The
Brazil
trip
For the love of
SAMBA DANCING NIGHTS
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​CARIOCA CULTURE
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​SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES
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​CAIPIRINHAS
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​IPANEMA BEACH
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AFRO-BRAZILIAN CUISINE
RIO LIVIN’
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UNBELIEVABLE SUNSETS
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FÚTBOL FANATICS​
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brazil
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Brazil caters to solo travelers in their 20s and 30s looking for an exhilarating adventure through this vibrant country. Imagine dancing to the rhythms of samba in Rio de Janeiro, relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches of Salvador, and exploring the charming, historic town of Cachoeira.
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Kick things off with your new travel crew surrounded by blue seas and pastel colored homes in Salvador. You’ll wander through the vibrant cobblestone streets of Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, savor the fresh fish flavors of Bahian cuisine, and catch a captivating dance performance showcasing the rich Afro-Brazilian presence in the region. You’ll even take a day trip to Cachoeira, known best for its beautiful colonial architecture and artisan crafts.
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Then, jet down the coast to world-famous Rio De Janeiro for three days of sun, sand, and samba. Trust us when we say the energy in this city and among Cariocas (Rio locals) is unmatched—you’ll get swept up in it in no time.
8 days/7 nights
starting at $3,399 USD
Limited single room upgrades starting from $599 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
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Included
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7 nights of accommodations in shared rooms (4 nights in Salvador, 3 nights in Rio de Janeiro)
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Option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners
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All transportation once your trip begins, including the flight from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro
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Locally led, Pelourinho guided walking tour (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
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Cachaça tasting experience
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Bahian percussion workshop
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Cachoeira day trip along the banks of the Paraguaçu River
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Cigar factory tour and rolling experience
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Family owned and operated moqueca cooking class
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Balé Folclórico da Bahia show
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Off-the-beaten-path Rio food and drink walking tour
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Ipanema beach day
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Traditional samba class with local teacher
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Night out in Rio’s Pedra do Sal
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Optional morning hike up Dois Irmãos and entrance fee
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FTLO trip leader
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*Activities are weather-dependent on all Brazil tours; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Arrival flight to Salvador & departure flight from Rio de Janeiro
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $200)
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Incidental expenses
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$81 Entry visa (goes into effect April 10, 2025)
day by day
Trip itineraries are subject to change. For more information, check out our FAQs HERE.
Day 1 - Salvador
Bom dia!
Welcome to Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia and to many, the soul of Brazil!
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After arriving at your seaside stay in Salvador, kick off your adventure with a group of new friends and your first caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail.
In the evening, we’ll head out for a welcome dinner and cuisine that infuses local flavors of the northeast into every bite.
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After dinner, feel free to check out the excitement of Rio Vermelho. Full of outdoor seating with ocean views and live music, it’s the perfect place for a nightcap to raise a toast to your first day in Brazil.
Disconnect
Day 2 - Salvador
Old Town
Start day two by diving into the history of Salvador’s Pelourinho neighborhood, Brazil’s first capital city. With our guide, discover a past and present shaped by the Afro-Brazilian community as we stroll through colonial streets of this UNESCO Site.
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For lunch, we’re hitting up a local hangout for a modern take on traditional favorites and then checking out the in-house cellar to try three different types of Brazil’s national spirit, cachaça—liquor distilled from sugarcane, often blended with sugar and lime to create the tangy caipirinha.
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To finish out the day, we’ll be meeting an expert percussionist to learn about Bahian rhythm and spirit through a drumming workshop. You’ll discover how African musical traditions have been preserved and integrated into local culture as you rock out on the surdo and timbau (though that may be the cachaça working its magic).
explore
Day 3 - Salvador & Cachoeira
Ready to Roll
Today, we’re heading to the banks of the Paraguaçu River and colorful, off-the-beaten-path Cachoeira (also a UNESCO Site) for a glimpse of local life. With a history of craftsmanship and artistic expression, this tiny town is a cultural mecca.
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Start with a xylography workshop, where you’ll learn woodcut printing and even create your own print! This unique art comes from the region’s colonial past, yet works often act as a voice for the community. Afterward, enjoy a farm-fresh meal at a nearby fazenda with stunning valley views before we hit up our last stop at a cigar factory that’s been operating since 1872. Learn all about it and even roll up your own cigar.
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The evening is yours, but we highly recommend enjoying the local street food back in Salvador with the crew. You have to try acarajé (deep-fried, shrimp-stuffed, mashed black-eyed peas) at least once in Salvador.
Savour
Day 4 - Salvador
Flavor of Bahia
This morning is free to explore at your own pace. It’s a great opportunity to take a stroll down toward the lively Farol da Barra, where you can rent an umbrella and chair or chill by the hotel pool with a pre-noon cocktail.
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In the afternoon, you’ll meet up with the crew for a culinary experience led by a local family. Learn to prepare moqueca, a traditional Afro-Brazilian seafood stew, and savor Salvador’s flavorful blend of African, Portuguese, and indigenous influenced cuisine.
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For our last night in Salvador, we’re going out with a bang! We’ll start the night by checking out a performance by Balé Folclórico da Bahia, where the stories of the region unfold through dance, music, and folklore. After the show, head back toward Rio Vermelho, grab a table outside, share a few laughs, and have one too many Brahmas with your travel buddies.
lounge
Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro
Ohhh Rio
On to Rio! This magical city is home to the stunning Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World), iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, and the best Carnival festival in the world.
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After we get into Rio, freshen up at the hotel before we head out on a food and drink tour through two of the coolest neighborhoods in town, Lapa and Santa Teresa. Between stops at local botecos, where you’ll try aged cachaças and batida fruit shots, snack on pão de queijo (cheese buns) and feijoada (black bean stew) to keep you going.
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And then the night’s free, but let’s be honest, we’ve already got the party started…and we’re in Rio, one of the most exciting cities on the planet! Head to Mercado Da Pulga for the wild Samba do Guimarães or Little Club for an intimate Bossa Nova show.
Play
Day 6 - Rio de Janeiro
Ipanema Loungin’
There were two iconic songs written about the two famous beaches in Rio De Janeiro…and today, you’ll get to see what all the hype is about.
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Spend a leisurely day in Ipanema relaxing under umbrellas, swimming in the clear turquoise waters, or watching beach soccer along these iconic golden sands. When it’s time for a bite, we’ll keep the good times going just off the beach. Grab a beer, listen to some local tunes, and soak up more of that Rio magic.
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The evening is free, but we recommend hunting down a steakhouse for a taste of real churrasco culture. After that it’s time to move like the Brazilians as we learn samba from the pros before checking out the birthplace of it all and dancing the night away under the lights in Pedra do Sal.
wonder
Day 7 - Rio de Janeiro
Views for You
After grabbing a bite with the crew and sharing a few too many laughs over those brilliant moves from last night, your final day in Rio is free for you to explore any way you like.
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If you’re after breathtaking views, join us for an optional hike to the mind-blowing vistas of Dois Irmãos Mountain. You could also take a tour of world-famous Maracanã fútbol Stadium, explore Feira de Copacabana for souvenirs, or eat up at Junta Local, where Rio’s up-and-coming chefs showcase their talents.
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Reunite with the group for evening cocktails and then we’re wrapping things up with one last taste of Brazil and our farewell dinner to toast the town.
book
Day 8 - Rio de Janeiro
Bye Brazil!
Share a last laugh with friends you’ll absolutely see again, and get ready to jet. From the captivating rhythms of Salvador to the arts of Cachoeira and the panoramic views of Rio, we hope you’ve loved Brazil.
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If you’ve got to head home, we hope to see you again soon. If you’re one of the lucky ones with more time to spare, then keep on exploring. From the Amazon to Florianopolis, there’s always more to see in the largest country on the continent!
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Of course, if you want to see more of South America, we can’t recommend that enough. Check out our Argentina trip for your next adventure (if you’re in no rush!) or head west toward Colombia for some tropical fun..
FAST FACTS
About brazil
Brazil is a massive nation of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant energy. From the lush Amazon Rainforest and the roaring Iguazu Falls to the sun-kissed shores of its iconic beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema, the views are staggering.
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As both the largest country on the continent and one of the most diverse South American countries, it’s a mix of indigenous traditions, Portuguese influences, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms, reflected in music, dance, and cuisine (it’s not uncommon for lively street parties to continue until dawn as samba beats fill the air). Whether you visit major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo for Carnival celebrations or explore off-the-beaten path destinations like Cahoeira in shoulder season, that world-famous culture is there to welcome you.
GOOD TO KNOW
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Portuguese is the official language of Brazil
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The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL)
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Tipping 10% at bars and restaurants is appreciated
Trip notes
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms on our Brazil tour, we highly suggest booking your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
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Starting on April 10, 2025, a visa will be required for U.S. citizens to visit Brazil, regardless of the purpose of travel. For more information about visa requirements, visit the Brazilian government-authorized website.
flight information
Fly into Salvador International
Airport (SSA)
Plan to arrive at Salvador–Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport by 1:00 pm on day 1. The cab ride to the hotel will take approximately 50 minutes.
Fly out of Galeão International Airport (GIG)
or Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Hotel checkout is at noon, but you can fly out at any time.
Alumni Reviews
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