Little Africa, living memory

The route, stop by stop

1. 1

   10:00

   Cais do Valongo

   Paving of the original 1811 quay

   Built in 1811 for the landing of enslaved Africans, the quay officially closed in 1831 when trafficking was prohibited by law.

   Praça Jornal do Comércio, Avenida Barão de Tefé

   Visiting details

   Open air archaeological site. View from the public area, preferably in daylight; do not touch or enter the remains. Check for works and local restrictions.

   Outdoor space with potentially uneven surfaces. Treat map locations as approximate guidance.

   UNESCO ↗ · CCPAR: cais históricos ↗
2. 2

   10:45

   Instituto de Pesquisa e Memória Pretos Novos

   Archaeological viewing windows

   The memorial occupies a former burial place for recently arrived Africans.

   Rua Pedro Ernesto, 32

   Visiting details

   Book and confirm directly. Published pages differ on opening times and admission arrangements; do not assume walk in entry. Ask about prices, free admission and duration before finalizing your day.

   A memorial with sensitive content and human remains. Ask about accessibility and interpretation before booking.

   IPN: visitação ↗ · Riotur: memorial ↗
3. 3

   11:45

   MUHCAB — Museu da História e da Cultura Afro-Brasileira

   Former José Bonifácio School building

   The headquarters occupies a public school opened in 1877 and transformed into the José Bonifácio Cultural Center in 1986, with a focus on Black culture.

   Rua Pedro Ernesto, 80

   Visiting details

   The Ibram listing gives Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm, free. Confirm the program and building access before visiting: muhcab.cultura@prefeitura.rio / +55 21 2233-7754.

   Near IPN; ask the museum about accessibility, open areas and activities.

   Ibram: visitação ↗ · Cadastro estadual de 2026 ↗
4. 4

   14:00

   Pedra do Sal

   Rock surface and carved steps

   The name recalls salt unloaded at the old port through the labor of enslaved Africans.

   Fim da Rua Argemiro Bulcão, perto do Largo da Prainha

   Visiting details

   Visit outdoors in daylight. Samba gatherings follow specific programs and are not guaranteed every day. Check the schedule and plan your return journey.

   Steps and rock surfaces may restrict mobility; the setting can be observed without climbing.

   CCPAR: Pedra do Sal ↗ · Iphan: ficha do lugar ↗
5. 5

   14:45

   Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR)

   Museum architectural complex

   End your exploration of the port by considering how a city narrates its own transformation.

   Praça Mauá, 5

   Visiting details

   Closed Wednesdays. Galleries 11am–6pm; ticket office 10:30am–5pm. The official page lists R$20 full/R$10 reduced, with free admission policies. Check current conditions and programming.

   Combine with Praça Mauá; ask about lifts and access conditions on the day.

   MAR — horários e ingressos ↗ · MAR: dúvidas frequentes ↗

• Arrange a visit — IPN ↗

Independent editorial research based on institutional sources. Desk research is not presented as a first-hand visit. Hours, prices and access can change. Confirm through official channels before leaving.