade, the violence of slavery, and historical erasures. The approach is respectful and contextualized, connecting past and present and encouraging visitors to reflect on heritage, historical justice, and urban memory.

The tour ends at the Yup Star Ferris Wheel, where the experience takes on a new perspective—literally. From above, you'll see the port area, Guanabara Bay, and part of the historic center, now understood through the stories you've seen along the way. The contrast between memory, the city, and the current landscape offers a symbolic and powerful closure, uniting reflection, observation, and an expanded understanding of contemporary Rio de Janeiro. All this while enjoying a caipirinha, a registered Brazilian drink.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.