Brazil Family Discovery Tour: Culture & Nature in Salvador & Pantanal - 7 Days

Highlights

• Experience live samba-reggae music in Salvador's historic Pelourinho district 
• Take a nature walk under the stars through the scenic Transpantaneira
• Go horseback riding with the kids through Brazil's pristine wilderness
• Make authentic Bahian food in a hands-on cooking class with the kids

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Salvador, Visit the Lacerda Elevator & Mercado Central

Welcome to Salvador, Brazil! A private driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to your accommodation. Salvador was Brazil's first political capital and is still considered by many to be its cultural heart. Once a center of the slave trade, its streets now buzz with music, dance, martial arts, and vendors of delicious Afro-Brazilian street food. Once you've settled in, get your bearings at the Lacerda Elevator, the link between the "upper" and "lower" cities, with magnificent views over the city and harbor. Then, cross the road to the Mercado Central, the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs and snacks.

If you still have some free time, head across town to the Lagoa dos Dinossauros (Dinosaur Lagoon). The kids will be delighted by the life-size, carefully replicated models of velociraptors, brachiosaurs, and, of course, the odd Tyrannosaurus rex or two—all sensor-activated to roar when the little ones scamper too near! You'll also find other creatures to spot—several fish species, chameleons, and marmosets make their home here. Round the day off with a delicious dinner at one of Salvador's many family-friendly restaurants before relaxing for the evening. 

Day 2: Pelourinho African Heritage Tour

After a hearty breakfast, meet your guide in the historic Pelourinho district. This tour will take you through the district's tragic history of slavery, as well as the context of Portuguese colonization, the Jesuit Missions, and the legacy these have left. At the Terreiro de Jesus and the Cruzeiro de São Francisco, you'll learn about the local entrepreneurs and famous Black residents that have shaped the streets. Along the way, you'll learn about local culture, including capoeira (martial arts) and samba-reggae, the local style of Bahian music.

From here, you'll walk to the Olodum School, the center for the world-famous drumming style that originated in these streets. You'll hear about Carnival, how the associated Afro-Brazilian traditions have gradually been recovered, and the various local groups that foster the protection and growth of Black culture. Treat yourselves to lunch here—this area is famous for its great food. Be sure to try an acarajé, a deep-fried dough of black-eyed peas loaded with salad, tasty sauces, and shrimp.

After lunch, take the kids to the Salvador Zoo and Botanical Park. The collection of over 1,500 animal species and many more plants is a fantastic introduction to South America's fauna and flora. The youngsters will love the panthers, colorful parrots, and monkeys, and you'll also find other traditional zoo favorites like hippos, zebras, and ostriches. If time allows, the Museu de História Natural next door contains a fascinating array of archaeological exhibits recounting Brazil's natural history. 

Day 3: Fly to North Pantanal, Ueso Pantanal Lodge: Nature Walk & Star Observation

Rise bright and early for a morning flight from Salvador to North Pantanal (around five hours, including a connection). Upon arrival in Cuiabá, a driver will meet your family and transport you to your accommodation, the Ueso Pantanal Lodge. You'll drive via Poconé, a historic town of adobe houses, and along the famously scenic Transpantaneira Park Road. Get the kids busy spotting alligators, capybaras, and birds. All up, the drive from Cuiabá will take a couple of hours.

Once you arrive at the lodge and settle in, you'll enjoy a delicious kid-friendly buffet lunch and some time to relax in the games room or swimming pool before you head out for your first nature walk. Climb the 56-foot (17 m) observation tower to get a better look at the local bird and animal species. After dinner, you'll go for a night walk to observe the nocturnal creatures and the beautiful, starry sky. Head back to your rooms afterward and rest up for tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 4: Ueso Pantanal Lodge: Horseback Ride & Safari

Early in the morning, head back to the lodge's observation tower with your family and greet the sunrise while you watch the animals and birds awaken. Afterward, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. The day's first scheduled activity is horseback riding—bound to be a hit with the animal lovers in the family! As they master equestrian skills, learning how to ride and care for a horse, the kids will hear about the history of ranching in this area. Once you've worked up an appetite, it's time for lunch, followed by free time in the games room or a swim.

At 3 pm, head out on a safari through the Transpantaneira, seeing animal species like armadillos, anteaters, foxes, capybaras, and colorful parrots—you'll also see the local panteneiros (cowboys) going about their work day. Your driver will take you back to the lodge for dinner as the evening draws near. After your meal, you have the chance to meet with one of the knowledgeable staff—they'll answer any questions and teach you and the kids more about the local wildlife and the region before you head off to your rooms for the night.

Day 5: Ueso Pantanal Lodge: Dawn Walk, Kayak Excursion & Tree Planting

On your last full day at the lodge, get off to another early start and go for a dawn walk. Teach the kids about nature's circadian rhythm as they observe the world waking up. Have breakfast at about 7 am, then head to the river for a guided kayak tour. Other boating options are available if your kids are on the young side to kayak. Either way, the whole family will be captivated by the beauty of the river and the wildlife that lives there—if you're lucky, you may even spot a jaguar!

Lunch is served around noon back at the lodge, with some free time to relax afterward. In the afternoon, you'll meet with a guide who will explain the challenges and experiences of living in this region, particularly from the angle of conservation and protection of the Pantanal for future generations. After the talk, you'll head out with the guide to plant trees, leaving your own legacy for future residents and guests. Enjoy a delicious dinner afterward and a free evening to relax. 

Day 6: Fly to Salvador, Visit Historic Sights & Beaches

Enjoy a last, leisurely breakfast in Pantanal before checking out and traveling via private driver to the airport in Cuiabá to catch your flight back to Salvador. You'll be met at the airport by another driver who will transport you to your accommodation. Check in, relax, then head out for some family fun. This afternoon is a great time to catch any Salvador highlights you may have missed in your earlier stay here. 

Consider visiting one or two of the churches. The Church of São Francisco is known as one of Brazil's most beautiful—an ornate Baroque masterpiece constructed from local sandstone and sure to impress young and old. Most famous, however, is the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, popular for the practice of adorning its gates with colorful "Bahia Bands," knotted ribbons representing their owner's wishes for the future and hope for good fortune.

For seaside fun, head to Stella Maris and Flamengo beaches, neighboring sections of family-friendly coastline with all the amenities. Alternatively, venture out to the site of the original colonial settlement, Praio do Porta da Barra, where you'll find the Santo Antonio Fort housing the Nautical Museum. You'll have great views over the bay from here—the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Day 7: Museum Tour, Bahian Market Tour & Cooking Class, Depart Salvador

The last day of your Brazilian adventure is here already. If time allows, take a five-hour market tour and cooking class for a hands-on introduction to Bahian culture. Your guide will meet you at the hotel early in the morning and whisk you all off to the fish market. Here, you and the kids will gather the ingredients for the famous Afro-Brazilian moqueca, a delicious seafood stew. Pick up some vegetables and the makings for a caipirinha (Brazil's signature cocktail) before you transfer to a local home, where you and the kids will prepare (and eat!) a delicious meal while you soak up local anecdotes from your hosts. 

For a shorter excursion, head to the beach for an hour or two. Alternatively, visit one of the city's museums. The Museum of Tomorrow is kid-friendly and loaded with interactive exhibits—perfect for budding scientists—or try the Palacete das Artes, a converted villa housing both contemporary art and works by Rodin. Alternatively, get the wiggles out of the kids before your flight at the Parque dos Ventos, an extensive playground and green area. At the scheduled time, meet your driver at the hotel for the one-hour drive to Salvador Airport. Safe travels! 

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