Rio de Janeiro Shore Excursions
The Jews of Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro is known for its carnival celebrations, as well as its spectacular beaches and landscapes. Perhaps lesser known is the Jewish history of this wonderful city, which stretches back to the first arrival of the Europeans.
Not just found amongst the first European explorers to discover South America, Jews who had fled to Amsterdam during the Spanish Inquisition began arriving in Brazil during the period of Dutch Rule. They settled in the northeast of the country and founded, according to many, the first synagogue of the Americas in 1636.
Since independence, waves of immigration have led to Brazil's Jewish population becoming the 9th largest in the world. Religious freedom was established in the first constitution written in 1824. Later, in the 1930s, Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis arrived, and still more came once WWII ended.
Throughout the city, spot the signs of a well-established, thriving Jewish community.
Rio de Janeiro Tour Options
- Jewish Rio de Janeiro
- Jewish Community in Rio de Janeiro
- Jewish History of Rio de Janeiro
- Praça Mauá to Cinelândia
- Rio de Janeiro City Highlights
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- All of our cruise tours include transfers from the port to the touring area and back. Please inform us in the event that you will not require transfers.
- Our tours are fully customizable according to the time at your disposal. When making your request, kindly let us know how many hours you will be available for touring; if you know your exact docking times, even better!
- In case you have already been to this destination previously, we can ensure that you will not be repeating sites which you have already visited. If you have other specific requests, just let us know, and we will happily accommodate your particular preferences.