Brazil's African legacy: 14-day heritage tour

Rio De Janeiro Airport - Rio De Janeiro

Tag 1: Rio de Janeiro

Transfer from Galeão Airport (GIG) to your hotel
Car Transfer: Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met by your driver at the airport and transferred by private service to your hotel. Estimated travel time: 30 minutes to 1 hour. Length of service will depend on traffic, and final destination/neighborhood. *This service includes a driver who may not speak English. Please advise if you would like to be greeted by a driver or guide who speaks fluent English.*
Welcome transfer - a guide will be waiting for you at your hotel to go over notes and answer any questions related to the following days' activities.

Rio De Janeiro

Tag 2: Rio de Janeiro

Little Africa Tour
Shared Excursion: There is no doubt that Rio de Janeiro stands out for its natural beauty, but Rio also draws attention because of its history. There is a “Little Africa” in Rio that is still unknown by most people. Embark on your discovery on a 3 hour walking tour of the African Heritage Circuit, visiting sensitive sites of memory such as the Valongo Wharf where millions of Africans arrived as slaves in the early 1800s. Stops also include the archeological sites of Pedra do Sal (one of the samba cradles), the UNESCO World Heritage Site for the Transatlantic Slavery Trade in Rio’s port area, and a visit the slave cemetery and the Institute of New Blacks. In the evening, you will be able to go to a samba party which is also in the Pedra do Sal district. Estimated tour length: 3 hours Not included: Transportation (optional)


Roda de Samba at Night
Shared Excursion: Get to know an authentic Roda de Samba at the historical bohemian neighbourhood of Lapa or another neighbourhood with a lively music tradition.

Rio De Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain

Tag 3: Rio de Janeiro

Rio's Downtown Tour: Christ the Redeemer and History of the City
Excursion: This morning, pay a visit to the iconic statue overlooking Rio - Christ the Redeemer. An unmistakable presence, Christ the Redeemer is classified as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The statue’s distinctive Art Deco aesthetic serves as a reminder of Rio’s rich religious and cultural history, and rises an impressive 32m into the sky. Afterwards, stop off in Rio's historic district. Learn more about the colonial period and slave trade, as well as the city's current renovations for local communities.


Sugarloaf, Pão de Açúcar - Afternoon Tour
Excursion: The Sugarloaf mountain is an unmistakable feature in Rio’s landscape. From dawn to dusk, its magnificent peak guarantees unparalleled 360 degree views of the city. As the sun goes down and a colourful hue is cast over Rio, gaze at the sandy fringes of Copacabana beach as they stretch out into the Atlantic and spot 'Cristo Redentor' (Christ the Redeemer) standing prominent on Mount Corcovado. The sunset vistas are arguably the most breathtaking. The first stage of the ascent will take you from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca by cable car. These cable-ways were originally made of wood and designed by the renowned engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos in 1908, who did much to develop Rio’s built landscape. As you rise above the hustle and bustle of the city, the tranquillity of the mountains takes over, offering a new way of glimpsing Brazil’s vivid surroundings. Includes: Private transfer, private English speaking guide, and tickets to attraction.

Rio De Janeiro - Pereirão Favela

Tag 4: Rio de Janeiro

Free Morning in Rio
Excursion: Enjoy some free time to take in the energy of the "Marvelous" City!


Pereirão Favela Tour & Morrinho Project
Shared Excursion: Visit the exhibition of Project Morrinho, a cultural oasis in Pereira da Silva favela, showing a huge mini favela model made with blocks. You'll learn all about the the story of the favela Pereira da Silva by Cirlan, the founder of Project Morrinho. During your visit, you'll participate in a workshop for the creation of Morrinho, using small bricks and blocks and painting materials so you become part of the construction of the mini favela exibit. Interact with Kelly, a local resident who has initiated her career in Project Morrinho and later became a community leader involved in many social projects. Enjoy the best view of Rio de Janeiro and have a lunch in a restaurant inside the community (not included).

Rio De Janeiro - Valença - Coffee Farm

Tag 5: Rio de Janeiro

Bus from Rio de Janeiro to Valença
Shared Bus Transfer: Bus from Rio de Janeiro to Valença, for a visit to the state's "Coffee Valley."


Coffee Farm Experience
Excursion: A half day experience where you'll go back in time - explore the historic village to get an overview of the destination, and then visit a coffee farm, to learn about the commercial trade of coffee, and the experience of the enslaved peoples of the 18th and 19th centuries. You will hear from direct descendants of these enslaved farm workers, who will tell stories as passed down to them by their ancestors. You will also learn how this enslaved work created wealth for white land owners at the time, and to this day.

Valença - Paraty

Tag 6: Paraty

Transfer from Valença to Paraty
Car Transfer: Transfer from Valença to Paraty. This is a beautiful drive, where you can stop along the way with your private driver, at lookouts, to rest your legs and take in the views. Estimated travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes / 4 hours
Leave in the late morning, to allow yourself to explore the village before a long drive to Paraty.

Quintal de Mãe Local Food Experience
Excursion: You're going to have a gastronomic experience with Flávia. who runs Quintal de Mãe. This is a restaurant and cultural space that works with local producers to use only seasonal and fresh ingredients. Here it's more of an ocean to table and small farm to table sort of experience, in a laid back atmosphere, in a beautiful garden in a residential neighbourhood. You will taste local food and see how it is made while sipping on a caipirinha made with local cachaça! More photos here: https://www.instagram.com/quintaldemaeparaty/ NOTES: All meals are included. Transportation not included.

Paraty

Tag 7: Paraty

Caminho do Ouro Jeep Tour
Excursion: The caminho do ouro, or "Gold Trail" was the path taken by slaves, to carry gold from the mines in Minas Gerais to the port in Paraty, to be sent to Europe. It's a significant part of Brazilian history, and the region near Paraty has, to this day, portions of the original trail, which can be visited by travelers. You will start at the fort, where the gold was traditionally delivered, and is today a museum, and has a beautiful view of Paraty's bay. You'll then board the jeep up the mountain to Serra da Bocaina, where you'll get to the Caminho do Ouro, and walk on a portion of it (appx 4 km and 1h30 hours), until you reach Penha Village, where you'll visit two different waterfalls to relax and refresh after the hike. On this hike, you'll get a chance to spot views of the village and mountains. You'll then visit a small cachaça producing plant, an "alambique," where you'll learn how the drink is made, and get a chance to taste different kinds of cachaça. You will also visit a "casa de farinha," where you'll also learn to make tapioca flour, which you'll find in most of the cuisine throughout Brazil! There is a stop for lunch near a natural pool for one final dip! You can either have lunch here or return to the village for lunch. Tour is appx 6 hours, and includes transportation in a 4x4 vehicle, tickets and tastings at the alambique, and English speaking guide.


Private Historic Centre Walking Tour
Excursion: On this 1 1/2 hour tour, you'll stroll through the streets of historic Paraty, and learn about how the village came to be, the meaning of the unique architecture and how it came to be a location of such cultural diversity. Tour is with pick up from your accommodation & English speaking guide.

Paraty - Ilhabela

Tag 8: Paraty - Ilhabela

Trip to Quilombo in Paraty
Shared Excursion: A quilombo was traditionally a refuge for runaway slaves. Today, this is a community of these peoples' descendants, who have their own unique culture, cuisine, and continued resistance. The Quilombo do Campinho da Independência, specifically was founded by three women who earned the land by their former slave owner, who welcomed several recently freed slaves, and have created a matriarchal community that thrives to this day, just 13 km from the historic centre, and is a must visit destination when in Paraty. You will learn about the history of the place, the community's struggle to maintain their way of life, and about their culture, art, and food, as well as enjoy a beautiful day in nature. You will be welcomed to the quilombo by a "griô" (one of the community leaders - the word means "keeper of knowledge"), and after a chat with her, will take a walk in the community to learn about their agriculture and community development. Continue your walk through the community to the "casa da farinha", where you'll learn to make tapioca flour, and the "casa das artes", where you'll get a chance to see local artisans at work, and have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the community, where you'll savour a meal made with locally grown and produced ingredients. Estimated tour length: 4 hours Lunch is included


Transfer from Paraty to Ilhabela
Shared Mixed Transfer: Take a car and ferry transfer from Paraty the last town in Rio de Janeiro before reaching the state of São Paulo, south to Ilhabela, a tropical island off the São Paulo state coast.

Ilhabela

Tag 9: Ilhabela

Congada Workshop
Excursion: Take a short walking tour of Ilhabela's historic town centre, and then meet with congueiros. The Congada de São Benedito, on Ilhabela, is a cultural manifestation that has been present on the island for over 200 years. The congada is a musical tradition which has strong Bantu influences, and involves stories, dance, rhythms and chants. In this workshop, you will learn more about the traditions and the lore, and get a chance to make some music and learn some dance yourself!


Fishing Experience in Castelhanos
Excursion: Enjoy a typical lunch on Castelhanos beach at a local restaurant, and after resting for a bit - get to work with the local fishermen! In Castelhanos beach, the fishermen still use the traditional and artisanal nets for fishing, which are considered true works of art! The method they use created a fence around the fish, and was brought to this part of the world by the Japanese, in the 1920s. This method was adapted by the caiçaras of Castelhanos, and is now characteristic of the region. The trip to the fence will be a "ride along" with the fishermen in speed boats or canoes, depending on the distance. There, you will learn about the different fish they've caught, be able to interact with the fishermen, and of course, enjoy a beautiful boat ride through the Castelhanos bay, the prettiest on the island, since it's an open water bay. Once you return to the land, you'll participate in a workshop where you'll learn to make your own nets, and more about the art form itself. This short workshop will take place outdoors, amidst the canoes and trees that make up the landscape of Castelhanos.
Cross the island to Castelhanos, to learn more about the caiçara experience. The people in this village, on a beach which was a port region for enslaved people arriving from the African continent, have so many stories to tell! You will arrive for lunch and either have a fishing experience or hiking trail with the local community.

São Francisco Archaeological Site - São Sebastião - Sao Paulo

Tag 10: São Sebastião - São Paulo

São Francisco Archaeological Site
Excursion: This historic site used to be a farm that used enslaved labor through the 19th century. It is one of the sites recognized by UNESCO as an African Diaspora memory site. The visit has 2 highlights: The first, is the view. At 200 meters above sea level, from here you have incredible views of the bay. The second, is the enormous complex which was discovered by archaeologists, which contains dormitories which are said to have been occupied by the enslaved people of the farm, as well as a series of roads. You will learn about the supposed clandestine activity that occurred here, the production of sugar cane on the farm, and more about the history of the farm, and the lives of those who were enslaved on this property.


Transfer from São Sebastião to São Paulo
Car Transfer: Ground transfer from São Sebastião, SP to São Paulo, SP Estimated travel time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Sao Paulo - Salvador

Tag 11: São Paulo - Salvador

São Paulo Immigration Tour
Excursion: The largest city in the country is known for its diversity and melting pot of cultures, international cuisine, and more. On this tour, we'll explore the influences different immigrant groups had and continue to have on the city. Your guides will be a local guide, and a new local - an immigrant or refugee who has been living in the city for some time now, and speaks your language. You'll go through the city's "old centre", where you'll learn about the early European immigrants, African slaves, and the Arabic influence on commerce. The tour then goes to the Liberdade neighbourhood. Today, it is known as the "Japanese" neighbourhood, but virtually every immigrant group has passed through here! You'll pop in to Japanese and Chinese shops, a Luso library, and finish off at refugee welcoming centre and NGO, to learn about the city and country's current immigration situation.
This will be a short morning tour, which will end with lunch at Biyou'Z restaurant owned and operated by a Cameroonian immigrant with fusion foods.

Transfer from São Paulo International Airport (GRU) to your hotel
Car Transfer: Upon arrival in São Paulo, you will be met at the airport by a friendly driver, and transferred by private service to your hotel. Estimated transfer length: 1 hour


Flight from São Paulo (GRU) to Salvador (SSA)
Scheduled flight Transfer: Flight from São Paulo to Salvador. Estimated flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes
This flight can be quoted by us, but is not included in this sample itinerary rate.

Transfer from Salvador Airport (SSA) to your hotel
Car Transfer: This is a private transfer - you will be transfered from Salvador airport (SSA) to your hotel. Estimated travel time: 30 minutes

Salvador

Tag 12: Salvador

Mystic Bahia Tour
Excursion: A meeting with religious syncretism! For those who want to know some of the mysteries and curiosities about the religion that was brought from Africa by the slaves and took its roots in Bahia, this is the perfect script! Our tour will begin with a visit to Dique de Tororo, where you will know some of the entities present in Candomblé through the sculptures of the artist Tati Moreno. The next place to visit is the Sao Joaquim fair, where many artifacts are sold and used in ceremonies such as baskets for offerings and many herbs. To end our tour on a high note, we will visit one of the most traditional Candomblé sites in Salvador, there you will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of religion, their origins and their Orixás and have direct contact with the residents of the site. For sure, it will be a unique and amazing experience. Includes: English-speaking guide; transportation.


Community Cooking Class
Excursion: Today, you'll be cooking your own lunch! The class takes place at a traditional community in Salvador, where you'll learn from the women at the Cooks & Candy Association (ADOCCI), who cook and teach the art of gastronomy for lovers of good Bahian cuisine. The community about 30 min away from the city center. Once you're there, you'll learn all about the community project, and then leave to a local farmer's market to pick up fresh ingredients for class. Then, you're ready for your class. You'll be taught to prepare a "Mixed Moqueca," which is a seafood stew, and a typical dessert. And then of course, you eat! You can also take this time to have questions answered by the lovely ladies from the community and the local guide who will be with you. Transfer back to your hotel after lunch.

Recôncavo Baiano

Tag 13: Salvador

Recôncavo Baiano
Excursion: Today you will visit the region in Brazil with the largest African influence, the Recôncavo Baiano. This is region where a notable amount of people were enslaved in order to work the sugar cane fields. It is made up of several cities, some on islands, which are close to Salvador, so the full day tour will grant you an opportunity to visit a quilombola communities (communities initially started by runaway and freed slaves which resist to this day), where you'll hear stories from a griô and learn to produce dendê oil. You will then stop by the village of Cachoeira where you will learn about the different festivities that occur in the region which combine Catholic and Candomblé traditions. Enjoy lunch on a traditional farm of the region, and finish the tour with one of the most important economic activities in the region - tobacco production - which remains to this day. Visit a cigar factory - the greenhouses, the field and the drying and fermentation warehouses. The tour includes all transfers, tickets to attractions, lunch, community contributions, and English speaking guide.


Folkloric Show with Dinner
Shared Excursion: On this tour you will watch a demonstration of the main folkloric and cultural manifestations of Bahia. A light show, sounds and movements will involve you so that you cannot look away from the stage. Maculelê, Xaxado, Dance of the Orishas, Puxada de Rede, Samba de Roda and Capoeira will make you want to join the dance, not to mention the delicious typical dinner that will be served with some of the main dishes of Bahian cuisine.

Salvador

Tag 14: Salvador

Free Day in Salvador
Excursion: Enjoy a free day in Salvador, the first capital of Brazil and one of the oldest colonial cities of the Americas. This vibrant city thrives with Afro-Brazilian culture, elegant architecture and a buzzing coastline.


Transfer from your hotel to Salvador Airport (SSA)
Car Transfer: Private transfer from your hotel to the airport. Estimated travel time: around 30 minutes