Afro-Brazilian Bahia and Rio
The best of Bahia with Rio stopover
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Salvador
Tropical Salvador is home to plenty of gorgeous coastline, but it is the city’s Afro-Brazilian culture that attracts visitors... -
São Luís de Maranhão
Known for its Afro-Brazilian vibe, the World Heritage-listed centre of Sao Luis is a great place to stroll around admiring colonial mansions, art galleries and museums... -
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
A perfect mix of smooth sand dunes, hidden lagoons and ocean views, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one of Brazil’s most beautiful natural wonders... -
Rio de Janeiro
Is there another city on earth that can match Rio's beauty? Mountain peaks, lush forests, beautiful beaches and playful inhabitants make Rio a must-see on any Brazilian itinerary...
Start in Salvador de Bahia, a centre of Afro-Brazilian culture and a hub of beautiful colonial architecture. From here, travel to World Heritage listed São Luís de Maranhão to see art galleries and architecture. Next, explore the lagoons, beaches and sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, before travelling south to world-famous Rio de Janeiro for beaches, nightlife and a taste of big city Brazil.
Good to know
- This tour can be done year-round, but to see Lençóis Maranhenses National Park's lagoons at their best visit between May to September.
Key information
| Destinations | Rio de Janeiro, São Luís de Maranhão, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Salvador |
|---|---|
| Activity | Beach, Nature & Wildlife, Culture |
| Physical Level | Easy |
 Season |
January - December |
This itinerary would cost from $2,330 per person with our Brazil specialist.
Suggested itinerary
Explore Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador
Day 1–3 in Salvador
Tropical Salvador is home to plenty of gorgeous coastline, but it is the city’s Afro-Brazilian culture that attracts visitors. Here, believers reconnect with African gods in Candomble ceremonies, rhythmic music pulses from weekly festivals and the cuisine is sharpened with plenty of hot chilli. Once Brazil’s first capital, modern Salvador is youthful, energetic and unmissable.
Don't miss
See the the summer festivals in Pelourinho
The historic Pelourinho district in Salvador is the location of the annual Sao Joao festival, taking place in June and July. Expect capoeira, music and a celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture.
Get arty in historic São Luís de Maranhão
Day 4 in São Luís de Maranhão
Known for its Afro-Brazilian vibe, the World Heritage-listed centre of Sao Luis is a great place to stroll around admiring colonial mansions, art galleries and museums. Look out for the Bumba-Meu-Boi do Maranhao festival, which transforms the historic centre with music, folklore and food.
Swim in the lagoons at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Day 5–7 in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
A perfect mix of smooth sand dunes, hidden lagoons and ocean views, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one of Brazil’s most beautiful natural wonders. Make sure to take a dip in one of the many lakes and lagoons.
Don't miss
Take a speedboat trip up the Rio Preguiças
Hit the water in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park by taking a speedboat ride up the Rio Preguiças, taking in views of the lighthouse and stopping at remote Caburé for both ocean and river views.
Explore colourful Rio de Janeiro
Day 8–10 in Rio de Janeiro
Is there another city on earth that can match Rio's beauty? Mountain peaks, lush forests, beautiful beaches and playful inhabitants make Rio a must-see on any Brazilian itinerary. From the famous beaches of Copacabana to edgy Botofago, Rio is the perfect bookend to a Brazil trip.
Spend several days exploring Brazil’s bustling coastal city — and home to the world’s biggest carnival. Visit the city’s famed beaches and diverse neighbourhoods, as well as the urban rainforest of Tijuca Forest. Ride the rack railway up Corcovado Mountain to see up-close the 30m-high statue of Christ the Redeemer — perhaps one of the most recognisable icons of Brazil. Then drive through Santa Teresa neighborhood to explore the area’s history and beautiful 19th and early 20th century mansions.
Don't miss
Visit Rio’s vibrant beaches
The 4km-long Copacabana beach is one of the city’s most popular, offering a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. For a less touristy experience try some of the lesser-celebrated beaches, including Barra da Tijuca Beach and Joatinga Beach.
Climb Sugarloaf Mountain
Take a relaxed cable car ride up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of Guanabana Bay, Corcovado Mountain, Santa Cruz Fortress and Rio-Niteroi Bridge.
Where to stay
Classic
Mirador Rio Copacabana Hotel
Situated just 700 yards from Copacabana Beach, Mirador Rio offers guests comfortable rooms, a buffet breakfast, restaurant serving local and international cuisine, sauna and fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool boasting panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro.
Superior
Pousada Solar dos Deuses
Situated in the centre of Pelourinho, Pousada Solar dos Deuses offers guests boutique accommodation in Salvador's colourful historic neighbourhood. Each room features individual artwork and furniture, designed to reflect a different Orixás, afro-carribbean deities. Guests can enjoy breakfast in their rooms before exploring the many attractions and restaurants the neighbourhood boasts.
Superior
Blue Tree Towers São Luis
Overlooking São Luís's Calhau beach, Blue Tree Towers hotel offers guests modern air-conditioned rooms, an extensive outdoor pool, sauna, fitness centre, and tennis court.
Deluxe
Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Located opposite Copacabana Beach, the Miramar Hotel by Windsor features luxurious accommodation in the heart of one of Rio's most popular neighbourhoods. Guests can enjoy the outdoor green granite pool with panoramic views of the coast, fully-equipped gym, rooftop bar and restaurant.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from $2,330pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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