Rio and Salvador in 7 to 8 days, private trip

At a glance

Salvador was the first capital of Portuguese America, from 1549 to 1763. UNESCO describes it as a place where European, African and Amerindian cultures met, and that history shapes the Afro-Brazilian culture the city is known for. After Rio’s beaches and viewpoints, it gives the trip a different rhythm.

Day by day

Day 1: arrival in Rio

A driver meets you at Galeão or Santos Dumont and takes you to your hotel. Afternoon on the beach and an easy dinner.

Day 2: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf

Corcovado in the morning by train from Cosme Velho or by official van; the train runs every 20 minutes from 8:00, with check-in at least 40 minutes before your slot. Until about the end of May 2027 the last 80 steps at the monument are on foot. After lunch, Santa Teresa and the Selarón Steps, then the Sugarloaf cable car for sunset (last car up at 19:30).

Day 3: a slower day in Rio

The Botanical Garden, the lagoon and Ipanema, or the centre and the Museu do Amanhã. More ideas on our Rio itinerary.

Day 4: flight to Salvador and Barra

The driver takes you to the airport, and another meets you in Salvador. In the late afternoon, Barra: the Farol da Barra stands in the Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra, which the city tourism portal calls one of the first military buildings in Brazil. Inside is the Museu Náutico da Bahia; the portal does not list its hours, so we confirm them for your dates.

Day 5: Pelourinho and the historic center

A morning walk with a private guide, before the heat. The historic center has been on the UNESCO list since 1985, and Pelourinho keeps close to its 16th-century street plan. UNESCO names the Catedral Basílica, the churches and convents of São Francisco, São Domingos, Carmo and Santo Antônio, and the squares Largo Terreiro de Jesus and Largo de São Francisco among its main monuments. The streets go up and down, so wear comfortable shoes.

Day 6: the Lacerda Elevator, the Lower City and capoeira

The Elevador Lacerda links the Upper City, on an escarpment about 85 m high, with the Lower City. It runs from 6:00 to 22:00 and the ride takes about 30 seconds. Below it is the Mercado Modelo, with 263 shops on two floors in the former customs house. In the afternoon, a local guide can take you to watch a roda de capoeira, which UNESCO inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014, or plan a stop built around food or music.

Day 7: a beach day or departure

A slow day on the beach, or the flight home. With an eighth day, keep day 7 for the beach and fly out on day 8, home or back to Rio.

How to adapt it

• Shorter. Seven days with two nights in Rio and three full days in Salvador.
• Longer. Continue north to Recife and Olinda, or add a stay on the coast: see beach holidays in Brazil. For a two-week route, see the Brazil itinerary.
• With children. Shorter walks in Pelourinho, the elevator ride as a highlight and more beach time. More on our Rio family trip page.
• With older travellers. We use the car between the levels where the streets are steep and plan the walks for the cooler morning hours.
• Add-ons in Rio. A samba night, a helicopter flight or a photoshoot.

What we arrange

• Transfers at the airports in Rio and Salvador.
• A car and driver for the touring days in both cities.
• Guides who speak your language, confirmed in the proposal.
• A selection of hotels in Rio and in Salvador, in the area you prefer.
• Corcovado and Sugarloaf tickets planned for your dates, and the program on site in Salvador.
• One contact on our team from your request to the flight home.

We do not sell flights, but we build every day around yours. Our fee is already included in the price. A vetted local provider delivers each service. More in how we work.

Good to know

• Mercado Modelo opens Monday to Saturday 9:00 to 18:00 and Sunday 9:00 to 14:00, per the city tourism portal.
• Salvador’s Carnival runs on three official circuits: Dodô, Osmar and Batatinha. On 21.10.2026 the 2027 program had not been published, and we confirm dates once the city announces them.
• The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for the whole state of Rio de Janeiro and for designated areas of Bahia, without naming Salvador. Ask your doctor in time.
• The U.S. State Department keeps all of Brazil at Level 2, “exercise increased caution” (advisory of 31.08.2026). Read your own government’s advice before you book; our general page is Rio safety tips.

Check entry requirements on official websites before you travel.