Carnival Experience - 16 Days
From glamourous Rio to the backroads of Bahia, this short trip through Brazil will show you the highlights of this amazing country in just two weeks. From Rio we head towards the colonial, mining towns of Minas Gerais state and then we head north to hit those stunning Bahian beaches, lapped by warm, crystal clear waters. After relaxing at the coast we head inland for a more active jaunt on foot or on horseback through Chapada Diamantina National Park. And to round it all off we visit Salvador, the magnificent colonial gem of a city overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 1
Rio. There can’t be many, more beautiful and exciting cities in the world to start this tour. Rio is one of the world’s most famous cities, and with good reason. There is so much to do and see in Rio that we recommend you arrive a couple of days early to take in as much as you can.
No visit to Rio is complete without a trip to the world famous statue of Corpus Christi on the Corcovado mountain, which can be viewed from almost anywhere in the city. Standing 100 feet high on the mountain, the statue commands the best view in town. We advise getting there early in order to beat not only the crowds, but also the haze, which covers the city about, mid-morning.
Keep an afternoon free to spend at the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, sunbathing and watching the locals in their element. Visit the many market stalls along the waterfront areas at both beaches. From the beach, head up to Sugarloaf Mountain to enjoy a fantastic sunset and a few drinks.
Another recommendation is to take a Favela Tour to some of the poorer districts of Rio. It is a unique and interesting insight into how the local people live.
Days 2-4
Minas Gerais (Ouro Preto and Mariana). Heading inland, we drive towards the gold rush town of Ouro Preto. A quarter of a millennium ago, Ouro Preto used to be the richest town in the new world but today it’s a university town with a scattering of baroque churches across it’s twisting, cobbled streets.
Take a side trip to nearby Mariana, another old, mining town, and step back in time. A stroll around the hilly streets reveals a scene of museums, churches and beautiful 18th century houses as well as many fantastic photo opportunities.
Days 5-7
Carcavelos and Trancoso. From the hills of the interior, we head back towards the coast of Bahia, Brazil’s famous state that blends African, European and South American cultures. Our eventual destination is the laid-back village of Trancoso, where you can soak up the sun on the endless, stunning beaches. Or perhaps sample some of those wonderful Brazilian fruit shakes made with all kinds of weird and wonderful tropical fruits: papayas, mangoes, passion fruits and pineapples to name but a few of the more common fruits! Or for the more energetic, you might want to rent a buggy and explore the nearby towns of Arraial D’Ajuda and Porto Seguro (optional).
Days 8, 9
Ilheus. Heading north up the coast of Bahia state, we break our journey for a couple of days in Ilheus to discoverer yet more stunning beaches. Take a stroll around the colonial, town centre or visit the church or the museum or just kick back and relax.
Day 10
Salvador. Our next stop is Salvador, the jewel in Bahia’s crown. Salavdor is Brazil’s third largest city and is magnificently set overlooking Bahia’s turquoise waters. One of the main attractions here is the historical area, bursting with stunning, colonial architecture. Pastel painted homes and houses in old rose; sherbet yellow and baby blue mingle with beautiful old churches. Take a stroll down the Largo de Pelourinho where slaves were auctioned or visit some of the many museums to learn about this historical and multicultural area of Brazil.
There are many typical Bahian foods and dishes that you should try whilst you are here: vatapa, which are made from coconut and shrimp, or moqueca, a coconut milk stew. And don’t forget the famous Acie, an odd looking concoction made from an Amazonian fruit which Brazilians eat in copious quantities and claim that it gives them an energy kick!
Days 11-13
Lencois and Chapada Diamantina National Park. Once again we head inland towards the area of Lencois, with its forests, mountains and national park: Chapada Diamantina. Diamonds were originally mined in the area, hence the name Diamantina – even today you may still come across diamond prospectors. There are all sorts of possibilities in the national park here for hiking the many trails, and swimming in natural swimming holes and exploring the waterfalls, caves and streams.
Day 14
Salvador. Tour finishes and the memories begin.
ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
Hotel Accommodation
9 Nights
Camping
4 Nights
Kumuka Overland Truck
On Foot
HIGHLIGHTS
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS MARKED *
Brazil
Colonial Mining towns of Ouro Preto and Mariana, Beaches of Bahia State, Chapada Diamantina NP Hiking, Caves and Waterfalls, Historic Salvador, Favela Tour Rio*, Corcavado and Christ Statue*, Sambadrome*, Sugar Loaf Mountain*, Dune Buggy Ride*, Horseriding*, Hiking*
