- 11 Days
- Rio de Janeiro | Paraty | Salvador
“Brazilian immersive tour with Samba lessons, cookery class, historic sites and traditional village life“
Tour Highlights
Samba Class
Caiçara Community Reserve
Afro-Brazilian Heritage Tour
Cigar Factory
Boat Tour of Fishing Villages
about this tour
about this tour
This tour through Brazil offers a thoughtful introduction to the people, traditions, and landscapes that shape the country. Rather than just focusing on landmarks, it invites travelers to engage with local culture through meaningful experiences. In Rio de Janeiro, the tour begins with a look at the city's architectural and cultural roots, then offers the chance to take part in a samba lesson—an energetic way to understand a rhythm deeply connected to Brazilian identity. From there, the journey moves beyond the urban landscape to small communities where daily life reflects a strong connection to land and tradition. Whether learning how flour is still made by hand, hearing stories from local fishermen, or paddling through calm coastal waters, these experiences offer insight into how people live in step with their surroundings. The town of Paraty offers another layer of perspective, with its preserved colonial architecture and local traditions that continue to shape daily life. The tour concludes with a hands-on cooking experience, where travelers prepare regional dishes while learning about the origins and stories behind each one. Throughout the journey, each stop is designed to offer more than a surface view—providing time to slow down, listen, and connect. This is not a quick pass through tourist spots, but an opportunity to experience Brazil through shared traditions, everyday moments, and personal exchange.
MEET THE CAICARA COMMUNITY The Caiçara community welcomes you to Ponta Negra, a remote fishing village where life moves at a different pace. Tucked between the Atlantic Forest and the shoreline, this small community maintains traditions and share them with you fishing, flour-making, and canoeing are part of daily routines that reflect a deep connection to nature. Visitors are invited to learn through quiet moments and shared tasks, gaining insight into a way of life shaped by simplicity, resilience, and close ties to the environment
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Arrival DayUpon arrival at Rio de Janeiro airport, you will be met for private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and unwind after your journey. Take the time to settle in to your hotel, wander around the local area, and try some of the local cuisine.
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Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro airport, you will be met for private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and unwind…2
Historical Rio Guided TourRio de Janeiro remains one of Brazil’s most historically and culturally important cities. This guided walking tour through Old Rio offers a glimpse into this heritage, starting at Cinelândia and continuing through narrow streets lined with baroque buildings. Stops include the Metropolitan Cathedral, Carioca Square, Largo São Francisco, and the Gabinete Português de Leitura. The tour also includes the Confeitaria Colombo, a historic café from 1894, known for its Art Nouveau design, Belgian mirrors, and marble finishes. At Praça XV, you'll learn about Rio’s early colonial past. Once home to a Carmelite convent, it later became Largo do Paço, the square surrounding the Paço Imperial—where major events in Brazil’s royal and political history took place. From there, pass through the Arco do Teles into Travessa do Comércio, a charming old alleyway. The route includes the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and the Paço Imperial, now an arts venue. You'll also visit São Bento Monastery, a Baroque masterpiece that still holds traditional Sunday services. Finally, ride the train through Tijuca Forest to Christ the Redeemer for sweeping views of the city, with photo stops at Maracanã Stadium and the Sambódromo along the way.
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Rio de Janeiro remains one of Brazil’s most historically and culturally important cities. This guided walking tour through Old Rio offers a glimpse into this heritage, starting at Cinelândia and…3
Santa Teresa, Morrinho Project & Sugarloaf MountainSanta Teresa is a hillside neighborhood known for its cobbled streets and early 20th-century homes overlooking Guanabara Bay and the city center. Long a home to artists, musicians, and writers, the area has developed a distinctive character. Its restaurants, bars, and small shops have become increasingly popular with both locals and visitors. The tour includes stops at notable locations such as the Selarón Steps - a staircase covered in colorful tiles that leads to the former home and studio of artist Jorge Selarón. Another highlight is Parque das Ruínas, a cultural center housed in the remains of a historic mansion, offering one of the best viewpoints over the bay. After a brief pause for a drink at a local bar, the tour continues through the quiet Urca neighborhood en route to Sugarloaf Mountain. A cable car first takes passengers to Morro da Urca at 215 meters. A second ride climbs further to the summit of Sugarloaf at 395 meters. From the top, the views stretch across the city, its coastline, and nearby hills. This spot is especially well known for its sunsets, when the changing light gives a striking perspective on Rio’s landscape.
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Santa Teresa is a hillside neighborhood known for its cobbled streets and early 20th-century homes overlooking Guanabara Bay and the city center. Long a home to artists, musicians, and writers,…4
Samba Lessons & Carioca NightlifeSamba is one of the most defining elements of Brazilian culture, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. This traditional dance and music style reflects both the country's cultural roots and its modern social scene. A samba class led by a local teacher offers a hands-on way to understand its rhythms, movements, and background. Participants will learn basic steps while gaining insight into samba’s origins and cultural role in Brazil. Following the class, the experience continues into the evening with a visit to some of Rio’s well-known nightlife spots. The tour includes two different venues each night—ranging from casual bars to open-air samba events and music halls. These are popular among locals and feature live performances of styles such as Samba de Raíz and Forró Pé de Serra. It's an opportunity to enjoy Brazilian music and dance in a relaxed, authentic setting. The tour departs from the hotel at 21:00 and returns at 01:00. Locations vary by day to reflect the city’s changing music scene. Included in the package are private transport, a guide, entry to the live music venue, and a welcome drink at the first stop.
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Samba is one of the most defining elements of Brazilian culture, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. This traditional dance and music style reflects both the country's cultural roots and its…5
Rio de Janeiro to ParatyParaty, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, planned in the late 17th century when the town became a key port for gold shipments from Minas Gerais. In recent years, Paraty has also gained attention for hosting the International Literature Festival. Its cobbled streets, historic churches, and surrounding hills make it a popular stop on Brazil’s southeastern coast. Just beyond Paraty, the Serra da Bocaina National Park stretches inland, covering Atlantic and Araucaria forests, reaching the 2,132-meter peak of Boa Vista. A guided tour through Paraty focuses on its historical layout and legends. Notable stops include the Cultural Centre and Santa Rita Church, built in 1722 and now housing a museum of religious art. The town's location also provides access to quiet beaches nearby. In the evening, guests can take part in a relaxed cooking session led by Chef Yara Roberts. Held in a welcoming setting, the class introduces traditional Brazilian dishes while explaining the techniques and cultural background of each one. Participants prepare a three-course meal, or may simply observe with a caipirinha in hand. Dishes vary by night and may include regional favorites such as baked Amazonian fish or Bahian acarajé.
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Paraty, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, planned in the late 17th century when the town became a key port for gold…6
Caiçara Community VisitVisit some of the most scenic beaches along Brazil’s Green Coast on an overnight trip to the remote fishing village of Ponta Negra. Located within the Juatinga Peninsula Eco-reserve, the village is accessible only by foot or boat. Though situated between two major cities, it remains largely untouched by modern infrastructure. The local Caiçara community still relies on traditional fishing and lives with limited electricity, surrounded by the Atlantic Rainforest. The journey begins with a drive to the pier at Laranjeiras, inside a private condominium. From there, a small motorized canoe takes you along the coastline to Ponta Negra. Along the way, there are stops at several beaches, known for their natural setting and quiet atmosphere. The guide will offer the option of reaching the village by foot for those who prefer a hike through the forested trails. Upon arrival in Ponta Negra, guests stay overnight in the village. Lunch and dinner are included and typically feature local ingredients, often freshly caught seafood. The evening is spent in a calm, simple environment, providing a chance to slow down and enjoy the coastal surroundings away from city life.
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Visit some of the most scenic beaches along Brazil’s Green Coast on an overnight trip to the remote fishing village of Ponta Negra. Located within the Juatinga Peninsula Eco-reserve, the…7
Experience the Caiçara LifestyleSpend the day in the remote village of Ponta Negra getting a closer look at daily life in this coastal community. Start with a visit to the local flour house, where you'll learn how manioc is processed by hand into flour—a technique passed down through generations. It's a slow, careful process that remains an important part of the local diet and economy. Later, join local residents for a fishing activity and try out their traditional canoeing methods. These small, hand-carved wooden canoes are still used regularly for both fishing and transport along the shoreline. The experience provides a chance to see how the Caiçara people continue to live in close connection with the land and sea. Breakfast and lunch are included and typically prepared with locally sourced ingredients, often featuring fish caught the same day. After lunch, a boat ride returns you to the pier at Laranjeiras, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Paraty. This day offers a calm and respectful way to observe and participate in the everyday rhythm of a community that remains largely untouched by outside influence, despite its location between two of Brazil’s largest cities.
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Spend the day in the remote village of Ponta Negra getting a closer look at daily life in this coastal community. Start with a visit to the local flour house,…8
Paraty to SalvadorBrazil’s first capital, Salvador, is located on a peninsula that overlooks the bay from which the state of Bahia takes its name. The city is known for its slower rhythm of life and strong expression of Brazilian cultural traditions, particularly through music, religion, and everyday customs. The historic center, known as the Pelourinho—named after the colonial-era whipping post once located there—is one of the city's most distinctive areas. It features a concentration of well-preserved colonial buildings and baroque churches, many dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The area reflects the blend of European, African, and Indigenous influences that have shaped Salvador’s development. Today, Pelourinho is a pedestrian-friendly district, home to cultural institutions, local artisans, music venues, and restaurants. The churches, including São Francisco and the Cathedral Basilica, are notable for their detailed woodwork and gold leaf interiors. Walking through these streets provides a look at how Salvador has held onto its architectural legacy while adapting to contemporary life. The atmosphere here is shaped as much by the setting as by the community that lives and works within it, maintaining practices that have deep historical roots while remaining very much part of Brazil’s present.
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Brazil’s first capital, Salvador, is located on a peninsula that overlooks the bay from which the state of Bahia takes its name. The city is known for its slower rhythm…9
Historic Walking Tour, African Heritage, and NightlifeThis walking tour through Salvador’s old town is a chance to experience the character of Pelourinho, located in the city’s historical center and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Known for its colonial architecture and its role in Afro-Brazilian identity, Pelourinho is home to churches, museums, artist studios, galleries, and restaurants. Highlights include the house of writer Jorge Amado, the Olodum cultural group, São Francisco Church, the Cathedral Basílica, and Cravinho Bar, known for its traditional drinks (optional caipirinha not included). The tour continues to Elevador Lacerda, an iconic elevator built in 1873, offering views over All Saints Bay and Mercado Modelo. The Afro-Brazilian presence in Bahia is significant, and this is reflected in local culture and religion. The tour includes an introduction to Candomblé, a religion with African roots, by meeting a Babalorixá, or priest. Participants then attend a capoeira session—part dance, part martial art—where they can try basic movements and learn about its origins. The experience continues at São Joaquim Market, known for its variety of local products and religious items. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by a folklore show presenting traditional Afro-Bahian performances including samba de roda, maculelê, and capoeira.
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This walking tour through Salvador’s old town is a chance to experience the character of Pelourinho, located in the city’s historical center and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site…10
The Historic Town of CachoeiraThis day trip heads into the Bahian countryside, known as the Recôncavo Baiano, located inland from Salvador. The route passes through small plantations, quiet colonial towns, and local markets. Along the way, there are visits to a former sugar mill and a traditional cigar factory. The main stop is the town of Cachoeira, 110 km from Salvador. Recognized as a National Historical Monument, it is often compared to Ouro Preto for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Lunch is served at Fazenda Santa Cruz, a property overlooking the town and surrounding landscape. After lunch, the tour continues on foot through Cachoeira’s cobbled streets. Points of interest include the local market, the old Town Hall and former jail, the Holy House of Mercy, the Carmo Museum, and the headquarters of the Boa Morte Sisterhood—an association of Afro-Brazilian women known for their role in the abolitionist movement. The town is connected to its twin city, São Félix, by the Dom Pedro II Bridge. Built in 1885, this 365-meter steel structure spans the Paraguaçu River and remains in use today, carrying both cars and trains between the two towns.
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This day trip heads into the Bahian countryside, known as the Recôncavo Baiano, located inland from Salvador. The route passes through small plantations, quiet colonial towns, and local markets. Along…11
Departure DayOn the last day of the tour, a driver will be on hand at the required time for a transfer from the hotel to the airport, in preparation for onward flights.
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On the last day of the tour, a driver will be on hand at the required time for a transfer from the hotel to the airport, in preparation for onward…
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