Brazil’s Beaches from Rio to Bahia

Rio de Janeiro, Salvador da Bahia, Trancoso

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This example itinerary from

£5992 / $6877

per person for 12 days.

Highlights

Explore the culinary highlights of Rio 
Adventure along the beautiful beaches on the outskirts of Rio
Enjoy the music and culture of Salvador da Bahia 
Learn about the history of the Brazilian Capoeira dance (and have a go if you wish!)
Discover the stunning coastline in and around Trancoso village.

What’s Included

Four nights with breakfast included at the Santa Teresa Hotel, Rio 
Three nights with breakfast included at Hotel Villa Bahia, Salvador 
Four nights at Uxua Hotel, Trancoso 
All domestic land transfers 
Guiding as mentioned in the itinerary 

Example Itinerary

Day 1-4 Day 5-7 Day 8-12

Days 1-4

Rio de Janeiro

Full day to explore the pristine beaches beyond the city of Rio
Explore the street markets and local bars and restaurants not on the tourist map

There is so much to see in Rio. This Brazilian adventure takes the time to get to know another side of Rio that not everyone has a chance to experience.

We have chosen the Santa Teresa Hotel as your first base in the hills of the Santa Teresa district. With beautiful views of Guanabara Bay below and leafy gardens with a swimming pool and excellent restaurant, this is a dreamy escape from the hustle and bustle of Rio. During your time in Rio, we will arrange for you to spend time with one of our favourite local guides – you are likely to become firm friends by the end of the trip. As well as a visit to iconic sites such as the statue of Christ the Redeemer, we will arrange for you to explore from a local’s viewpoint.

Take a culinary tour of the street markets and tiny restaurants serving delicious recipes passed through generations. Enjoy the live music in Lapa and let the rhythmic beats lift your soul. Beyond the city, endless beaches protected by nature reserves are yours to discover. During the week, these hidden coves are almost deserted apart from the local surfers and beach-shack owners. You will have the opportunity to surf or try stand-up paddleboarding in the mangroves of Restinga da Marambaia.

Days 5-7

Salvador da Bahia

Join in a percussion workshop and learn about the roots of Bahian music
Visit the FICA (Federation of Angolan Capoeira) and watch masters perform this intoxicating martial art

Salvador is known for the beauty of its architecture and cultural diversity. The residents of this vibrant town embrace the roots of the music, dance, literature and cuisine that have shaped so much of Brazil’s way of life.

Explore the tree-lined avenues from All Saints Bay to the charming Pelourinho district and the 17th Century Sao Francisco Church. Take the Lacerda Elevator to the Upper City with astonishing views of the bay and the Lower City below. One of the best ways to understand the origins of Bahian culture is through its music and dance. Visit the FICA capoeira federation and watch the capoeiristas battling together (for the brave, there is also a chance to join in and give it a go).

The African rhythms in Brazilian percussion music today tell bitter-sweet tales of past lives. The famous percussion group Afro Bloco Filhos de Gandhi are inspired by the principles of peace and inclusivity. Meeting this group and hearing them play is a humbling experience and helps to contextualise the entwined roots of Bahia’s history.

Days 8-12

Trancoso

Private boat tour to Corumbau & Espelho
Bike tour to Itaquena Beach

With its chic bohemian vibe and endless coastline of golden Atlantic beaches, Trancoso is a go-to destination for a heady mix of adventure and Brazilian beach life.

We love Uxua House Hotel with ten cottages that blend perfectly with the historical centre of Trancoso. Four of the houses were once traditional 16th Century fishermen’s lodgings. Surrounded by lush gardens and architecture, and cuisine that honours the history and heritage of Trancoso, this is an idyllic haven that never lets you lose a sense of place.

If you can tear yourself away from the ocean waves and laid-back beach bars of Trancoso, it is worth exploring the stunning beaches of Corumbau (a word that means ‘Far from Everything’ in the local Indian dialect). We will arrange a private boat and skipper to take you to some of Bahia’s most scenic spots where white sand dissolves into clear Atlantic waters.

For an active morning cycle to Itaquena Beach. Dirt roads shaded by forests take you to Itaquena Farm, where buffalo roam, and you are free to explore this beautiful farmland. The bike trail leads to clifftop views of the ocean and secluded coves where you can swim and rest before riding back to Trancoso.

From Trancoso, a direct flight from Porto Seguro airport takes you back to Rio or Sao Paulo for onward connections or further adventures in Brazil and beyond.

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