Bucket list experience:
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil
In 2017 Rio de Janeiro was awarded its second World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Valongo Wharf (Cais do Valongo) is the former stone dock where, from 1811 onwards, an estimated 900,000 enslaved Africans arrived in South America – part of the greatest number transported to the Americas.
The archaeological site lies at the heart of a burgeoning area devoted to African-Brazilian heritage which includes new museums, cultural centres and the Pedra do Sal steps, where weekly live concerts celebrate the birth of Rio samba here in the 19th century.
Two of Brazil’s best walking tour companies offer guided visits to the area, which can include the Pedra do Sal samba shows.
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Destination Guide >It is possible to visit Valongo and the surrounding historical attractions on a self-guided tour. The archaeological site (which is free to visit), lies 200 metres south of the Parada dos Navios tram stop in the city centre, along Avenida Barao de Tefe. The Pedra do Sal steps (where samba was born and shows take place twice weekly on Monday and Friday) are a further 200m south on Rua Camerino and Rua Sacadura Cabral.
The new Afro-Brazilian historical museum (MUHCAB – Museu da Historia e Cultura Afro-Brasileira) and Institute of Research and New Black Memory (Instituto de Pesquisa e Memoria Pretos Novos) lies half a kilometre west on Rua Pedro Ernesto.
However, with only a little information available in English and no onsite guides, a guided walking tour is far more rewarding. Bravietour offer the best and can organise a tour to include a visit to the samba concerts at Pedra do Sal.
The wharf is open to visitors (and tours) all year round, seven days a week.
The live samba shows take place every Monday and Friday after 8pm. They can be cancelled if it’s raining, which is most likely to happen November to March.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Rio de Janeiro
$97 | Rating 5 / 5 [5 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[2.8 miles]
Chic, discreet boutique hotel in a stunning hillside setting away from the beach, with wraparound views of Rio.
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Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[5.2 miles]
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Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[8 miles]
A 5-star location at 2-star prices – for great value and views, this Copacabana beach tower is hard to beat.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Southeastern Region, Brazil
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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[1.9 miles]
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Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[2 miles]
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Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[6.8 miles]
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Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 45 mins (one way)
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Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[1.3 miles]
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Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[1.7 miles]
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Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[1.7 miles]
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Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[2.2 miles]
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Best for ages: 4+ | Free
