Explore Little Africa : Unveiling Afro Heritage in Rio de Janeiro

This tour was amazing. Not only did I get to hear about the history of Little Africa, I also got to visit two museums that showed even more about the past and present of the Black community in Brazil. When I was originally booking the tour I saw how the price was a bit higher than other Little Africa tours but it’s worth it! It covers the museum admissions! Also, the guide was telling us how she had studied history in university and then did more classes specifically on the subjects of this tour, so you know the guides are extremely knowledgeable. Also, the tour company helped me with an issue I had with an item I bought while on the tour. It was a simple credit card machine mixup. They reached out to the vendor and got it resolved for me which really helped because I don’t speak any Portuguese. This company actually cares about the people who take the tour!

An essential experience for understanding Rio de Janeiro My tour of Rio’s Little Africa region with Etnias Turismo was one of the most meaningful cultural experiences of my visit to Brazil. It went far beyond sightseeing—it was an engaging journey through the history, resilience and enduring influence of Africans and Afro-Brazilians in shaping Rio de Janeiro and Brazilian society. As a visitor from Trinidad and Tobago, the experience also created a powerful connection with our shared African and Caribbean history. Walking through these historically significant spaces and hearing the stories associated with them provided a deeper understanding of Brazil—one that visitors may easily miss when experiencing the city only through its more familiar attractions. The tour was informative, thoughtfully presented and grounded in a perspective that respected both the dignity of the people and the importance of preserving their stories. I especially appreciated how history, culture, identity and contemporary life were brought together in a way that felt accessible, authentic and relevant. I highly recommend Etnias Turismo to anyone who wants to discover Rio beyond the surface and better understand the African heritage that remains fundamental to the city’s identity. This is important, purposeful work, and an experience that deserves to be supported and shared. Nathalia Our guide was absolutely brilliant, honest and licensed historian with academic knowledge on the tour and history.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I highly recommend Etenias! From the moment they picked up my group, everything was handled professionally. They arrived on time, the transportation was comfortable, and the entire experience was well organized. A special thank you to our tour guide, Gabriela. She was absolutely outstanding. Her knowledge of Afro-Brazilian history, culture, food, and the significance of each landmark was incredible. What impressed me most was her passion—you could tell she genuinely loves what she does and wants her guests to leave with a deeper understanding of Brazil’s history. Gabriela took her time with our group, answered every question with patience, and explained things in different ways to make sure everyone understood. She never rushed us and made the experience feel personal rather than just another tour. She also took amazing photos for us throughout the day, allowing us to enjoy the experience while still capturing wonderful memories. My entire group walked away with a much greater appreciation for Afro-Brazilian history and culture. This was more than a sightseeing tour—it was an educational and meaningful experience that we’ll never forget. Thank you, Etenias, for providing such exceptional service and for pairing us with an incredible guide. I wouldn’t hesitate to book with you again and will gladly recommend your company to anyone visiting Rio de Janeiro.

This was the highlight of our time in Brazil. Gabi is an outstanding tour guide--fun, informative, excellent at answering questions, and great at giving advice. In the U.S. and Ghana we have visited museums regarding the history of enslaved Africans, and were eager to learn more about the centrality of Portugal and Brazil in this painful history. Gabi provided context that we otherwise would not have had access to.

We really enjoyed the Little Africa tour in Rio. Although there was a bit of miscommunication with the tour management beforehand, our guide, Val, more than made up for it. She was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the history and culture of the area. What made the experience especially meaningful was Val's deep connection to the community and people everywhere went. Her personal ties and local perspective added an authenticity that brought each site to life in a way that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. We learned so much and came away with a much greater appreciation for this important part of history. Highly recommended, especially if you're fortunate enough to have Val as your guide.

If you are visiting Rio de Janeiro, the Little Africa Tour is an absolute MUST! This experience was powerful, educational, emotional, and beautifully curated from start to finish. Learning about the rich African history, culture, resilience, and influence in Rio gave me such a deeper appreciation for Brazil and the African diaspora. My guide, Carol, was phenomenal! She was incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, engaging, and warm throughout the entire tour. You could truly feel how much she loves sharing this history and making sure every guest connects with the experience in a meaningful way. She answered questions thoughtfully, shared powerful stories, and made every stop come alive. This was more than just a tour — it was an experience that will stay with me long after leaving Rio. Thank you, Carol, for your excellence, energy, and authenticity. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Rio who wants to experience something culturally rich, impactful, and unforgettable!

Superb activity to do “compulsorily” for all Afro descendants passing through Rio and interested in history. We loved our tour and we learned a lot. The exchanges during the booking were smooth and our guide Carla was adorable. We recommend 100%.

This was a great educational experience for us. The tour guide was super enthusiastic and proud to proud to provide the rich African history of Brazil.

Gabriella was an excellent tour guide! She was very knowledgeable. I gained a lot of insight into the Africa Atlantic trade in Brazil It should be a must see like the Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf. Our tour guide was amazing and very knowledgeable about presenting what black culture is like in Brazil.

We had an incredible experience on the Little Africa tour in Rio de Janeiro! Our tour guide, Zevi, was absolutely amazing. He was so accommodating to our large group, patient with all of our questions, and consistently kind and engaging throughout the entire tour. Zevi’s knowledge and passion really brought the history to life. We learned so much about the rich African heritage and cultural significance of the area, things we would have never fully appreciated on our own. He made the experience both educational and deeply meaningful. If you’re visiting Rio, I highly recommend this tour—especially with Zevi. It was truly one of the highlights of our trip!