The 7 Best Afro-Brazilian Heritage Tours

1.Explore Little Africa : Unveiling Afro Heritage in Rio de Janeiro

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 97 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $82Our pick

Walk through Rio’s Little Africa with guides such as Carolina, Rafael, and Malu, visiting sites tied to Afro-Brazilian memory, faith, resistance, and culture. The 3.5-hour route includes the Pretos Novos Institute, MUHCAB, Valongo Wharf, Pedra do Sal, and a short VLT ride. Expect serious history, thoughtful storytelling, and considerable walking.

“Emily this was the best tour I have been on across continents and travels in the last 15 years. The knowledge and passion for Rio’s history and the history of black people in Rio was so interesting, inspiring and Marianne’s sharp mind, wit, depth and knowledge shone. My husband was entranced and isn’t normal that keen on history but loved this tour, it brought Rio to life, helped see beyond the obvious and feel connected to a place we have never visited before. I felt safe to ask even the most obvious question and we visited a part of Rio no guide book would have directed us to. Loved it,…”

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2.Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 88 reviews · 6 hours · from $150

Spend six hours with a private guide such as Wilson, Mônia, or Vagner, tracing Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian culture from Rio Vermelho and Tororó Dike to São Joaquim Fair, a Candomblé temple, and a seaside community. Expect thoughtful history, acarajé, lunch with sea views, private transport, and access to places beyond the usual tourist route.

“Our Afro-Brazilian roots tour in Bahia with Ronaldo was one of the most powerful and enriching experiences of our entire trip. From the moment we met him, Ronaldo’s warmth, charisma, and deep knowledge of history and culture made us feel instantly connected—not just to him, but to the vibrant spirit of Bahia itself. This tour was unlike anything we’ve ever done. Ronaldo guided us through neighborhoods brimming with life and stories that revealed the rich tapestry of Afro-Brazilian identity. Our experience was deeply educational. One of the most unforgettable parts of the tour was learning about Candomblé. It was cool to understand its roots, rituals, and significance in the community.…”

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3.Salvador Historic Walking Tour – Pelourinho

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 62 reviews

Walk from Praça Castro Alves through Salvador’s historic center with an English-, Spanish-, or Portuguese-speaking guide. See Rio Branco Palace, Lacerda Elevator, Cruz Caída, Pelourinho, and São Francisco Church. Guides such as Maria, Eduardo, Lara, and Aldison are praised for adapting the walk to guests’ interests.

“The tour was Fantastic! Informative, culturally rich and a way to discover the city through an authentic and well informed lens. I’ve traveled all over the world and this was one of my favorite tours.”

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4.Walking Tour Through Pelourinho

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 1h 30m · from $80Best value

Meet Adriano in Praça Castro Alves for a 90-minute English walking tour of Salvador’s historic center. You’ll see Rua Chile, the Lacerda Elevator, Praça da Sé, the first Faculty of Medicine in Brazil, Igreja de Ouro, Olodum’s house, and the famous Ladeira do Pelô. The group is limited to seven people.

“Our guide was fantastic you could immediately tell he was a local, and that made the experience even more authentic. Hearing the history through his lens brought everything to life in such a unique and personal way. He also went above and beyond by giving us plenty of great recommendations for things to do in the area. My friends and I were very satisfied with the tour and would definitely recommend it!”

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5.4-Hour Candomblé Mysteries Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 34 reviews · 4 hours · from $110

Spend four hours exploring Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian heritage with a private guide and air-conditioned transport. Visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum, Pierre Verger Gallery, Dique do Tororó, a maroon-community neighborhood, a Candomblé terreiro, and Pelourinho. Guides may speak English, Spanish, French, Italian, or Portuguese. Sacred oracle consultation costs extra.

“This was terrible and not what was promised or what i paid for. in addition, someone ran into the back of the taxi. I want a full refund.”

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6.Salvador by Night: Pelourinho & Old Town Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 8 reviews · 4 hours · from $90

Spend four hours in Salvador’s Pelourinho with a guide speaking English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Blacks, see Tuesday’s blessings, hear local music, and sample African-European Bahian flavors. Hotel pickup, shared transport, and groups of up to six keep the evening personal.

“Our tour guide Monica was excellent! She was on time, her English was great and she has shared a lot of historical information and answered our questions which shows her knowledge! We loved our tour! Many thanks to Monica 😊”

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7.Quilombo Heritage Daytrip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 3 reviews · 8 hours · from $170

Travel from Salvador to Santo Amaro, the Quilombo Kaonge community, and colonial Cachoeira in a small group. You’ll meet a community elder, learn how manioc flour and palm oil are made, eat lunch, and cross the Paraguaçu River on a 1830 English-built bridge. Wilson may lead your day, with guiding in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

“The tour guide was absolutely excellent and extremely knowledgeable but I felt like for the price and activities we did at the Quilombo the tour was a bit of a disappointment. The activities and things were just a few basic demonstrations which I felt like was not much for the price. This was the cheapest Quilombo tour I found though so make that what you will.”

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