Brazil: A Journey Through the Vibrant Culture of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador

Location: South America
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $8,795
Activity Level: Active

Brazil: A Journey Through the Vibrant Culture of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador

Location: South America
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $8,795
Activity Level: Active

Overview

Big, bold, and enchanting, Brazil is a multi-cultural wonderland. Fall under its spell as you dig deep into two fascinating cities—Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahia. Discover their historical roots, natural beauty, exquisite architecture, and iconic music. From Sugarloaf to Ipanema, from Christ the Redeemer to Carnival’s backstage magic, and from beachfront to hillside neighborhoods, stroll, taste, dance, and indulge in everything Rio—the city with the samba soundtrack. Celebrate Salvador de Bahia’s proud blend of Portuguese and African heritage in its colorful center, Pelourinho, and discover its exuberant Afro-Brazilian soul in the art and music of Rio Vermelho.

Main Attractions

Rio’s Stunning Natural Beauty

Ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain; bicycle along the shores of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; take in sweeping city views from Christ the Redeemer Statue; and visit Rio’s world-renowned Botanical Garden.

Salvador’s Rich Afro-Brazilian Influences

Discover Pelourinho, and the multi-cultural music scene of bohemian Vermelho; learn the origins of Brazilian cuisine at a local market; and cruise through All Saints Bay to two fascinating islands.

Cultural Immersion, Brazilian-style

Practice the smooth dance moves of Samba; sip cachaça spirits at a tasting; venture into the backstage world of Carnival preparations; and revel in the colorful energy of the Bahia Folklore Company.

Map showing a flight route between Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Brazil, with an inset of Frades Island. Icons represent plane and ferry transport. Includes a South America locator map.
A woman in traditional dress smiles with arms raised on a colorful street with colonial buildings.
Aerial view of a long beach in Rio de Janeiro, with waves along the shore, city buildings on the right, and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
View through an arched doorway of a colorful historic street with a church in the background. Several potted plants line the doorway on a checkered floor.
Aerial view of a large statue on a mountain surrounded by clouds with a setting sun in the background.
A woman in traditional dress smiles with arms raised on a colorful street with colonial buildings.
Aerial view of a long beach in Rio de Janeiro, with waves along the shore, city buildings on the right, and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
View through an arched doorway of a colorful historic street with a church in the background. Several potted plants line the doorway on a checkered floor.
Aerial view of a large statue on a mountain surrounded by clouds with a setting sun in the background.

Itinerary

Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro at night, featuring illuminated cityscape, mountains, and ocean with boats.

Welcome to Brazil!

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the Cidade Maravilhosa—Brazil’s “Marvelous City.” Prepare to be wowed by its multi-cultural style, its breathtaking natural beauty, and the warmest of welcomes. Transfer to your hotel and meet your Brazilian guide and fellow AdventureWomen travelers for introductions and welcome dinner on nearby Leme Beach—a toast to the adventure ahead!

Meals dinner
Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro, featuring the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the cityscape with surrounding ocean and mountains in the background.

Discover Rio

Begin your day with a train ride up Corcovado Mountain to the iconic Christ-the-Redeemer statue. Continue to Santa Teresa and discover the charms of one of Rio’s oldest neighborhoods where vintage cable cars (the last in the city) navigate winding streets. Enjoy lunch here, admire the outstanding art collection at the Chacará do Céu Musem, and take in the best views of Rio from Ruins Park.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cable car traveling towards a large rock formation surrounded by ocean and smaller islands in the distance under a clear sky.

A Behind-the-Scenes Carnival Tour and Samba Class

Start the day with a double cable car ride, the first to the top of Urca Hill with its enchanting panoramas of Guanabara Bay, and the second to the peak of fabled Sugar Loaf, rising 1,300 feet above Rio’s harbor. After lunch together, enter the magical world of Rio’s Carnival on a private backstage tour. Take a sneak peek at the elaborate float constructions and costume designs, perhaps dressing up in carnival attire yourself! Channel your inner samba diva as you practice smooth moves and join a fun percussion session with the samba school percussionists.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
An ornate black fountain in a lush green garden surrounded by trees and shrubbery.

Botanical Garden Visit and Samba Show

Explore Rio’s southern coast on a morning bicycle ride along the fabled beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. After lunch, stroll through the sprawling Botanical Garden, one of the world’s top ecological sanctuaries. Visit an NGO based in one of Rio’s many favelas (slums) and learn about its community development projects. This evening, head to the renowned music venue, Rio Scenarium, for dinner and live Brazilian music sessions. Join the local Cariocas and dance the night away!

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A cobblestone street lined with colorful colonial buildings under a partly cloudy sky, featuring a prominent church tower on the right. People are walking along the street.

Fly to Salvador de Bahia

After breakfast, head to the airport for your northbound flight to colorful, energetic Salvador de Bahia—a 500-year-old Portuguese settlement and the country’s heart and soul of dazzling Afro-Brazilian culture. Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon, gathering with your group for dinner this evening.

Meals breakfast, dinner
Colorful colonial-style buildings with arched windows in pastel and vibrant hues, featuring tiled roofs, line a street on a sunny day.

Discover Salvador!

Delve into the history, culture, and cuisine of Salvador’s unique neighborhoods, beginning with a walk along the cobblestone streets of Pelourinho, its UNESCO World Heritage Site neighborhood hallmarked by colorful colonial buildings and ornate churches. Before your lunch of regional specialties, savor the flavors of Brazil’s famous sugarcane spirit, cachaça. Continue to the lively quarter of Rio Vermelho, famous for its female street vendors, live music, and casual gathering spots known as botecos.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A market stall displays leather bags, hats, colorful textiles, and souvenirs on a cobblestone street.

Local Market Visit and Cooking Class

Begin your culinary adventure in a vibrant market with stalls selling everything from religious artifacts to fish, slippers to spices, and ingredients for Salvador’s delicious cuisine. Join a chef in their home kitchen and learn how to make the region’s signature dish, moqueca, a fragrant seafood stew. Sit down together to enjoy the memorable lunch.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Coastal view of a beach with clear blue water, people walking, and houses surrounded by greenery in the background.

Schooner Bay Cruise and Farewell Dinner

With Salvador’s city skyline behind you, cruise to two tropical islands in All Saints Bay. Historic Ilha dos Frades, named for 16th-century French monks, is now a sanctuary of pristine beaches. And on Itaparica, discover old forts, fishing and artist enclaves. This evening, revel in a dazzling cultural performance by the world-renowned Bahia Folklore Company. This evening’s farewell dinner is for celebrating your extraordinary experiences in two of Brazil’s fascinating, cities—and toasting to your new AdventureWomen friends.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Woman sitting at a table in a restaurant, holding up a glass of wine and smiling. Plates and glasses are on the table in the foreground.

Depart Salvador

After a last morning in this fascinating city, say goodbye to your guide and fellow travelers, and transfer to Salvador Airport (SAL) for your flight homeward. We wish you Boa Viagem!

Meals breakfast
Panoramic view of a coastal cityscape at dusk with numerous buildings, a calm bay, and distant hills. Lights from the city illuminate the scene.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Outdoor terrace with wicker furniture overlooking a sunny beach and ocean. Glass railing and awning provide unobstructed views.

Windsor Leme Hotel

Discover the charm of Rio de Janeiro with a stay at the Windsor Leme Hotel. Facing Leme beach and offering a plethora of amenities, including a rooftop pool. Conveniently situated near iconic city landmarks like Forte Duque de Caxias, immerse yourself in the beauty of the city by exploring nearby parks.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, minibar, cable / satellite TV, flatscreen TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi.

Spacious lounge area with patterned tile floor, cushioned leather chairs, and hanging globe lights. A bar is on the left, and the space has large windows.

Fera Palace Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Salvador da Bahia, the elegant Fera Palace Hotel welcomes guests with 81 thoughtfully appointed rooms. Experience the essence of Bahia in style and comfort at this distinguished establishment while enjoying its pools, poolside bar and rooftop terrace.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, minibar, refrigerator, safe, flatscreen TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

What People Are Saying

“I wanted to have a different kind of experience–safe and among women. I usually do not travel with organized groups, but my AdventureWomen trip was just exceptional!”

What People Are Saying

“I only travel with AdventureWomen. The entire team is remarkable. They are caring, very knowledgeable and just a lot of fun! I trust them 100%!”

What People Are Saying

“Trip was my first AdventureWomen trip and won’t be my last! Great trip and group. Guides were FAB!”

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Jun 7 Jun 15
Space Available
$8,795*
Standard Room, Single
$10,495 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$8,795 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2026 Optional Single Accommodation: $1,700

Arrive: Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG) on Day 1 after 12 p.m.
One group transfer will be provided when most guests arrive. The exact time will be determined closer to departure day. Private transfers are available for an additional fee. Please note that hotel check-in begins at 3 p.m.

Depart: Salvador Airport (SAL)
One group transfer will be provided when most guests depart. The exact time will be determined closer to trip start. Private transfers are available for an additional fee.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • All ground transportation
  • Domestic airfare

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
Trip Extensions

Iguassu Falls

Spend three days at Iguazu Falls—a wonderland of 275 cascades set between Brazil and Argentina. Your adventure begins with stunning views of Iguassu Canyon as you cross the bridge to Argentina. From the entrance to Iguassu National Park, take the jungle train to the Upper and Lower Circuit walking trails, a series of ultimately scenic boardwalks and footbridges, culminating at the Devil’s Throat platform overlooking the most dramatic falls in the entire system. Take a guided jeep-towed wagon ride through the lush jungle, then it’s all aboard a safari boat for an up-river cruise right into the mists of the roaring waters. On your last morning, walk down into the canyon in full view of 240 falls, then ride the famous glass elevator to the viewing platform for a truly grand finale view.

Waterfalls cascading over a cliff into a river, surrounded by lush greenery and rocks under a clear blue sky.

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.