Best of · RIO DE JANEIRO HISTORY TOURS

The 4 Best Rio de Janeiro History Tours

4 tours  ·  from $40 a head

The 4 best rio de janeiro history tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and how much of it is on foot. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Rio: Tijuca Forest Small Group Hike to Caves and Waterfalls - Taunay Waterfall and the first forest views
Brazil History Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Rio de Janeiro History Tours, Small-Group History Tours, Tour Reviews

Rio: Tijuca Forest Small Group Hike to Caves and Waterfalls

1.Rio: Tijuca Forest Small Group Hike to Caves and Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 536 reviews · 6 hours · from $69Our pick

Spend six hours exploring Tijuca Forest on a 6.2-kilometer moderate hike. Visit Taunay Waterfall, Morcego’s Grotto, Mayrink Chapel, coffee-farm ruins, and Baronesa Cascade. Guides such as Vini, Riccardo, Tito, and Renata explain Rio’s nature, geology, and past in English or Portuguese.

“the experience is worth every single penny and the guide is amazing.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour - XV de Novembro Square and the layers of central Rio
Brazil History Tours, Half-Day, History Tours, Rio de Janeiro History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

2.Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

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

See Rio’s old center, XV de Novembro Square, Cinelândia, the Carioca Aqueduct, and artistic Santa Teresa in four hours. Guides such as Dario, Monica, Thiago, and Millene add history and local tips, while Parque das Ruínas provides broad views across the city and Guanabara Bay.

“Edwardo was brilliant!! Lots of information and we had a feed laughs too”

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Rio de Janeiro: Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour - Morro da Conceição and the port district
Brazil History Tours, History Tours, History Walking Tours, Rio de Janeiro History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour

3.Rio de Janeiro: Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour

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

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Rio Art Museum for a 150-minute walk through Little Africa. Learn about Brazil’s colonial past, see Mauá Square from a rooftop, visit Pedra do Sal and Valongo, and hear personal, thoughtful commentary from guides such as Luana, Nathalia, Eddie, and Larissa.

“Nathália was an amazing guide! Very friendly and knowledgeable! I highly recommend doing this tour!”

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Ancient Rio and Santa Teresa Tour with Hotel pick-up and drop-off - Parque das Ruínas and Laurinda’s artistic legacy
Ancient History Tours, Brazil History Tours, History Tours, Rio de Janeiro History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ancient Rio and Santa Teresa Tour with Hotel pick-up and drop-off

4.Ancient Rio and Santa Teresa Tour with Hotel pick-up and drop-off

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 154 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $55

This four-hour Rio tour pairs Santa Teresa’s old mansions, street art, and historic tram with downtown landmarks such as Arcos da Lapa, Praça XV, Cinelândia, and the Theatro Municipal. Guides including Renato, Dario, Wagner, and Romeu have led highly praised outings, but the tram ride and museum entries are not included.

“Ut us Very useful to be drop off at thé hôtel Thé guide was sympathic and thé trip was cool and interesting”

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