Historic Rio de Janeiro Walking Tour

At the start of your Historic Rio de Janeiro Walking Tour you will be picked up from your hotel in a coach at a time pre-arranged with the activity operator and driven to the start of the walk.

The tour tells the history of Rio as it is expressed in the neighborhoods, monuments and significant buildings.

You will see the magnificent São Bento Monastery and Church, one of the finest Benedictine complexes in Brazil, and the neo-classical Candelária Church, the largest church in Rio. The Candelária was the site of an infamous incident in 1993 when eight destitute young people were killed with the active assistance of the police.

You will see Praca XV, a square which has featured prominently in Rio’s history. From 1743 to 1889 it was home to the government not only of Rio de Janeiro but also Brazil. The square was later renamed Praca 15 de Novembro to mark the date on which Brazil became a Republic (15 November 1889).

Close to Praça XV is the Imperial Palace This architectural treasure was built in the 18th century as a residence for the governors of colonial Brazil. It was later used by the King of Portugal and by the Emperors of Brazil.

Stroll along the cobbled street of the Travessa do Mercado and admire the lovely old buildings. See the beautifully restored Banco de Brasil, now a cultural center, and the Casa França-Brasil, Brazil’s first neo-classical building. Constructed in 1820 to a design by a French architect, it started life as a Custom House but is now an exhibition space.

Your guide will show you Rua do Ouvidor (Ouvidor Street), once one of the most important streets in Rio, linking the port to the warehouses. Although it has lost its earlier status, it is still a busy commercial street, full of shops, banks, and restaurants. You will walk along Gonçalves Dias Street with its traditional Colombo Coffee Shop.

You’ll see the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches), originally built as an aqueduct to bring water to the city. Built in the 18th century, the arches are an impressive example of colonial architecture and engineering.

The walk continues on down Uruguaiana Street and through Carioca Square to the Metropolitan Cathedral where you will meet the coach that will take you back to your hotel.

Find the hotel pick up list ,  Please check USEFUL DOWNLOADS.  If your hotel does not feature on this list the local operator will advise the most convenient pick up point.