The Brazil Trip

Welcome to Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia and to many, the soul of Brazil! After arriving at your seaside stay in Salvador, kick off your adventure with a group of new friends and your first caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail. In the evening, we'll head out for a welcome dinner and cuisine that infuses local flavors of the northeast into every bite.

Start day two by diving into the history of Salvador's Pelourinho neighborhood, Brazil's first capital city. With our guide, discover a past and present shaped by the Afro-Brazilian community as we stroll through colonial streets of this UNESCO Site. For lunch, we're hitting up a local hangout for a modern take on traditional favorites and then checking out the in-house cellar to try three different types of Brazil's national spirit, cachaça—liquor distilled from sugarcane, often blended with sugar and lime to create the tangy caipirinha. Afterward, the rest of the afternoon is yours. Wander Pelourinho's colorful squares, shop for local crafts, sample more Bahian street snacks.

This morning, we'll head out together for a hands-on culinary experience with a local family. You'll learn how to prepare moqueca, the flavorful Afro-Brazilian seafood stew that defines Bahian cuisine, and discover how African, Portuguese, and Indigenous influences come together in Salvador's most iconic dish. After the class, enjoy the meal you helped prepare before heading back to Salvador for a relaxed afternoon. Explore nearby beaches, wander local shops, or recharge at the hotel before the night unfolds at your own pace.

On to Rio! This magical city is home to the stunning Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World), iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, and the best Carnival festival in the world. After we get into Rio, take some time to freshen up at the hotel and settle in before getting ready for a late night out. In the evening, we'll head out on a food and drink tour through two of the coolest neighborhoods in town, Lapa and Santa Teresa. Between stops at local botecos, where you'll try aged cachaças and batida fruit shots, snack on pão de queijo (cheese buns) and feijoada (black bean stew) to keep you going.

Enjoy a leisurely morning to sleep in, wander the neighborhood, or settle into a local café as Rio eases into the day. Later, we'll head behind the scenes of Carnival, where you'll discover the incredible craftsmanship of the floats and costumes that make this celebration world-famous. Then it's your turn to join in with a samba lesson before putting your new moves to the test. The rest of the afternoon is yours. Stroll the nearby waterfront, where colorful murals by internationally renowned street artists line the bay, including one of the world's largest graffiti artworks. Stop for lunch, browse the area, or simply soak up the atmosphere. Tonight is yours to explore.

This morning, we'll head up Corcovado Mountain to visit Christ the Redeemer. The winding drive through the lush forest is all part of the adventure, leading to panoramic views over Rio's beaches, mountains, and colorful neighborhoods below. On our way back, we'll stop at the Selarón Steps, one of Rio's most colorful landmarks. Created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, the vibrant staircase is covered with thousands of hand-laid tiles collected from around the world, making it the perfect place to pause, explore, and snap a few photos. The afternoon is yours to enjoy however you'd like. Ride the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods.

Spend your final morning in Rio sailing across Guanabara Bay. As we cruise across the water, take in views of the city's skyline, mountains, and coastline from a whole new perspective. With lunch served onboard, all that's left to do is relax and enjoy the ride. The afternoon is yours to enjoy however you'd like. Revisit a favorite neighborhood, pick up a few souvenirs, or simply take it slow before tonight's farewell dinner. This evening, we'll gather with the crew for one last farewell dinner to celebrate an unforgettable week, new friendships, and an incredible journey together.

Share a last laugh with friends you'll absolutely see again, and get ready to jet. From the captivating rhythms of Salvador to the panoramic views of Rio, we hope you've loved Brazil. If you've got to head home, we hope to see you again soon. If you're one of the lucky ones with more time to spare, then keep on exploring. From the Amazon to Florianopolis, there's always more to see in the largest country on the continent! Of course, if you want to see more of South America, we can't recommend that enough. Check out our Argentina trip for your next adventure (if you're in no rush!) or head west toward Colombia for some tropical fun.