Rio de Janeiro , Brazil

Rio Jewish Heritage Half-Day Tour

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(34 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Jewish presence in Rio de Janeiro started at the time of the first Portuguese navigators in the 1500´s. Since then, the Israelite immigration was constant, mainly thanks to the encouragement of a great admirer of the Jewish culture, the emperor D. Pedro II. For this tour we have selected the main attractions of the Jewish heritage in Rio de Janeiro, presented by expert tour guides.

If possible, besides the attractions listed we will also plan to visit, in Copacabana, the Beth El Synagogue and Clube Israelita Brasileiro, where they keep a comunity farmacy to help the ones in need.
Note: The synagogues Beth Yaacov (in the Eastern-European Ashkenazi rite) in Copacabana, and Beit Lubavitch (Orthodox Chasidic rite), in Leblon, may replace other synagogues, per client request.

Note:
- Visits to synagogues depend on availability on the day. If there is an internal event, we will not be able to enter.
- The Holocaust Memorial only opens from Thursday till Sunday.

Available options

Rio Jewish Heritage Half-Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

Transport by air-conditioned minivan / car

Detailed itinerary

The tour will start with a visit to The Hebrew Union Shel Guemilut Hassadim, the oldest synagogue in Rio de Janeiro. It was founded by Moroccan Jews presumably in 1840, at a time when non-Catholic worship was prohibited in Brazil.

We will also visit the Park Itzhak Rabin / Mirante do Pasmado, with its privileged views over Botafogo beach and Sugar Loaf Mountain. On the way to Downtown, see Chaim Weitzman Square, a public school named after Anne Frank, and the neighborhood of Catete, where resident Jews formerly established a thriving furniture business.

The Holocaust Memorial aims to preserve and make known the stories of victims and survivors of the genocide that hit Jews and other minorities to prevent them from being repeated. This space only opens from Thursday till Sunday, so plan your visit for one of those days if you really want to go there.

We will pass through this special square named after Chaim Azriel Weizmann, the first President of Israel. There you will also be able to see the school named after Anne Frank.

The Grande Templo Israelita Synagogue was one of the first synagogues in Rio. Completed in 1932 it boasts a grand archway topped by five smaller arches with beautiful mosaics that depict Jewish life

The Jewish Museum of Rio de Janeiro, founded in 1977, with the donation of a menorah, is a cultural center whose activities are structured around the binomial preservation of memory / dynamism of Jewish culture. It maintains permanent exhibitions on the history of the Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro and the traditions of Judaism in all its aspects - religious, cultural and historical - and holds exhibitions at its headquarters and other institutions, as well as promoting academic research on immigration and annual competitions for students.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Jewish Museum

Grand Synagogue, as a “Tzedakah”

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

19 reviews

5★

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Tripadvisor 5.0

15 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Please dress appropriately

Kosher lunch is available upon previous request

Important notes

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Please contact the local service provider, Carioca Tropical Tour Operator, if you need more information.
+55 21 2256-6273 / +55 (21) 99782-0708

About Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, known as the 'Marvelous City,' is famous for its natural settings, Carnival, samba, bossa nova, and Balneario beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. It's a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Top Attractions

Christ the Redeemer

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic statue offers breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours R$84 (including train ticket)

Sugarloaf Mountain

A famous peak offering stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and its beaches.

Nature 2-3 hours R$88 (round-trip cable car)

Copacabana Beach

One of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.

Beach Half day or full day Free

Tijuca National Park

The world's largest urban forest, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Nature Half day or full day Free (some attractions may have fees)

Santa Teresa

A historic and bohemian neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and scenic views.

Cultural Half day Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Feijoada

A hearty stew made with black beans and various cuts of pork, often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices.

Dinner Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Pão de Queijo

Cheese bread made with tapioca flour, giving it a unique texture and flavor.

Snack Vegetarian, but contains dairy.

Moqueca

A traditional fish stew cooked in coconut milk and dendê oil, with various seafood and vegetables.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and tofu.

Açaí

A thick, creamy fruit pulp from the açaí palm, often served with granola and condensed milk.

Dessert/Drink Can be made vegan with plant-based milk.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Tijuca National Park Surfing in Arpoador Paragliding in Pedra Bonita Beach lounging in Ipanema Spa treatments in Copacabana Yoga in Botafogo Visiting museums in Centro Attending a samba show

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and the famous Carnival in February/March. Expect crowded beaches and higher prices.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL)

Time Zone

GMT-3 (Brasília Time)

Electricity

110V/220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Rio de Janeiro is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violence can occur. Exercise caution, especially in less touristy areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night in unsafe areas
• Use common sense and stay alert to your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
Santos Dumont Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center

By train

Central do Brasil

By bus

Rodoviária Novo Rio, Terminal Rodoviário da Gavea

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and air-conditioned, the metro is a great way to avoid traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, 99 Taxis

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Copacabana Ipanema Santa Teresa Lapa Botafogo

Day trips

Petrópolis

65 km (40 miles) • Full day

A charming colonial town in the mountains, known for its historic architecture and cool climate.

Paraty

170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight

A historic coastal town with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches.

Búzios

170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight

A picturesque beach town known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Festivals

Carnival • February/March (dates vary) Rio Carnival Samba Parade • February/March (dates vary) New Year's Eve (Réveillon) • December 31

Pro tips

Visit Christ the Redeemer early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
Take a helicopter tour for a unique perspective of the city
Explore the less touristy neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Botafogo for a more authentic experience
Try local street food like pão de queijo and coxinha for a taste of Brazilian flavors
Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals