When I began guiding tours in Rio de Janeiro, I was also a university student — attending classes just a short walk from a place I didn’t yet fully know: Little Africa. At the time, I started going to samba circles in the port area simply because I loved the music and the energy. But little by little, those nights opened the door to something deeper.
I began researching the history of the area, speaking to locals, reading, listening — and I realized I was walking on sacred ground. I was uncovering stories of struggle, strength, and culture that had been left out of my education. Stories that more people, especially Black people like me, deserved to know.
As a Black woman from Nova Iguaçu, a city about 50 kilometers outside of Rio, I found myself reconnecting with parts of my own ancestry. That’s how my journey with Little Africa began — not as a guide, but as a student, a listener, someone searching for belonging.
One of the most unforgettable moments for me was guiding a group of African-American women through the Valongo Wharf. As we stood in silence on the stones where millions of Africans first stepped onto Brazilian soil, one of them turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, “I feel like I’ve come home.” In that moment, I realized this tour was more than history — it was healing. That’s why I do what I do.
By Dandara Siqueira, founder of Janeiro Tour & Travel
What is The Little Africa?
Little Africa is a historic region in Rio de Janeiro that includes neighborhoods like Gamboa, Saúde, and Santo Cristo. It’s home to the Valongo Wharf (Cais do Valongo) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than one million enslaved Africans arrived in Brazil. The area also includes powerful landmarks like the Cemetery of the New Blacks (Cemitério dos Pretos Novos) and the iconic Pedra do Sal, considered one of the birthplaces of samba.
Although its historical importance was long neglected in mainstream narratives, Little Africa began to be rediscovered and reclaimed in the early 2000s, thanks in part to archaeological excavations during the revitalization of Rio’s port area. In 2011, during the construction of a new boulevard, researchers uncovered the remains of the Valongo Wharf, revealing its devastating historical role. The discovery was groundbreaking — it forced the city and the nation to confront a chapter of history that had been buried, both literally and symbolically.
At the same time, Afro-Brazilian activists, historians, artists, and community leaders were already working to protect, celebrate, and teach the legacy of this region. Their efforts led to the creation of cultural centers, public art, memorials, and walking tours — transforming Little Africa into a place not only of remembrance, but of education, cultural pride, and resistance.
But this isn’t just about the past. Little Africa is alive. It breathes through the music, the street art, the food, and the people. It’s a place of memory, but also of resilience, celebration, and joy.
A Tour Born from Connection
The government officially recognized the Afro Heritage Circuit as part of Rio’s historical and archaeological heritage. After this recognition, many tour guides began incorporating the itinerary into their tours.
Back in 2015, I also started including this route in my work. At first, I mainly guided school groups to help young people connect with this important history. Later, I introduced the tour to international visitors, especially those seeking a deeper sense of recognition and belonging.
That’s how the Afro Heritage Tour experience was born. It’s a walking journey where we explore the places, stories, and people that have shaped Black culture in Rio. We start at Pedra do Sal, visit historic landmarks, admire vibrant street murals, and honor Black leaders like Tia Ciata and Zumbi.
It’s not just about looking at history from a distance — it’s about feeling it.
Culture You Can Taste
Culture isn’t just seen or heard — it’s tasted. That’s why the tour also includes a culinary experience with Afro-Brazilian flavors. We support local cooks and chefs who bring ancestral recipes to life, using ingredients like palm oil, okra, beans, and yams. Food becomes a bridge between the past and the present, between Africa and Brazil.
Why It Matters
Because as a young Black woman from the Baixada Fluminense, I once walked through this area without knowing its significance. I was just a student who loved samba and felt drawn to the rhythm of the port zone. But the more I learned, the more I realized — I was also learning about myself. Now I guide others through that same journey. I want them to see what I saw.
To feel what I felt. To know that this story belongs to all of us. This isn’t just a tour. It’s a tribute. It’s resistance. It’s love. It’s memory. It’s identity.
Personal Highlight
One of the most unforgettable moments for me was guiding a group of African-American women through the Valongo Wharf. As we stood in silence on the stones where millions of Africans first stepped onto Brazilian soil, one of them turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, “I feel like I’ve come home.” In that moment, I realized this tour was more than history — it was healing. That’s why I do what I do.
Personal Would you like to walk this path with me?
Book your Afro Heritage Tour at janeirotour.com and experience a Rio de Janeiro that goes beyond the postcards — a city of depth, beauty, and Black legacy.
