Highlights
- Paddle the rivers of the Amazon by canoe
- Hike through the lush rainforest to spot monkeys and other wildlife
- Tour Salvador's historic Pelourinho and trace the city's West African origins
- Party like a true Bahian in the bohemian quarter of Rio Vermelho
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Manaus, Transfer to the Amazon | The Amazon |
| Day 2 | Rainforest & River Tours | The Amazon |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Salvador | Salvador |
| Day 4 | African Heritage City Tour & Bahian Percussion Workshop | Salvador |
| Day 5 | Salvador Market, Art & Literature Tour & Night Out in Rio Vermelho | Salvador |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Praia do Forte & Whale Watching | Praia do Forte |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Salvador & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Manaus, Transfer to the Amazon
Welcome to Brazil! After your flight arrives in the city of Manaus, you'll be picked up at the airport and driven to the beginning of your Brazilian adventure. You'll hop on board a motor boat and travel into the Amazon, arriving at your jungle lodge in the heart of the rainforest. After check-in, you can relax for the afternoon or start exploring the wonders of this biodiverse paradise right away!
Take a ride down the river in a motorized canoe and visit a local ribeirinhos, or river people, where you'll learn about the native fruits and plants of the area and see a traditional casa de farinha (manioc flour house). Or, if you're feeling brave, try your hand at piranha fishing using traditional techniques from the local Indigenous populations. This evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Day 2: Rainforest & River Tours
After waking to stunning sunrise views of the rainforest, your day starts with a guided jungle trek, where you'll be able to study the Amazon's diverse ecosystem. Be on the lookout for wildlife, such as monkeys and colorful macaws, not to mention the multitude of unusual plants and trees.
Later, take a canoe tour of the surrounding wetlands, where you'll learn about the Indigenous traditions and customs of the people here and see some of the Amazon's marine life, which may include frogs, piranhas, or even dolphins! The rest of your evening is yours to relax at the lodge.Day 3: Transfer to Salvador
Today, you'll be transported via boat back up the Amazon River to Manaus and taken to the airport. There, you'll catch your flight to the northeastern state of Bahia and its capital city, Salvador, where you'll be met by a driver and taken to your hotel. The city of Salvador is known for its tropical beaches, historic Portuguese architecture, and Baroque colonial churches. One of Brazil's oldest cities, it was founded in 1549 as the capital of the Portuguese colony of Brazil and has since grown into a modern, bustling hub.
Your day is free to explore on your own, and a great way to spend it is with a visit to the popular Praia da Barra beach, a lively spot for locals and visitors alike. The beach has natural rock formations that divide the water into pools, making for fun swimming and snorkeling. You can rent beach equipment here, and plenty of restaurants and bars are nearby.Day 4: African Heritage City Tour & Bahian Percussion Workshop
Today's guided walking tour allows you to trace Salvador's African roots by visiting the city's most historic areas. See the residential areas at the mouth of the bay and continue to the historic center—the Pelourinho. You'll visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum (Museu Afro-Brasileiro), which traces the city's West African origins and displays wooden sculptures of Orixá deities by Bahia's most celebrated artist, Carybé.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
This afternoon, discover the percussive heart of Bahia with an authentic percussion workshop. The rhythmic soul of this region is African, and the distinctive syncopations created by Bahians have inspired many international musicians such as Paul Simon, Wayne Shorter, and Michael Jackson. A local percussionist will be your guide as you participate in an interactive musical adventure to learn about Bahia's rhythms and capoeira percussion instruments.
Day 5: Salvador Market, Art & Literature Tour & Night Out in Rio Vermelho
In Salvador, there are few better ways to immerse yourself in the city than by visiting its municipal markets. Head to São Joaquim Market to tour a labyrinth of merchant stalls and vendors. Rub shoulders with locals doing their daily shops, try a fresh fruit suco (juice), or browse one-of-a-kind souvenirs. You'll also find all the ingredients for Bahia's famous moqueca—a seafood stew made with cilantro, lime, coconut milk, and dendê (red palm) oil. After the market, visit a local restaurant for a cooking demonstration, where a chef prepares this dish before your eyes and serves up a delicious lunch.
Later today, you'll take a guided art and literature tour of the city, which showcases the works of masters like novelist Jorge Amado, artist Carybé, and photographer Pierre Verge. Start in the beachside suburb of Rio Vermelho at Amado's former home, which is now a museum celebrating his life and work. Then, see Carybé's work on display in the 17th-century São Diogo Fort. The beach at Porto da Barra is also home to a permanent interactive digital exhibition highlighting Verger's iconic black and white photographs.
Day 6: Transfer to Praia do Forte & Whale Watching
Meet your driver this morning for a 1.5-hour drive along the scenic Coconut Highway to Praia do Forte, a fishing village that is home to some of the best beaches in Bahia. The latter section of this coastal drive is flanked by the white sands and broadleaf restinga forests unique to this area of Brazil. Praia do Forte actually takes its name from the nearby fortified Garcia D'Ávila Tower House, a castle built in the mid-16th century and the oldest stone construction in Bahia.
Today marks your last full day in Brazil, and it is punctuated by a very special five-hour tour—watching migrating humpback whales as they travel through the region. The Bahian coast is a well-known migratory route for the whales, who make their way up from Antarctica and along the coast from July to October. During this time, the waters are filled with thousands of these aquatic mammals, which measure up to 46 feet (14 m) and can weigh up to 40 tons.
Day 7: Transfer to Salvador & Depart
Time to say goodbye to beautiful Brazil. After a final morning at your leisure, your driver will meet you at your hotel and transport you to the airport in Salvador to catch your departing flight. Safe travels home or to your next destination!
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