Rio & Salvador Culture and Cuisine Journey

About This Trip

This seven-day trip across Brazil blends iconic landmarks with genuine local experiences. Begin in Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll admire the towering Christ the Redeemer, hike up Sugarloaf Mountain, and explore the city’s lively craft beer scene. Then, head north to Salvador, the vibrant soul of Afro-Brazilian culture. Take part in an engaging Bahian cooking class, discover its artistic gems, and experience African heritage through music, dance, and cultural traditions.

Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS

1 - 3

Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Confeitaria Colombo, Brazilian Craft Beer Tour

4 - 7

Salvador

Cooking Class, Jorge Amado's Legendary Home, Sao Diogo Fort, Santa Maria Fort, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Benin's House, Capoeira School

Itinerary

Bem-vindo to Brazil! Unlike standard tours, this journey offers the chance to experience the country from a local’s perspective.

Upon landing in Rio de Janeiro, your private guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. If time allows, spend the afternoon unwinding at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle. Just outside the garden, the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants, provides a glimpse of everyday Brazilian life.

  • Rio de Janeiro

Start your day with a visit to the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views before diving into the energy of Rio. Stop briefly outside the legendary Maracanã Stadium, a temple for football fans, and drive past the colorful Sambadrome, home to the spectacular Rio Carnival.

After a delicious lunch at the iconic Confeitaria Colombo, explore the striking cone-shaped Catedral Metropolitana. Stroll down the vibrant, mosaic-covered Selarón Stairs and end your day at the historic Arcos da Lapa, an 18th-century aqueduct that comes alive with samba rhythms after sunset.

  • B , L
  • Rio de Janeiro

Begin the day with a scenic hike along the forested trail up to Urca Hill. Along the way, encounter native wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of Rio spreading out below. Pause briefly before boarding the famous cable car for the final ascent to Sugarloaf Mountain, where a breathtaking 360-degree vista of the city, beaches, and surrounding peaks awaits. After taking in the views, descend by cable car and return to your hotel for a short rest.

In the afternoon, trade the mountain air for the lively atmosphere of Brazil’s craft beer culture. Embark on a guided tour visiting up to four local bars, pubs, or microbreweries. Sample distinctive beers while discovering the fascinating stories and traditions behind Brazil’s brewing heritage.

  • B
  • Rio de Janeiro

Catch a morning flight to Salvador, the lively center of Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian heritage. Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace.

  • B
  • Salvador

Bahia’s cuisine is unlike any other in Brazil, blending African, Indigenous, Mediterranean, and Asian influences into unique flavors. This morning, accompany your chef to a lively local market to select fresh ingredients for moqueca, the region’s signature seafood stew. Then, continue to the chef’s home for a hands-on cooking session, culminating in a delightful lunch featuring the dish you prepared.

In the afternoon, dive into Bahia’s vibrant cultural scene with visits to the home of celebrated author Jorge Amado, the historic São Diogo Fort from the 17th century, and the picturesque Santa Maria Fort.

  • B , L
  • Salvador

Begin your day with a visit to the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, a historic structure built over nearly a century with limited resources, followed by Benin’s House, which showcases an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the Gulf of Benin. After a broad introduction to Afro-Brazilian heritage, continue to a traditional Capoeira School to explore the sport’s history, philosophy, and movements. You’ll have the chance to try the basic steps and instruments during a one-hour session.

In the afternoon, enjoy some downtime before an evening adventure in the lively Rio Vermelho neighborhood. Start with tasting acarajé paired with a refreshing drink, then visit a bustling local boteco to sample regional delicacies, and finish the night enjoying live music performances that bring Salvador’s vibrant culture to life.

  • B
  • Salvador

Spend a relaxed morning at your own pace before your transfer to the airport. Bid farewell to Brazil as you board your flight home, taking with you memories of the country’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.

  • B
Quick Question
Picture of CONTACT A TRAVEL EXPERT
CONTACT A TRAVEL EXPERT

1-to-1 Service | Reply within 24hrs | Expert's Advice

What Our Clients Say

How It Works

The Scapia experience goes beyond travel — it’s about creating memories for life.

01

Explore & Choose

Browse our curated trips and pick your perfect adventure.

02

Customize Your Trip

Tailor the itinerary to fit your needs and preferences.

03

Confirm Your Booking

Secure your spot with a simple and quick reservation process.

04

Pack & Get Ready

Receive your full trip details and preparation checklist.

You May Also Like

7 Days

Yucatan Peninsula Nature Tour

Cancun, Chichen Itza, Merida, Celestun, Campeche, Edzna, Balamku, Chicanna, Calakmul, Kohunlich, Bacalar

6 Days

Bavaria Discovery Tour – 6 Days

Munich, Berchtesgaden, Füssen, Neuschwanstein, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg

5 Days

Bhutan Heritage Journey: Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

Paro, Thimphu, Punakha

12 Days

Turkey Greece Tour 12 Days

Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia;
Greece: Athens, Santorini