Experience Brazil through a powerful blend of iconic landscapes, Afro-Brazilian history, local cuisine, music, and community traditions.
This 10-day cultural journey connects the celebrated landmarks of Rio de Janeiro with the historic streets and living Afro-Bahian heritage of Salvador. Explore Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, discover Little Africa and Carnival culture, and learn about the traditions that have shaped Salvador’s identity for generations.
With private group transportation, local guides, airport assistance, and operational coordination, the itinerary is designed to make travel between experiences and destinations more seamless. Selected meals and cultural experiences are included as specified in the program.
Arrive at Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) on your independently arranged international flight. A representative will meet the group at the agreed airport meeting point after baggage claim, based on the flight details provided in advance. Private transfer to the hotel and group baggage handling are included.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with round-trip transportation. The included dinner comes with one water and one non-alcoholic beverage per person.
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Approximately 7 hours
Get acquainted with Rio on a guided city tour featuring the Selarón Steps, Santa Teresa, and a community-based favela visit that includes The Maze Art Gallery.
Enjoy an included Brazilian lunch during the tour, with one water and one non-alcoholic beverage per person.
The Maze visit operates Wednesday through Sunday. The route may be adjusted to accommodate its operating schedule.
Approximately 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Approximately 8 hours
Meet your guide at the hotel for a tour briefing before departing for Christ the Redeemer. Travel by train to Corcovado and take in the views from the summit.
Continue along Rio’s coastline for scenic views of beaches such as Leblon and Ipanema. Stop for an included all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue lunch, with one water and one non-alcoholic beverage per person.
After lunch, visit Sugarloaf Mountain. Explore the park, enjoy its panoramic views, and browse the shops in the area before returning to the hotel at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Dinner is at leisure and at guests’ own expense.
Approximately 9:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Approximately 11.5 hours
Enjoy a full-day experience exploring Rio’s Carnival culture and Afro-Brazilian heritage. The morning begins with a Carnival Backstage visit, followed by an included lunch from approximately 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. The meal includes one water and one non-alcoholic beverage per person.
In the afternoon, discover Little Africa on a guided tour from approximately 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
At approximately 5:00 p.m., take part in a hands-on Brazilian cooking class. Prepare a meal and caipirinha, then enjoy an included dinner and dessert. The meal includes water and one non-alcoholic beverage per person; a caipirinha is also included as part of the experience.
Check out of the hotel and transfer by private vehicle to GIG for the included domestic flight to Salvador (SSA). Airport transfers and group baggage handling are included.
Upon arrival, transfer to the designated hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with round-trip transportation. The included dinner comes with one water and one non-alcoholic beverage per person.
Domestic flight arrangements will be finalized once the group details are confirmed.
Afro-Brazilian Heritage Experience
Approximately 6 hours
Explore Salvador’s historic center, including Pelourinho and selected museums, with a local bilingual guide. Learn about the African presence that shaped the city through its religious traditions, resistance movements, music, art, architecture, and cultural legacy.
The experience combines guided interpretation with visits to cultural institutions, offering a deeper understanding of Salvador as a major center of African heritage in the Americas.
An included lunch is provided during the tour, with one water and one non-alcoholic beverage per person.
Included: On-site DMC coordination, local bilingual guide, round-trip executive van transportation, bottled water on board, specified museum admissions, and lunch.
Yorùbá reference: Ọ̀nà means path, road, or way. Ògún is the Òrìṣà associated with iron, technology, labor, roads, and the opening of pathways.
Afro-Religious Heritage Experience
Approximately 6 hours
Discover spiritual traditions and sacred heritage that have shaped Afro-Bahian identity for generations. Visit Dique do Tororó, known for its representations of the Òrìṣà, and a Candomblé terreiro.
With a local bilingual guide, learn about the history, philosophy, symbols, and community traditions of Afro-Brazilian religions. The program also includes a traditional acarajé tasting, connecting ancestry, spirituality, food, and daily life in Salvador. Visits to sacred spaces are conducted with respect for local customs and religious traditions.
An included lunch is provided during the tour, with one water and one non-alcoholic beverage per person.
Included: On-site DMC coordination, local bilingual guide, round-trip executive van transportation, bottled water on board, visits and admissions specified in the program, acarajé tasting, and lunch.
Yorùbá reference: Ọ̀nà means path, road, or way. Ọbàtálá is the Òrìṣà associated with creation, wisdom, purity, peace, balance, and spiritual clarity.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Salvador, or choose one of the following optional experiences.
Optional A — Praia do Forte Day Trip
Approximately 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Travel along Bahia’s Coconut Coast to Praia do Forte, a charming seaside village with beaches, a pedestrian-friendly center, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Enjoy time to explore the village and have lunch at leisure.
Included: On-site DMC coordination, local bilingual guide, round-trip executive van transportation, and bottled water on board.
Lunch is not included. Guests may choose and pay individually at one of Praia do Forte’s restaurants or cafés.
Optional B — Kaonge Quilombola Community Experience
Approximately 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Travel from Salvador into the Recôncavo Baiano, a region deeply connected to Afro-Brazilian history and culture. At Quilombo Kaonge, meet community members and learn about quilombola identity, cultural preservation, traditions, and contemporary community life.
A home-cooked, community-style lunch is included, with one water and one non-alcoholic beverage per person. After lunch, continue with cultural exchange and community interaction before returning to Salvador, with an estimated arrival between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m.
All times are approximate and may vary with road conditions, group pace, and community schedules.
Experience highlights: Community cultural exchange, local music and traditions, and an included traditional lunch.
About quilombola communities: Quilombos are historically Black communities associated with resistance to slavery and the preservation of African and Afro-Brazilian traditions. Quilombola communities continue this legacy through cultural practices, collective memory, ancestral knowledge, and strong community ties.
Check out of the Salvador hotel and transfer to Salvador Airport (SSA) for the included domestic flight to Rio de Janeiro. Airport transfers and group baggage handling are included.
Upon arrival at GIG, transfer to the designated Rio hotel and check in. Dinner is at leisure and at guests’ own expense.
Domestic flight arrangements will be finalized once the group details are confirmed.
Check out of the hotel and transfer to GIG for your independently arranged international flight home. Airport transfer and group baggage handling are included.
This journey is ideal for private groups of friends and family, travel advisors arranging client trips, and culturally curious travelers who want to explore Rio de Janeiro and Salvador through history, heritage, cuisine, and local perspectives.
Solo travelers, including women and men exploring Rio independently, are welcome to contact us to discuss a private itinerary and request a tailored quote.
Tell us where you want to go, how you like to travel, and what matters most to you. We’ll help design the experience.