9 Day Rio & Salvador Brazil Itinerary
Listen, Brazil isn’t just about Carnival sequins and samba parades (though those are pretty spectacular). This country is lit 365 days a year, and I’m here to tell you why my 9-day adventure through Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahia deserves a spot on your bucket list!
When I told friends I was heading to Brazil as a solo Black woman traveler, I got more raised eyebrows than a telenovela plot twist. But here’s a life lesson I’ll share for free: Never let someone else’s fears hijack your dreams. Brazil turned out to be everything I hoped for and then some. During this life-changing adventure, expect to visit world-famous sites like Christ the Redeemer, indulge in local food, explore Black history through specialized tours, and hike scenic trails. I’ll also share logistics on where to stay, how to get from Rio to Salvador, and other essential travel tips to make your journey smoother.
*Read: The Best Things To Do In Rio de Janeiro
Day 1: Touchdown in Rio – Settle into Copacabana
Accommodation: Selina Hostel (budget friendly) or the Arena Hotel (mid-budget), Copacabana | Today’s Highlight: Bike ride along Copacabana Beach | Must-Try: Churros de Chaves
After touchdown in Rio, I made my way to Selina Hostel in the heart of Copacabana. This neighborhood is the perfect home base for first-timers in Rio. Once I’d tossed my bags in my room, I rented a bike from one of the many stations along the beach (it’s basically Rio’s version of Citi Bike, so you have to download the Bike Itaú app) and cruised along the iconic black-and-white mosaic promenade.
On Sundays, the street is closed for a few hours so people can bike, rollerblade, run, walk, etc., without any incoming traffic.
Do yourself a favor and stop at Churros de Chaves for a warm, cinnamon-sugar delight filled with dulce de leche or chocolate. Nothing says “welcome to Brazil” quite like licking melted chocolate off your fingers while watching the waves crash on Copacabana Beach.
Day 2: Eat Rio Food Tour
Today’s Adventure: Eat Rio Food Tour | Calories Consumed: Countless | Regrets: Zero
If you think Brazilian food is just steak and red meat on skewers, prepare to rock your culinary world. On your first full day, immerse yourself in Brazilian cuisine with the Eat Rio Food Tour. This tour is a perfect introduction to the Brazilian food scene. Across ten different stops, you’ll sample everything from fluffy cheese bread (pão de queijo—which I’m still dreaming about) to Amazonian açaí bowls and tapioca pancakes with guava and cheese.
Day 3: The Black Rio Immersion Tour
Today’s Adventure: Black Rio Immersion Tour | Highlight: Behind-the-scenes at a samba school | What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, curiosity, and a water bottle
Today, dive into Rio’s Afro-Brazilian roots on the Black Rio Immersion Tour. This tour takes you to Little Africa, a neighborhood in Rio that played a central role in developing samba and Afro-Brazilian culture. You’ll visit important historical sites and see how the city celebrates its African heritage today.
My favorite part of the tour was visiting a samba school, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at a samba school preparing for Carnaval. Watching the dancers practice their routines (and failing miserably when they invited me to try) gave me a whole new appreciation for the athleticism and artistry behind the celebration. Those sequined costumes might look magical, but let me tell you – samba is a serious workout!
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle—there’s a lot of walking involved as you explore Rio’s historical neighborhoods.
*Read: Visiting Rio’s Little Africa Neighborhood: My Experience on the Black Rio Immersion Tour
Day 4: Bucket List Moment – Ride a Doors-Off Helicopter Ride
Today’s Adventure: Helicopter ride over Christ the Redeemer | Highlight: Marius Deguste
Live life on the edge with a 30-minute, doors-off helicopter ride over Rio’s most famous landmark, Christ the Redeemer. Christ the Redeemer looks impressive from the ground, but seeing it from above gives you a whole new perspective. And yes, you can stick your feet out of the helicopter for that classic Instagram shot! I promise it’s not as terrifying as it sounds… or maybe the adrenaline makes you forget to be scared.
*Book: Open-Door Helicopter Ride
Important Note: The helicopter ride has a 250-lb weight limit per person, so check before booking. Be sure to book the ride in advance, as it tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
After your adrenaline-filled morning, balance things out with an evening of pure indulgence at Marius Degustare. Imagine Fogo de Chão had a baby with the fanciest buffet you’ve ever seen. This restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat experience featuring premium cuts of meat and a seafood spread that would make Poseidon jealous.
Skip lunch entirely. Your future self will thank you when you’re facing down a parade of servers with skewers of perfectly grilled meats. The restaurant has a quirky nautical theme that somehow works, and the service makes you feel like Brazilian royalty.
Day 5: Explore Rio’s Iconic Landmarks
Today’s Mission: See all of Rio’s famous landmarks in one day | Method: Tripadvisor tour because efficiency is key | Sites: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Tijuca Forest, Selarón Steps
No trip to Rio would be complete without visiting its most iconic landmarks, and day five was all about crossing those must-sees off my list. I booked a tour that promised to hit all the highlights in one day – ambitious, but totally doable with the right guide.
First stop: Christ the Redeemer. Let me tell you, photos don’t do this massive statue justice. Standing 98 feet tall with arms stretched 92 feet wide, it’s a genuine “wow” moment when you first see it.
Afterwards, you make a few stops at the Tijuca National Forest, a tropical rainforest right in the heart of Rio, the Selarón Steps, a staircase covered in colorful tiles from around the world, and a few other places.
The tour ends at Sugarload Mountain. You’ll take a cable car up for more stunning views of Rio’s coastline and cityscape.
Book: Rio’s Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included
Day 6: Salvador da Bahia
Travel Day: Rio to Salvador flight | Accommodation: Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho Hotel | Evening Plans: Dinner at Qattro + gelato therapy at Gelato Luca
Welcome to the the Blackest city outside of the continent of Africa! A quick morning flight took me from Rio to Salvador, a city where the African influences on Brazilian cuisine, music, and religion are most strongly felt.
After checking into the Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho Hotel, head out for dinner at Qattro Gastronomia & Cultura, a local restaurant that blends Brazilian and international flavors.
After dinner, indulge in a sweet treat from Gelato Luce before strolling along the beach near your hotel. Salvador’s nightlife is legendary, especially if you’re into live music. Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations – they know which spots are tourist-friendly and which are having the best performances that night.
Day 7: The Black Salvador Experience
The Black Salvador Immersion Tour took me through the Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It focused on the city’s complex history with the transatlantic slave trade and the powerful cultural resilience that emerged from it.
What makes this tour special is how it connects historical sites to living traditions. We visited places central to capoeira (the Afro-Brazilian martial art disguised as dance), learned about Candomblé (a syncretic religion with West African roots), and saw how these traditions continue to shape contemporary life in Salvador.
One of the most fascinating things I learned was how intertwined African spirituality is with Salvadoran culture. Literally everywhere, you’ll see a mural, sculpture, or altar to honor orishas.
This is definitely a full-day tour with lots of walking, so wear your most comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and stay hydrated.
Day 8: Carnaval Museum & Bale Folclorico Show
Morning: Hotel pool/beach relaxation (because vacation) | Afternoon: Carnaval Museum | Evening: Balé Folclórico da Bahia performance
Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel’s pool or beach before diving into Salvador’s carnival culture. In the afternoon, visit the Carnaval Museum, where you’ll learn about the history and traditions of Brazil’s most famous festival. Even if you’re visiting outside of Carnival season (like I was), the museum brings the festival to life through elaborate costumes, interactive exhibits, and videos of past celebrations. Learning about Salvador’s unique take on Carnival – which differs significantly from Rio’s version – gave me a deeper appreciation for the regional diversity of Brazilian culture.
Museums are free on Wednesdays!
In the evening, watch the Bale Folclorico de Bahia, a renowned dance company that performs traditional Afro-Brazilian dances. This show is a must-see, showcasing Bahia’s rich heritage through music and dance.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to the performance. The best seats fill up quickly, and you’ll want a good view of the intricate footwork and expressions.
Day 9: Back to Rio – One Last Adventure
On your final day, fly back to Rio and check into a hotel in the charming Santa Teresa neighborhood. After settling in, head out for a hike up Pedra de Gavea, one of Rio’s most scenic trails. The hike is moderately challenging but offers stunning city views, beaches, and mountains.
If you have extra time before your flight home, consider visiting some local art galleries or cafes in Santa Teresa.
Have you been to Brazil, or is it on your bucket list? Please share your questions or experiences in the comments below. And if this itinerary has you dreaming of caipirinhas and samba, be sure to share it with your travel buddies!
Pin this comprehensive Brazil itinerary to your travel board for future adventures!
You May Also Like
The Comments
Anonymous
Very energetic post, I looved that bit. Will there
be a part 2?