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 - XV de Novembro Square and the old center
Half-Day, Historical Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Santa Teresa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

Travel from Rio’s colonial center to bohemian Santa Teresa with a multilingual guide such as Dario, Monica, or Millene. See XV de Novembro Square, Cinelândia, the Arcos de Lapa, Santa Teresa’s winding streets, and Guanabara Bay from Parque das Ruínas. Hotel pickup is included.

“Dario was excellent and knew all the spots and history. He answered all our questions and finally made took us to an amazing library from the 1750s and a remarkable restaurant. Great experience”

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

Ride 9 to 12 miles through São Paulo with UrbanBikeSP, starting at Portinha183 Café in Vila Mariana. Guides such as Juliana, Arthur, Pedro, and Roberto lead small groups through Paulista Avenue, downtown, Luz, Sé, and Liberdade, with bikes, helmets, water, snacks, and local history included.

“The guide Arhur was fantastic. He was very friendly, very informative and obviously very passionate about the city São Paulo. He took lots of photos and videos and ensured safety using his phone instead of getting his out. Great way to see a section of the city.”

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Scenic Train ride to historical cities of Morretes and Antonina - Starting early from your Curitiba hotel
Curitiba Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

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 your Curitiba hotel around 7 a.m. for a train ride through Serra do Mar’s Atlantic rainforest, then explore Morretes and Antonina, eat Paraná’s famous Barreado, and visit Hisgeopar. A Portuguese-speaking guide leads the day, with English or Spanish commentary available in the train carriage.

“This a great train ride. It was cloudy/rainy, so we couldn't see all the sites well. But it was still very enjoyable.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour - The rooftop beginning at the Rio Art Museum
Historical Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Rio de Janeiro: Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour

4.Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour

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

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Rio Art Museum for a 150-minute walk through Rio’s Little Africa. Learn about slavery, Afro-Brazilian culture, food, dance, and samba at Morro da Conceição, Pedra do Sal, the Hanging Garden of Valongo, and Cais do Valongo.

“Nathalia is a smart young lady who is very knowledgeable about the historic events that involved the African community in Rio. She is also passionate about her roots and was able to answer some sensitive and dilemmatic questions that the tour group had in a very heartfelt and sensible manner. Nathalia also gave good recommendations for places to eat in and hang out (in Little Africa and other spots in Rio) after the tour and most of the tour participants, including myself, even ended up having lunch together at a wonderful restaurant serving delicious bobõ de camarão (shrimp stew) and mamata. I highly recommend this tour with Nathalia. She's fantastic.”

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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, Iguaçu Falls Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

From Foz do Iguazu: Triple Frontier Landmark Ticket

5.From Foz do Iguazu: Triple Frontier Landmark Ticket

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

Travel from Foz do Iguaçu by car or van to the Triple Frontier Landmark, where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet. Enjoy river views, sunset, obelisks, cultural performances, and optional dinner. English, Spanish, and Portuguese support is available, though the evening show may be presented mainly in Spanish.

“This is a lovely experience. Very worth the money, and an excellent show. The food at the restaurant was good too.”

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Explore Little Africa : Unveiling Afro Heritage in Rio de Janeiro - Santa Rita begins the story at street level
Historical Tours, 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, Malu, or Val, visiting IPN, MUHCAB, Valongo Wharf, Pedra do Sal, and Largo da Prainha. Expect a thoughtful 3.5-hour tour, a short VLT ride, and a clear look at Afro-Brazilian history.

“This tour was rich in history, culture, with an amazing guide (Raphael). A must-do in Rio! Bravo!!!!”

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Paraty: Historic Centre Walking Tour & Cachaça Tasting - Reading Paraty through its trading cycles
Cachaça & Caipirinha Tastings, Food & Drink, Historical Tours, Paraty Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Paraty: Historic Centre Walking Tour & Cachaça Tasting

7.Historic Centre Walking Tour & Cachaça Tasting

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

Join a local guide such as Thiago for a 90-minute walk through Paraty’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Hear about Indigenous peoples, colonial trade, Freemasonry, and the town’s sugar, gold, coffee, and pau-brasil eras, then sample sweet cachaça Gabriela with honey, clove, and cinnamon.

“The tour of Paraty was absolutely wonderful. Thiago is incredibly knowledgeable, bringing the town’s history to life and helping you truly understand its roots. A journey through the past, expertly guided and deeply engaging. The cachaça tasting is also a must! Daniela”

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Sao Paulo: Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English - Starting beneath Edifício Itália at 10:00 am
Historical Tours, São Paulo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

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 English walking tour through São Paulo’s historic center. See Edifício Itália, Copan, the Municipal Theatre, Pátio do Colégio, Sé Cathedral, and Liberdade, while learning the city’s social and cultural story in a group of no more than 10.

“Good informative tour and the price was cheap. The guide spoke multiple languages fluently and was very well informed and friendly.”

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Learn the History of Rio with an Unforgettable City Center Walking Tour - Cinelândia and the public face of Rio
City Tours, Historical Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

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

Spend about three hours walking Rio’s historic center with a private guide. See the Municipal Theater, Selarón Steps, Lapa Arches, Metropolitan Cathedral, Confeitaria Colombo, and Paço Imperial. Guides such as Rafael and Danielle bring Rio’s past, architecture, and daily life into focus.

“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 - São Bento Monastery and the art inside
City Tours, Historical Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

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, São Bento Monastery, Mauá Square, Confeitaria Colombo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Hotel pickup and return serve most hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana.

“A pretty relaxed meander round the downtown area of Rio which I probably would not have seen otherwise. Quirky guide who looked after us well.”

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Germanic Route - Cultural and historical in Ilhota, Blumenau and Pomerode - Three hours in Blumenau, the beer capital
Florianópolis Tours, 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

Travel from Balneário Camboriú to Ilhota, Blumenau, and Pomerode with an air-conditioned vehicle and guide. Expect German customs, half-timbered buildings, Oktoberfest connections, local food, shopping, and about five hours split between the main stops. Guides may include Jilson, Junior, Fabio, Rosana, or Fernando.

“Amei a guia Rosana , super atenciosa e sabia praticamente tudo a respeito das cidades de Santa Catarina e curiosidades, os passeios são bons porém as pessoas não cumprem os horários para os passeios o que faz atrasar, tirando isso a rota é ótima”

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Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & Historical Rio - Cais do Valongo and the memory of Little Africa
Historical Tours, Museums, Olympic Boulevard Tours, Rio de Janeiro Tours, Tour Reviews

Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & Historical Rio

12.Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & Historical Rio

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

Start with hotel pickup, then walk through Porto Maravilha, Little Africa, Olympic Boulevard, and Rio’s colonial center. The tour includes the Museum of Tomorrow, São Bento Monastery, and a stop at Confeitaria Colombo. Guides speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

“Nice tour going around the neighborhood. It was a warm day and we just arrived the night before from a long 26-hour flight so we were both a bit tired. We also expected to see more of the Olympic site. Our guide Gabriella was nice and informative though.”

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Salvador Historic Walking Tour - Pelourinho - Rio Branco Palace and the Lacerda Elevator
Historical Tours, Salvador Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Salvador Historic Walking Tour – Pelourinho

13.Salvador Historic Walking Tour – Pelourinho

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 62 reviews

Spend 2.5 hours walking from Praça Castro Alves through Salvador’s historic center and Pelourinho. Your English, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide covers Rio Branco Palace, Lacerda Elevator, Cruz Caída, and São Francisco Church, with cultural context and time for questions.

“Maria was a Super , excellent Guide, we were late with our cruise ship, but she waited for us; she told us lots about Salvador, we tasted several meals, drinks; we were very happy with her”

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Gastronomic Tour São Paulo – Culture & History Through The Art Of Food – Private - Mercado Municipal: São Paulo on a plate
Food, Food & Drink, Historical Tours, Private, São Paulo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 five hours tasting São Paulo with a private bilingual guide such as Monica, Vicky, Doris, or Laura. Visit Mercado Municipal, Vila Madalena, and Jardins, sampling pão de queijo, coxinha, pastel, brigadeiro, fruits, coffee, cachaça, and more, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or airport.

“Had a great experience with Monica who has lived in Sao Paulo for over 30 years. She drove me to many of the key sites in Sao Paulo and explained the geography & history of Brazil to me. Really enjoyed our trip to the market where we sampled nuts, fruits (lots of fruits), and had very filling dishes of local favorites. It was fabulous!”

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Private walk tour of Paraty's historical center - BY PARATY TOURS - The First Church of Our Lady of the Remedies
Historical Tours, Paraty Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

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, meeting at your historic-center hotel or Paraty Tours. Expect churches, the Religious Arts Museum, Casa da Cultura, Masonic symbols, local history, and practical tips, with past guides including Christiano, Christ, and Ramon.

“My tour was excellent. I learned so much and really enjoyed understanding the history and present of Paraty. Highly recommend.”

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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
★ 5.0Food, 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
★ 3.7Paraty Historic District: Walking Tour with Cachaca TastingFrom $1512 reviews

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Christ the Redeemer Tours45Sugarloaf Mountain Tours48Selarón Steps Tours13Santa Teresa Tours9Maracanã Stadium Tours13Olympic Boulevard Tours6City Tours84
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