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Overview

Bakari's Brazil
Rio de Janeiro & Salvador da Bahia
Oct 21 - Nov 2, 2026
Kola Nut Travel image
Kola Nut Travel
$4,099
Deposit: $500

About your trip

Bakari Santos will be leading this tour to Brazil. Bakari is considered the unofficial Los Angeles Brazilian Cultural Ambassador. You are in for a treat. You will visit exciting places in the Favelas and meet community members who keep the African Diaspora experience alive in Rio de Janeiro. Through Bakari's lens, you see his birthplace in Rio's colorful landscape when you explore the vibrant history and culture of Rio, Bahia, and Cachoeira, including a special visit to the Sisterhood of Boa Morte, where the essence of Afro-Brazilian traditions comes alive. This tour will include opportunities that are not included in a traditional tour, and not necessarily included here. The experience will be a reflection of they rhythms, culture, and traditions, with an option to experience connections with the communities you will visit.

In Bahia, Paula Santos, the foremost African Cultural Consultant, will be joining us. It doesn't get any better than this. You do not want to miss out on this one, this is serious business with serious information about the Land of Happiness you cannot find by Google or AI, and the Afro Brazilian focus in Salvador da Bahia.

Prepare for an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary—bring your passport, visa, walking shoes, and, of course, your dancing shoes. This is not just a trip; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the pulsating rhythms, exquisite fashion, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking sites of one of the world’s most captivating destinations. Don’t miss the chance to create unforgettable memories and gain insights that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Steps to Secure Your Spot - Deposits

  • Submit your initial nonrefundable deposit of $500 per person. In this way, you will be included in our group air space, which is substantially less expensive than searching for something comparable.

  • Complete the online registration to accompany your deposit.

  • Yes, we also have a payment plan. The Balance is due no later than August 15, 2026.

  • We will keep the Tour Open until we reach our maximum capacity. The air space is minimal, so it will be essential to be added to that list immediately.

Steps to Secure Your Spot - Confirmation

  • You will receive a confirmation letter via email or USPS (your choice), including all the information provided for this tour. It is also on our website.

  • Start shopping for Travel Insurance; this is very important. We also have a link for you to purchase through Allianz if you are interested. It is under Services on Kola Nut Travel's home page.

  • Through this process, we will keep you updated monthly on any information you might find of interest.

Steps to Secure Your Spot -Visas

  • Visa Information will be provided as well as any other travel requirements.

Steps to Secure Your spot - Payments

  • We accept Zelle, if you desire to pay in that manner, we will send you the Zelle Informatin.

  • You may pay online through our payment portal.

  • You may also make payments by check.

What's included

Air

Economy Air from LAX (Air can be arranged from other cities, inquire)

4* Hotel Accommodations

4* Hotel Accommodations

Transportation

R/T Airport Transfers & Ground Transportation to Tours

Tour Guide

Paula Santos - Renown African Brazilian Tour Expert

Group Leader

Bakari Santos Brazilian Specialist

English Speaking Guide

Paula Santos - Bahian Cultural Specialist

Rio de Janeiro

4 Nights @ Mar Palace Copacabana Hotel

Salvador da Bahia

7 Nights @ Mercure Hotel Rio Vermelho

Tours

Rio, Little Afrika, the Favela Community, Bahia, Cachoeira, plus more

Meals

11 Breakfast Daily, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinner

What's not included

Gratuities

Gratuities to Guides/Drivers/Hotel Staff

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is highly recommended

Beverages

Beverages Not Listed in Tour

Meals

Meals not included in the itinerary

Visas

Brazilian Visa (Approximately $80US

Domestic Air

Flight between Rio and Salvador must be purchased separately. The cost is approximately $90 per person. Kola Nut Travel and provide ticketing for this air segment.

Day 1 - Thursday -Oct 22

Day 1 - Thursday -Oct 22 image

Rio de Janeiro Arrival - Sugarloaf

 Upon arrival, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, Mar Palace Copacabana Hotel. Your hotel has been reserved to assist you with an early check-in. Your early check-in has been prearranged, so you may go to your room immediately. Breakfast is served early, so be mindful of the hours upon actual hotel check-in. At approximately 2:30 pm, you will be met in the lobby for your orientation. You will then depart on your sunset trip to Sugarloaf Cable, and later to your Welcome Dinner.

***Special Note: Since you will be traveling with Bakari during this program, you will be introduced to locations and experiences that are not part of the traditional tours. It will truly be exciting. You will learn more about this during our Zoom Call scheduled in late February.

Hotel: Mar Palace Copacabana (BD)

Day 2 - Friday - 23 Oct

Day 2 - Friday - 23 Oct image

Rio - Corcovado

 After Breakfast, you will depart for a full-day exploration of the wonders of the world. You will board the train to travel up the hill to visit Christ the Redeemer, 25 feet tall, for a scenic view of all of Rio. Many other surprises are in store for you. During your escapade, you will stop for Lunch.

O/N Mar Palace Copacabana Hotel (BL)

Day 3 -Saturday - Oct 24

Day 3 -Saturday - Oct 24 image

Rio de Janeiro - Little Afrika/Harbour Square

 Little Africa (Pequena África)  is the heart of the African-Brazilian culture.  Known as the birthplace of samba, it is located in the historic port region (Saúde, Gamboa, Santo Cristo), where enslaved Africans arrived. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valongo Wharf, Pedra do Sal, and vibrant cultural expressions in street art, music (samba), food, and community, preserving a powerful legacy of resistance and rich heritage.  Returning to your hotel, later you will do a little Samba by Night.


Meals:  B


O/N  Mar Palace Copacabana

Day 4 Sunday - Oct 25

Day 4 Sunday - Oct 25 image

Rio - Ipanema Hippie Faire & the Beach

Explore as you please.

O/N  Mar Palace Copacabana (B)

Day 5 - Monday- Oct 26

Day 5 - Monday- Oct 26 image

Departure to Salvador da Bahia

Upon arrival you will be met by our Kola Nut Travel Representative and transfered to you hotel. After check-in there will be a brief overall about your experiences in Bahia,. You are free to explore your surroundings before getting perhaps a good night's rest to prepare for tomorrow.


O/N  Mercure Hotel Rio Vermelho (B)

Day 7-Tuesday - Oct 27

Day 7-Tuesday - Oct 27 image

Bahia Full Day City Tour


After Breakfast you will start on your Full Day City Tour of Bahia. Stopping for lunch at the Restaurante Escola Senac in the Pelourinho for a buffet lunch of traditional Bahian cuisine. Later you will continue on your tour.

This evening you may consider going to the Terça da Benção.

O/N    Mercure Hotel Rio Vermelho (BL)

Day 7 -Wednesday -Oct 28

Day 7 -Wednesday -Oct 28 image

Spiritual Heritage Tour

 

Today you will be out and about most of the day, exploring the Afro Spiritual Heritage venues.


O/N  Mercure Hotel Rio Vermelho (B)

Day 8 - Thursday-Oct 29

Day 8  - Thursday-Oct 29 image

Cachoeira

After breakfast, you will ride to Cachoeira, home of the Sisterhood of Boa Morte. A historic, all-female Afro-Brazilian religious society in Bahia, Brazil, founded by freed slaves in the 19th century, blending Catholicism with African traditions. It is the oldest of its kind in the world. A popular location that celebrates the lives of enslaved Africans over three days.


O/N Mercure Hotel Rio Vermelho(BL)

Day - 9 - Friday-Oct 30

Day - 9 - Friday-Oct 30 image

Bloco Afro Ilê Aiyê ++++

Today WE take a trip to the Community Organization Block Afro Ilê Aiyê. Later in the evening we will be a guest of honor for dinner and a beautiful Afro-Brazilian Show., Bahia by Night.

 

 

O/N Mercure Hotel Rio Vermelho(BD)

Day 10 -Saturday-Oct 31

Day 10 -Saturday-Oct 31 image

Exploration on your own.

Free Time, enjoy!

O/N Mercure Hotel Rio Vermelho(B)

Day 11 - Saturday-Nov 1

Day 11 - Saturday-Nov 1 image

Your Last Day to Explore, Experiences & Share

Your day is free for personal pursuits.

O/N Mercure Hotel Rio Vermelho (B)

Day 12 - Monday - Nov 2

Day 12 - Monday - Nov 2 image

Homeward Bound

About your organizer

Kola Nut Travel is a full-service travel agency established in 1986. We provide corporate and leisure travel services. Our leisure division arranges customized travel programs.

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