Brazil's Coastal Cities & Route of Emotions Tour - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Guided Tour of Santa Teresa & Rio Antigo

Bem-vindo to Brazil and the vibrant seaside city of Rio de Janeiro. Meet your driver outside the airport to transfer to your hotel, where you can stay in and relax until this afternoon's tour of Rio Antigo, the historical heart of the city. Follow your guide to Praça XV, a charming square full of colonial buildings and the impressive Imperial Palace. Continue down the cobblestone streets to Arcos dos Teles, a picturesque alleyway with vintage lamps and charming bars. Head to Cinelândia to visit the square's star, Confeitaria Colombo, a bakery established in 1894.

Step inside to browse the pastries and sit down to enjoy one with a rich cup of coffee. Discover the colorful neighborhood of Santa Teresa next, renowned for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. Walk past colorful houses, cozy cafés, and art galleries to get to the Selarón Steps, a colorful staircase adorned with tiles from around the world. At the top, look for the historic Santa Teresa tram, a century-old yellow streetcar, winding down the roads. End the tour at the Arcos de Lapa, an 18th-century aqueduct that you can now traverse for a view of the neighborhood.

Day 2: Full-Day Guided Tour of Rio de Janeiro

After breakfast, set off on a full-day tour of the city, starting at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue sitting atop Mount Corcovado. Take a train up to see the massive statue of Jesus Christ, which has become one of the Seven Wonders of the World. From the top, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the city and the glittering Atlantic Ocean before continuing to another peak, Sugarloaf Mountain. Hop in a cable car to get to the summit, where you can take in another perspective of the statue you just left and the surrounding cityscape. 

Head to Maracanã Stadium next to admire the exterior of one of the most famous football arenas in the world. Then, visit the colorful Lapa neighborhood to climb the Escadaria Selarón, a staircase adorned with over 2,000 colorful tiles from countries around the world, and see the pyramid-shaped Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião. Stroll to the nearby Arcos de Lapa, a mid-18th century aqueduct turned bridge connecting the neighborhoods of Centro and Santa Teresa. End the tour at the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí, an open-air venue that hosts Rio's annual festival, Carnival.

Day 3: Helicopter Tour, Visit Tijuca National Park & the Botanical Garden

Start your morning off right with a 30-minute helicopter ride over the city. As you ascend, enjoy a different perspective of some of the landmarks you've already seen up close, such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Take in the pristine sands and glittering water of Ipanema and Copacabana Beach, as well as the surrounding greenery, before you land. After an adrenaline-filled morning, unwind in Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world. Follow your guide into the trees while looking out for monkeys, porcupines, and armadillos.

Stop at Vista Chinesa to enjoy panoramic views of the city, then continue to Taunay Waterfall, to take a break in the refreshing mist. After exploring the park, head to the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, a massive oasis spanning over 140 acres (56 ha). Wander the many pathways to see the garden's 7,000 species of plants from around the world. Walk along the avenue of royal palms, take in the water lily pool, and look up at the trees to spot the resident monkeys and colorful birds. After a full day of exploring, return to the hotel to relax. 

Day 4: Visit Cidade do Samba, Transfer to Armacao dos Buzios

Even if you're not visiting the city during Carnival, you can still get a taste of the iconic festival at Cidade do Samba, a cultural center dedicated to Carnival and samba. Browse the exhibits full of Carnival costumes, learn about the festival's history and traditions, and watch as skilled artisans create massive floats for the annual parade. After exploring the complex, join a samba workshop to learn Brazil's beloved dance form. Watch as your instructors teach you the fundamental steps and gestures that characterize this vibrant dance style until you're ready to try the steps out for yourself.

In the afternoon, return to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver for a three-hour transfer to the coastal town of Armação dos Búzios, often called the "Saint-Tropez of South America." Settle into your hotel, then venture out to the town's central street, Rua das Pedras. Walk along the cobblestone street flanked by charming boutiques, lively bars, and vibrant eateries serving local and Brazilian cuisine to find somewhere for dinner. 

Day 5: Boat Tour of Arraial do Cabo & the Brazilian Caribbean

Put your bathing suit on and transfer to the pier this morning for a boat tour down the coast to Arraial do Cabo, a town renowned for its white-sand beaches, grottoes, and surrounding islands. Look out for tropical fish below the surface or playful dolphins leaping in the waves as you cruise. Stop at a few beaches along the way for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. When you arrive, head straight to the Gruta Azul (Blue Grotto), which is only accessible by boat. Enter the cave to see the azure hues of the water illuminated by the sunlight, creating an otherworldly glow. 

Continue to the outskirts of town to visit Pedra do Macaco (Monkey Rock), where you can disembark for a trek to the summit. Hike through the lush vegetation of the Atlantic Forest, enjoying glimpses of the glittering water. When you reach the top, take in the panoramic view of the pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and expansive Atlantic Ocean. Return to the boat to cruise to your final stop for lunch, Cabo Frio. In the short hour you have here, discover the charming town and its centerpiece, Forte São Mateus, a historic fortress built between 1616 and 1620. After lunch, return to your hotel.

Day 6: Transfer to Rio de Janeiro, Half-Day Guided Favela Tour

Say goodbye to Armação dos Búzios as you return to Rio de Janeiro on a three-hour transfer this morning. After settling into your hotel, venture out on a half-day tour of one of the city's favelas, which are working-class neighborhoods typically on the outskirts of the city. Head to Favela da Rocinha, one of the largest favelas in South America, or Favela do Vidigal, to explore the narrow alleyways, vibrant street art, and lively markets.

Learn about the locals' daily life and some of the socio-economic challenges they face. Then, meet some of the residents to gain a deeper understanding of the favela's culture and sense of community. In the evening, return to the hotel to refresh, then meander to Copacabana Beach to relax on the white sands and enjoy the sunset. Watch as the sun begins its descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the water, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. When darkness falls, visit one of the many beachfront restaurants or cafés for dinner.

Day 7: Fly to Barreirinhas, Gateway to Lencois Maranhenses National Park

After just one night back in Rio, transfer to the airport for a four-hour flight north to Barreirinhas, nestled along Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a surreal landscape of endless dunes and freshwater lagoons. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the amenities. In the evening, head to Praça do Coreto to browse the selection of restaurants and cafés serving both regional and international dishes for an al fresco dinner overlooking the town's bustling main square.

Day 8: Full-Day Guided Tour of Lencois Maranhenses National Park

After breakfast, jump in a 4WD vehicle and cruise across the Rio Preguiças on a ferry to get to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Once you get off the ferry, drive for 40 minutes until you reach the dunes, which stretch as far as the eye can see, interrupted only by crystalline freshwater lagoons. Drive over the dunes, stopping at multiple lagoons for a refreshing swim in the natural pools. After unwinding in the serene landscape, continue to the village of Mata Fome, where you can enjoy a rustic lunch of free-range chicken, prawns, or grilled fish.

Relax in the hammocks around the restaurant to digest your food before setting off on a one-hour drive to one of the highest points in the national park. Climb a ladder to get to the top, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the undulating dunes surrounding you. Return to the bottom and start a trek across the sand, visiting different lakes to swim and relax until the sun begins to set. Watch as the already enchanting landscape is painted in warm hues of brilliant oranges and pink. Then, when darkness falls, return to the car and transfer back to your hotel in Barreirinhas.

Day 9: Boat Tour Along the Rio Preguicas

Discover the area from the water today as you set off on a boat tour along the Rio Preguiças flanked by lush mangroves and vibrant vegetation. As you cruise, look out at the picturesque fishing villages to watch the colorful boats bob gently in the water as locals go about their daily lives. Continue past the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, revealing the dynamic contrast between the sandy desert and the river's tranquil waters. Stop at Vassouras Beach to see the towering dunes again and swim in the crystal-clear water.

Continue to the quaint village of Mandacaru, where a black-and-white lighthouse guides the incoming boats. Disembark and climb to the top of Farol de Mandacaru to enjoy panoramic views of the national park, the meandering river, and the charming village. Walk along the cobblestone streets to see the colorful houses and explore the artisanal markets before returning to the boat. Cruise to your final stop, the Caburè Peninsula, where the river and ocean converge into a pristine beach setting. Relax on the sand or swim in the ocean, then head back to Barreirinhas.

Day 10: Transfer to Parnaiba, Cruise Down the Parnaiba Delta

Bid farewell to Barreirinhas this morning as you set off on a 3.5-hour transfer to Parnaíba, nestled on the banks of the Rio Parnaíba. After settling into your hotel, venture out on a boat tour down the Parnaíba Delta, the only open sea delta in the Americas. Glide along the delta's labyrinthine passages, looking out for exotic birds perched on the mangroves or playful river otters gliding through the water. As you cruise, the delta's shifting scenery reveals hidden oases, serene lagoons, and cast stretches of untouched nature.

Day 11: Transfer to Jericoacoara via Camocim & Tatajuba Lagoon

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, then set off on a three-hour transfer down the coast to the small fishing village of Jericoacoara. Along the way, stop at Camocim, to discover the small town's colorful streets, historic architecture, and bustling markets. Continue to the nearby Tatajuba Lagoon, where white dunes meet calm waters. Swim in the freshwater or relax under the coconut trees before visiting one of the rustic beach bars for lunch.

Day 12: Dune Buggy Adventure in Jericoacoara National Park

Explore Jericoacoara and its surroundings on a full-day buggy tour, starting at Jericoacoara National Park, where you can drive across the dunes and through the forest to Lagoa do Paraíso, with its turquoise waters and idyllic surroundings. Swim in the vibrant blue waters surrounded by white sand, then head to one of the nearby restaurants for lunch.

Day 13: Transfer to Salvador, Enjoy a Free Afternoon

Trade the north coast for the east as you catch a two-hour flight this morning to Salvador, a vibrant city renowned for its rich Afro-Brazillian culture. Meet your driver outside the airport to transfer to your hotel. After settling in, venture out to explore the area on your own. If you want to relax, visit Praia Porto da Barra or Praia do Flamengo to relax on the sandy shores, swim in the turquoise waters, or engage in water sports like kayaking and snorkeling. In the evening, head to Rio Vermelho, a lively neighborhood full of restaurants, bars, and seafood stalls, to enjoy a delicious dinner.

Day 14: Full-Day Guided Tour of Salvador

After breakfast, meet your guide for a historical tour of the city, starting at the Fort of Santo Antonio da Barra, built in the 16th century. Discover the well-preserved architecture, cannons, and the museum within. Don't miss the Farol de Barra, a lighthouse that still guides ships into the bay. After exploring the fort, head to Pelourinho, Salvador's historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the cobblestone streets past pastel-colored colonial buildings and intricate facades. 

Stop at Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, which pays homage to the life and works of Jorge Amado, a beloved Brazilian writer. Browse Amado's personal belongings, manuscripts, and photographs to learn about his rich life and creative process before ending the historical tour at the Lacerda Elevator to enjoy panoramic views of the city and All Saints Bay. In the afternoon, start your four-hour panoramic tour of the city at the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim perched atop a hill overlooking the water.

Admire the yellow facade of the 18th-century church, then enter to see the religious art lining the walls. Continue to Monte Serrat Fort, a 17th-century fort built to protect against Dutch invasions. Discover the fort's cannons, stone walls, and panoramic views of the bay before ending with a visit to Mercado Modelo. Browse the array of fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods to find the perfect souvenir to take home and sample some of the delicious Bahian dishes. 

Day 15: Relax on Praia de Guarajuba, Explore Praia Do Forte

Enjoy a full-day tour of some of the best beaches on Brazil's northern coast, starting at Praia de Guarajuba. Admire the palm-fringed shoreline and the azure sea before jumping in for a swim in the warm waters of the Atlantic. If you want to take part in water sports, you can surf, kayak, or snorkel amid the vibrant marine life. When you get hungry, visit one of the beachfront kiosks serving fresh and flavorful seafood, traditional Brazilian dishes, and refreshing tropical drinks. 

Day 16: Olodum Band Performance, Axé Music Workshop, Depart Salvador

Spend your last day in Brazil enjoying a performance by an Olodum group in the lively square of Largo da Tieta, where the percussion group performs throughout the year. Watch the musicians and dancers, adorned in colorful attire, start their rhythmic performance. Dance along to the infectious beat of the drums, surrounded by the energetic crowd. In the afternoon, continue your cultural immersion with a Baque de Axé percussion workshop led by skilled instructors deeply rooted in Afro-Brazillian traditions. 

Learn about traditional percussion instruments, like the atabaque, agogô, and timbal, and discover the nuances of each instrument's role in creating the dynamic sounds of Axé music. After practicing, collaborate with your classmates to perform a beautiful, harmonious song. After a day of learning about Salvador's rich musical background, return to the hotel to grab your bags, and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!