Brazil · HISTORICAL TOURS

Top 15 Historical Tours in Brazil

44 tours  ·  from $11

The 15 best historical tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour - Starting in Rio’s historic center
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Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

1.Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 228 reviews · 4 hours · from $47Our pick

Spend four hours tracing Rio’s past from XV de Novembro Square and Cinelândia to the Arcos de Lapa, then ride by car into artistic Santa Teresa. Guides including Dario, Monica, Thiago and Millene are praised for clear history, helpful tips and flexible stops. Hotel pickup, multilingual guiding and Parque das Ruínas views are included.

“How lucky to have Ricardo all to ourselves. He took us to all the tourist highlights, gave us time to spend inside each one, whist he drove around the block returning to pick us up, gave us time patiently whist we shopped and gave us great advise on the prices and took us to some secret/off grid sites too.”

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São Paulo: Downtown Historical Bike Tour - Portinha183 Café and the ride to Paulista Avenue
Cycling Tours, Historical Tours, Historical Tours in São Paulo, São Paulo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

São Paulo: Downtown Historical Bike Tour

2.Downtown Historical Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 191 reviews · 3 hours · from $85

Spend three hours cycling from Vila Mariana through Paulista Avenue, downtown São Paulo, Luz, Sé, and Liberdade. UrbanBikeSP supplies the bike, helmet, water, rain protection, snacks, and a live guide in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Guides such as Juliana, Arthur, Pedro, and Roberto bring history and practical city insight to a small group of up to 10.

“Excellent, tour guide Lucas was flawless and very friendly”

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Scenic Train ride to historical cities of Morretes and Antonina - Leaving Curitiba at 7:00 a.m.
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Scenic Train ride to historical cities of Morretes and Antonina

3.Scenic Train ride to historical cities of Morretes and Antonina

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 188 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $128

Leave Curitiba around 7:00 a.m. for a historic train ride through Serra do Mar to Morretes. With a guide, lunch, onboard snack, visits to Morretes, Antonina, and Hisgeopar, plus a return by road, this is a full nine-hour day. English and Spanish commentary is available in the train carriage when selected at booking.

“I was picked up really well and then at the train station I had to be looked for first, was responsible for English, the train journey at the beginning and towards the end was boring, not interesting in any way, I first had to draw attention to myself that I speak English, then it was explained to me in English but only at the beginning, then nothing more came, well, the Brazilian tourists are more important, no wonder there were so few English speaking tourists or just me in my group instead of all the English speakers together would have been easier, which I didn't understand, then we went on…”

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Rio de Janeiro: Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour - Starting at the Rio Art Museum and Mauá Square
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Rio de Janeiro: Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour

4.Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 177 reviews · 2h 30m · from $40

Spend 150 minutes walking Rio’s port district with an English-speaking guide such as Luana, Nathalia, Larissa, or Eddie. Learn how Little Africa grew after slavery, see Mauá Square from the Rio Art Museum rooftop, visit Pedra do Sal and Valongo, and hear how African culture shaped samba, food, dance, and modern Brazil.

“The tour was an excellent opportunity to learn of a part of the missing history of Brazil. Our guide’s, Marina, is a native Carioca who has lived some of the history through her own family’s experiences. In addition, she is a student of Afro-Brazilian history. It was an excellent and informative tour.”

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From Foz do Iguazu: Triple Frontier Landmark Ticket - The 30-minute ride from Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu Tours, Historical Tours, Iguazu Falls Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

From Foz do Iguazu: Triple Frontier Landmark Ticket

5.Triple Frontier Landmark Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 136 reviews · 4 hours · from $24

Spend an afternoon at Foz do Iguaçu’s Triple Frontier Landmark, where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet at the Paraná and Iguaçu rivers. Hotel pickup, a sunset visit, and evening cultural shows are included. Guides speak English, Spanish, or Portuguese, though the performances may be mainly in Spanish. Ferris wheel rides and dinner cost extra.

“It's good value for the price! The transport was on time. Our guide didn't speak English but it didn't matter as once you arrive you have free time. He asked another guide to translate the meeting time and place for the return to be sure it was clear for me. I really enjoyed the sunset and the show.”

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Explore Little Africa : Unveiling Afro Heritage in Rio de Janeiro - The Pretos Novos Institute brings the past close
Afro-Brazilian Heritage Tours, Historical Tours, Historical Tours in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tour Reviews

Explore Little Africa : Unveiling Afro Heritage in Rio de Janeiro

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

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

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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Paraty: Historic Centre Walking Tour & Cachaça Tasting - Reading Paraty through its streets
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Paraty: Historic Centre Walking Tour & Cachaça Tasting

7.Historic Centre Walking Tour & Cachaça Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 96 reviews · 1h 30m · from $19Best value

Meet your English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking guide at Santa Rita’s Church for a 90-minute walk through Paraty’s old center. Hear about Indigenous peoples, colonial trade, Freemasonry, and the town’s crop cycles, then finish with Gabriela cachaça, a sweet blend of white spirit, honey, clove, and cinnamon.

“Thiago was amazing. The tour was interesting and informative. The freemason stuff was so interesting and the history of Paraty is beautiful. I loved it”

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Sao Paulo: Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English - Copan shows São Paulo reaching for the sky
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Sao Paulo: Downtown-Center History Walking Tour – in English

8.Downtown-Center History Walking Tour – in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $31

Join Giuliano for a two-hour, 3-kilometer English walking tour through São Paulo’s historic center. See Copan, the Municipal Theatre, Pátio do Colégio, Sé Cathedral, and Liberdade, while learning how coffee, immigration, modernism, and city politics shaped São Paulo. Groups are limited to 10 people.

“A memorable and Fun tour with Giuliano walking through São Paolo History ! Giuliano is a friendly and knowledgeable person to visit/discover old São Paolo with! I definitely recommend him! Thank you so much Giuliano !! :-)”

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Learn the History of Rio with an Unforgettable City Center Walking Tour - Beginning at the Municipal Theater and Cinelândia
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Learn the History of Rio with an Unforgettable City Center Walking Tour

9.Learn the History of Rio with an Unforgettable City Center Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $49

Walk Rio’s historic center with a private guide, starting at the Municipal Theater and ending at Paço Imperial. You’ll see Cinelândia, Selarón Steps, Lapa’s Arcos, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Largo da Carioca, and Confeitaria Colombo. Guides including Rafael and Danielle have led this route, which can be adjusted to your interests.

“Amazing, friendly and very informative walk around the historical center of Rio! 5 / 5 stars! Thank you!”

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Rio's city walking tour: a glimpse of history and olympic legacy - Praça XV and the Imperial Palace
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Rio’s city walking tour: a glimpse of history and olympic legacy

10.Rio’s city walking tour: a glimpse of history and olympic legacy

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 78 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $60

Spend about four hours exploring downtown Rio with a local guide, visiting Candelária Church, São Bento Monastery, Mauá Square, Paço Imperial, Confeitaria Colombo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Hotel pickup is included from most hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana. Guides such as JB, Melanie, and André tailor the pace when group size allows.

“JB was a great tour guide- very energetic and well- informed. He gave us a good introduction to Rio downtown and we enjoyed walking around that area. Worth- taking”

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Germanic Route - Cultural and historical in Ilhota, Blumenau and Pomerode - What the German influence really means here
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews

Germanic Route – Cultural and historical in Ilhota, Blumenau and Pomerode

11.Germanic Route – Cultural and historical in Ilhota, Blumenau and Pomerode

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 67 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $28

Spend about eight hours visiting Ilhota, Blumenau, and Pomerode from Balneario Camboriu. An air-conditioned vehicle, guide, and hotel transfers are included. Expect German-style architecture, Oktoberfest culture, local food, shopping, and time to explore Pomerode’s quiet streets. Guides such as Rosana, Fernando, Fabio, Jilson, and Junior have led past departures.

“Fui con mi hermano y la pasamos genial. Fuimos en febrero 2025 y eramos los únicos Chilenos en el tour y todos los demás de Brasil jaja pero Fabio que era el guía se portó súper bien con nosotros, se tomaba el tiempo de explicarnos en español y luego en portugués, pero algunas veces no era necesario ya que se entendía completamente la explicación del tour en portugués y el se daba cuenta. Recomendado al 100% este tour, lo van a disfrutar a tope”

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Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & Historical Rio - Olympic Boulevard and Porto Maravilha mix art with redevelopment
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Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & Historical Rio

12.Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & Historical Rio

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 66 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $72

Explore Rio’s Port Zone and historic center on a four-hour guided tour with hotel pickup, a small van, and walks through Cais do Valongo, Olympic Boulevard, Praça XV, São Bento Monastery, and the Museum of Tomorrow. Guides may include Sandra, Carlos, Gabriella, Alexia, or Newton, and commentary is offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

“Muy interesante y bonito el paseo. Es bueno conocer el centro histórico y el museo es otro nivel, me encantó”

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Salvador Historic Walking Tour - Pelourinho - Rio Branco Palace and Salvador’s civic story
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Salvador Historic Walking Tour – Pelourinho

13.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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Gastronomic Tour São Paulo – Culture & History Through The Art Of Food – Private - Tasting São Paulo’s Bakeries and Sweet Shops
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Gastronomic Tour São Paulo – Culture & History Through The Art Of Food – Private

14.Gastronomic Tour São Paulo – Culture & History Through The Art Of Food – Private

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $249

Spend about five hours with a bilingual guide such as Monica, Vicky, Doris, or Laura, tasting pão de queijo, coxinha, pastel, brigadeiro, fruit, coffee, and cachaça. Your private tour includes hotel or airport pickup, transport, and all tastings, with time at São Paulo’s Municipal Market, Vila Madalena, and Jardins.

“I had an excellent time with Doris. She was very knowledgeable about all the restaurants and bakeries and all the different foods we ate and their origins and history.”

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Private walk tour of Paraty's historical center - BY PARATY TOURS - The stories behind the symbols
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Private walk tour of Paraty’s historical center – BY PARATY TOURS

15.Private walk tour of Paraty’s historical center – BY PARATY TOURS

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Walk Paraty’s colonial center with a private bilingual CADASTUR guide, visiting churches, the Religious Arts Museum, Casa da Cultura, and streets shaped by Freemasonry. Choose a 9 a.m. meeting at your hotel in the historic center or Paraty Tours’ office. The $80 group price covers up to 15 people, while attraction fees are extra.

“Christ was a great guide made the trip fun and very informative, learnt a lot about the history of Brazil as well as Paraty. Would recommend the tour with Chris.”

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New in Historical Tours

★ 4.1Paraty Historical City Walking TourFrom $728 reviews
★ 5.0Full Day Private Beach Tour Santos & Guarujá – Combine Culture, History & BeachFrom $30637 reviews
★ 5.0Rio Jewish Heritage Half-Day TourFrom $9935 reviews
★ 5.0Historic Petrópolis From Rio: The Imperial City –Palaces, Architecture & CultureFrom $29632 reviews
★ 5.0Explore the history and culture of Favela da RocinhaFrom $3930 reviews
★ 5.0African Heritage: Gastronomy and Musicality ExperienceFrom $11039 reviews
★ 5.0Historical Tour with Cachaça Tasting – BY PARATY TOURSFrom $1140 reviews
★ 5.0Food, Culture & History Private TourFrom $2756 reviews
★ 3.7Jewish History Downtown Private Walking TourFrom $1243 reviews
★ 4.9São Paulo Highlights: Culture, History, and Vibrance by BikeFrom $1206 reviews
★ 4.8Rio Jewish Heritage Half-Day TourFrom $994 reviews
★ 4.7Historical Walking TourFrom $7932 reviews
★ 4.4Historical Downtown and Lapa Walking TourFrom $6032 reviews
★ 4.6Rio Culture and History through the Art of Traditional FoodsFrom $1989 reviews
★ 4.9Afrobrazilian Heritage & Black History WalkFrom $649 reviews

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