Learn percussion & dance • Celebrate at legendary festivals • Explore Salvador's beaches & nightlife
12 participants max | 7-12 days | From $800 | November–February 2025-2026
Learn percussion, dance, and cultural traditions from Salvador's most respected musicians and choreographers:
Professional musician, Dendê Project instructor
Former member of Timbalada, one of Salvador's most famous percussion groups
From Federação, one of Salvador's historic communities
Your Instructor: Percussion fundamentals, traditional Bahian rhythms, and cultural context
Born into Griot family in Guinea
Former principal dancer of Ballet Djoliba
Multi-album recording artist specializing in West African percussion
Your Instructor: West African percussion techniques and dance traditions
From Garcia favela, started performing professionally at age 14
Toured 20+ countries as professional percussionist
One of Salvador's most recognized cultural musicians
Your Instructor: Advanced percussion techniques and Salvador street culture
Salvador-born dancer, choreographer, and model
Performed with folkloric groups and carnival parades worldwide
Featured in musical productions and international festivals
Your Instructor: Traditional Bahian dance, movement, and performance
Brazilian percussionist and cultural translator
10+ years partnering with master musicians on international tours
Portuguese/English interpretation specialist
Your Guide: Translation, cultural interpretation, and musical coordination
A balanced journey: Master traditional arts, celebrate at authentic festivals, and experience Salvador's vibrant culture
3-5 hands-on sessions (depending on package) with Vanderson "Macumbinha" and Junior "Pai de Santo"
Learn authentic Bahian rhythms on traditional instruments in small group format. Progress from fundamentals to performance-level skills with direct feedback from masters who've performed with Timbalada and toured internationally.
📸 Leave with skills you can demonstrate and rhythms you've mastered
3-5 sessions with Derica de Assis and Djanko "Kalaban"
Experience traditional Bahian and West African dance from choreographers who've performed on international stages. Learn the cultural meaning behind each movement.
🎭 Connect to culture through embodied tradition
Participate in real community events, not tourist shows
Join Salvador's famous street parties and Afro-Brazilian cortejos during Black Consciousness Week, Lavagem do Bonfim, or other cultural celebrations depending on your dates.
🎉 Dance and celebrate alongside locals in genuine cultural expressions
Experience traditional celebrations with respectful guidance
Through Peter's long-standing community relationships, you'll be welcomed to participate in traditional cultural celebrations—not as a spectator, but as a respectful guest with proper cultural context and community consent.
Guided exploration of UNESCO World Heritage sites
Walk colonial streets, visit historic churches, and understand the layered history of Brazil's first capital with cultural context from your guides.
Meet cultural practitioners in their communities
Visit the neighborhoods where your instructors live and work. Share meals and conversations with the musicians and cultural leaders teaching you—authentic interactions, not staged tourist experiences.
Explore one of Brazil's largest Afro-Brazilian markets
Discover ingredients, herbs, crafts, and sacred items used in traditional spiritual practices while learning about their cultural significance with respectful guidance.
Experience Salvador's rich calendar of authentic cultural celebrations
Black Consciousness Week (November): Street parties and Afro-Brazilian resistance celebrations | Festa da Conceição (December): Religious processions and beach festivities | Lavagem do Bonfim (January): Iconic church washing ceremony with millions of participants | Festa de Iemanjá (February): Ocean goddess offerings at Rio Vermelho beach.
Visit museums and cultural centers
Explore institutions preserving and celebrating Afro-Brazilian culture, from historic churches to contemporary cultural centers.
Full-day excursion to Ilha dos Frades and Ilha de Itaparica
Relax on pristine beaches, swim in crystal waters, and enjoy fresh seafood while recovering from intensive cultural immersion.
Porto da Barra, Itapuã, and coastal neighborhoods
Experience Salvador's stunning coastline and beach culture, from historic Porto da Barra to the bohemian vibes of Rio Vermelho.
Evening cultural experiences and social connection
Experience Rio Vermelho's bohemian bars, live samba and MPB performances, and Salvador's legendary street parties. Your guides show you authentic local spots, not tourist traps.
Detailed pricing, itineraries, and inclusions for all 4 months
Choose your perfect accommodation level
All accommodations are centrally located in Salvador's safe tourist areas with 24/7 security. Couples automatically receive private rooms in all packages. Solo travelers can upgrade from shared to private rooms for additional comfort and privacy.
Compare all packages with detailed pricing and availability
View All Packages & Pricing →Each month features unique cultural celebrations. Choose your experience:
November 19-26, 2025
Airport transfer to accommodations. Evening welcome dinner in Santo Antônio Além do Carmo with program overview and meet your instructors.
Participate in historic march from Campo Grande to Pelourinho celebrating Zumbi dos Palmares and Afro-Brazilian resistance. Evening percussion class with Macumbinha introducing traditional rhythms.
Morning Afro-Brazilian dance class with Derica de Assis. Afternoon guided visit to Feira de São Joaquim market learning about traditional ingredients and cultural items.
Tour of Cidade Baixa including Igreja do Bonfim and Ribeira waterfront. Evening performance by Balé Folclórico da Bahia with pre-show cultural context.
Full-day boat trip to Ilha dos Frades and Ilha de Itaparica. Swimming, beach time, fresh seafood lunch, and relaxation.
Relaxing morning at Porto da Barra beach. Evening exploring Rio Vermelho district nightlife with local guide showing authentic spots.
Final traditional Bahian breakfast. Airport transfer with time based on your flight schedule.
November 19-30, 2025
Includes all 7-day activities PLUS:
All activities from the 7-day experience including Black Consciousness Day march, percussion and dance classes, cultural tours, island trip, and beach time.
Intensive percussion session with Junior "Pai de Santo" focusing on advanced techniques. Afternoon dance workshop with Kalaban on West African traditions.
Full day at Latin America's largest Reggae festival with VIP credentials. Top Brazilian and Jamaican artists performing.
Visit Afro-Brazilian Culture Museum for deeper historical context. Afternoon at Itapuã Beach, inspiration for famous bossa nova songs.
Personal time for shopping in Pelourinho, additional beach time, or optional activities. Peter available for recommendations and coordination.
Morning percussion and dance review session. Evening farewell dinner with live music performance by your instructors.
December 8–14, 2025
Arrive at SSA airport. Immediately immerse yourself in history, witnessing Brazil's oldest religious festival (dating to 1765). Observe the solemn mass and traditional procession. Evening: Welcome Dinner at Odoyá restaurant in historic Pelourinho.
Morning: Class 1 - Intro to Afro-Brazilian Percussion. More than rhythm; a journey into the spiritual heartbeat of African heritage. Afternoon: Guided walking tour of Pelourinho UNESCO World Heritage site. Evening: Feel the power of Benção do Olodum, the world-famous bloco afro's weekly public blessing and rehearsal.
Morning: Class 2 - Afro-Brazilian Dance. Connect to ancestral movements that blend sacred Candomblé traditions with contemporary expression. Afternoon: Sensory immersion at vast Feira de São Joaquim market. Evening: Free to explore Pelourinho's nightlife or relax.
Morning: Class 3 - Afro-Brazilian Percussion (Session 2). Afternoon: Tour Lower City (Cidade Baixa), including Igreja do Bonfim, Ribeira waterfront, and Mercado Modelo. Evening: Performance by Balé Folclórico da Bahia, acclaimed as "the best folkloric dance company on the planet".
Full-day boat trip to tropical paradise of Ilha dos Frades and Ilha de Itaparica. Perfect pause for relaxation on stunning beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying the scenic, tranquil beauty of the Bay of All Saints.
Morning: Class 4 - West-African Dance, connecting to the roots of Bahian movement traditions. Afternoon: Relax at popular Porto da Barra beach. Evening: Dive into vibrant nightlife and creative scene of bohemian Rio Vermelho district.
Enjoy final Bahian breakfast and share memories before scheduled transfer to SSA airport.
December 8–20, 2025
Includes all 7-day activities PLUS 5 additional days
All activities including Festa da Conceição, classes, tours, and island trip.
Full day of artistic immersion with Class 5: Percussion and Dance, deepening technical skills and cultural understanding.
Morning: Class 6 - Afro-Brazilian Dance (Session 2). Afternoon: Pre-arranged, respectful educational visit to a terreiro de Candomblé. Gain profound understanding of Afro-Brazilian spirituality that underpins Salvador's traditions.
Morning: Visit MUNCAB (National Afro-Brazilian Culture Museum). Afternoon and evening at iconic Itapuã Beach, watching the sunset and enjoying local vibe.
Full day for personal interests. Revisit favorite sites, shop for souvenirs, or find quiet spot to journal and reflect.
Morning: Class 7 - Final Combined Percussion and Dance Class. Evening: Celebratory Farewell Dinner with live music in charming Santo Antônio Além do Carmo.
January 12–18, 2026
Arrive at SSA airport. Your journey begins with evening Welcome Dinner in charming, artistic neighborhood of Santo Antônio Além do Carmo.
Morning: Guided walking tour of Pelourinho's colorful, colonial streets (UNESCO World Heritage site). Afternoon: Class 1 - Afro-Brazilian Dance. Evening: Feel earth-shaking power of Benção do Olodum rehearsal in Pelourinho.
Morning: Class 2 - Afro-Brazilian Percussion. Afternoon: Visit sprawling, authentic Feira de São Joaquim market. Evening: Prepare for main event with detailed historical briefing. Receive your traditional white t-shirt and fitas do Bonfim (wish ribbons), followed by local live music performance.
Full-day immersion into Salvador's most important syncretic festival. Morning: Join faithful for early ecumenical service. Join iconic 8km procession to Colina Sagrada (Sacred Hill). Climax: Witness powerful ritual as baianas wash church steps with scented water—profound public symbol of purification. Afternoon: Celebrate at massive, joyous street festival.
After intensity of Lavagem, this day for necessary rest and integration. Full-day boat trip to idyllic Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica. Let gentle sea breeze and calm turquoise waters restore your energy.
Morning: Class 3 - Percussion & Class 4 - Dance. Re-engage with artistic side, integrating festival energy. Afternoon/Evening: Authentic cultural pilgrimage to Liberdade-Curuzu neighborhood for Ensaio do Ilê Aiyê, Brazil's revolutionary first Afro-bloco.
Enjoy final breakfast filled with memories of procession before scheduled transfer to SSA airport.
January 12–23, 2026
Includes 7-day program PLUS extended cultural immersion
Including full Lavagem do Bonfim procession and all cultural activities.
Morning: Relax at Barra Beach and scenic Solar do Unhão Beach. Evening: Attend Êta Festival, major music event celebrating 30 years of legendary band É o Tchan at Arena Fonte Nova.
Full day of artistic focus with Class 5: Percussion (morning) and Class 6: Dance (afternoon) to deepen skills and understanding.
Day: In-depth tour of Cidade Baixa, revisiting Mercado Modelo and iconic Elevador Lacerda. Evening: Captivating performance by Balé Folclórico da Bahia.
Morning: Class 7 - Final Combined Arts Class. Bring together all rhythms and movements in celebratory session. Afternoon: Free for personal interests. Evening: Celebrate journey with Farewell Dinner in lively Rio Vermelho district.
Enjoy final breakfast before transfer to SSA airport.
February 1–7, 2026
Arrive at SSA airport and transfer to accommodations in heart of action, Rio Vermelho neighborhood. Evening: Witness beginning of Festa as devotees start vigil and deliver first offerings to fishermen's colony headquarters.
Full-day immersion in Salvador's largest public Candomblé manifestation. Pre-Dawn (5 AM): Festival begins with traditional alvorada (fireworks). Morning: Vision in white and blue. Join thousands bringing flowers and gifts for Iemanjá, revered Queen of the Sea. Afternoon (4 PM): Experience deeply moving climax as flotilla of boats carries collective offerings to sacred ocean spot.
Morning: Well-deserved rest after yesterday's early, powerful start. Afternoon: Class 1 - Afro-Brazilian Dance. Evening: Attend Benção do Olodum rehearsal and feel rhythm reset your pulse.
Morning: Class 2 - Afro-Brazilian Percussion. Afternoon: Guided walking tour of Pelourinho historic center, seeing it in new light after festivals. Evening: Free for personal exploration.
Morning: Class 3 - Percussion (Session 2). Dive deeper into complex rhythms forming basis of Bahian music. Afternoon: Full day exploring Cidade Baixa: visit Igreja do Bonfim, try traditional sorbet on Ribeira waterfront, shop for authentic handicrafts at Mercado Modelo.
Morning: Class 4 - Dance (Session 2). Final chance to embody movements of Salvador. Afternoon: Relaxing boat trip to Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica for sun, sea, and reflection. Evening: Be enchanted by Balé Folclórico da Bahia performance, showcasing spectacular power of African heritage through dance.
Enjoy final breakfast, sharing memories of sea of flowers, before scheduled transfer to SSA airport.
February 1–12, 2026
All 7-day activities PLUS extended pre-Carnival immersion
Including full Festa de Iemanjá experience and all cultural activities.
Morning: Relax at classic, song-worthy Itapuã Beach. Evening: Truly special experience. Attend public rehearsal of Afoxé Filhos de Gandhy—"sons of Gandhi"—and immerse in their unique ijexá rhythm and powerful message of peace.
Day: Deepen skills with Class 5: Percussion (morning) and Class 6: Dance (afternoon). Evening: Fantastic night of live Samba and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) at classic Rio Vermelho venue.
Morning: Visit CAIXA Cultural Salvador for contemporary art exhibition. Evening: City energy is electric. Feel building excitement experiencing pre-Carnival street party with local bloco rehearsal.
Morning: Class 7 - Final Combined Arts Class. Celebratory session integrating all rhythms and movements. Afternoon: City's energy palpable. Visit bloco headquarters to see massive costume displays and final preparations. Evening: Final Farewell Dinner celebrating incredible cultural immersion.
Enjoy final breakfast and depart on very first official day of Carnival. On scheduled transfer, glimpse city transforming with first trios elétricos (sound trucks) and crowds gathering.
Note: Itineraries are carefully designed around each month's cultural celebrations but remain flexible to accommodate weather, community schedules, and group preferences. Peter coordinates all logistics and provides real-time adjustments as needed.
We limit every program to 12 participants maximum. This isn't a marketing gimmick—it's essential for authentic cultural immersion:
Master musicians can only provide meaningful personalized instruction to 12 students at most. You'll receive direct feedback and individual guidance.
Salvador's cultural communities welcome small, respectful groups. Larger groups change the dynamic and compromise authentic access.
Small groups foster real relationships. You'll make meaningful connections with instructors and fellow participants.
Transportation, accommodations, and cultural site visits are more comfortable and organized with 12 people maximum.
All-inclusive cultural immersion designed for solo travelers and couples
Pricing varies by month. Select your preferred travel month:
Prices shown are base rates for shared accommodation. February prices are higher due to Carnival season. For exact pricing and booking options, visit our Camp Options page.
| Experience Component | If Purchased Separately |
|---|---|
| Private percussion instruction (3-5 sessions with master musicians) | $600-1,000 |
| Dance instruction (3-5 sessions with professional choreographers) | $400-700 |
| Cultural guide & interpretation (daily) | $500-800 |
| Ceremonial access & community coordination | Not available individually |
| República do Reggae VIP credentials (12-day only) | $300-400 |
| All ground transportation & airport transfers | $350-500 |
| 24/7 on-ground support in Portuguese/English | Not available individually |
| Accommodation with 24/7 staff (7 days) | $400-1,200 |
| Daily breakfast + welcome/farewell dinners | $200-350 |
| Island boat trip & beach excursions | $150-250 |
| Cultural show tickets | $100-200 |
| Pre-trip consultation with Peter | $75-100 |
| Total Standalone Value (7-day) | $3,075 - $5,500+ |
Shared accommodation (2-4 per room) or upgrade to private
Payment Plan Available: 3 interest-free monthly installments
No payment required to inquire
Upgrade to private room: +$50/night
Private room for two
Payment Plan Available: 3 interest-free monthly installments
No payment required to inquire
Save $300 per person vs separate bookings
Shared accommodation or upgrade to private
Payment Plan Available: 3 interest-free monthly installments
No payment required to inquire
Upgrade to private room: +$50/night
Private room for two
Payment Plan Available: 3 interest-free monthly installments
No payment required to inquire
Save $400 per person vs separate bookings
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Full refund if you cancel 14+ days before departure
Payment Plans Available: Split into 3 installments at no extra cost
Small Group Guarantee: Maximum 12 participants total
Comprehensive Insurance: All activities covered
International flights to Salvador (SSA), lunches and dinners (except welcome/farewell), alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, optional activities, travel insurance (recommended).
14-day money-back guarantee | Maximum 12 participants per program
Yes, this is our inaugural structured immersion program. However, it's built on 20+ years of combined experience coordinating cultural experiences in Salvador. Peter has managed global entertainment platforms for African diaspora artists for two decades, and our instructors (Vanderson, Junior, Djanko, Derica) are established professionals with 15-40 years of experience each.
Because we're new, we offer early-bird pricing (save $300) and enhanced guarantees including our 14-day money-back guarantee policy.
This is a complete cultural immersion, not just classes. You'll learn percussion and dance from master instructors (3-5 sessions each), but you'll also participate in authentic street celebrations and festivals, explore Salvador's historic sites, visit traditional markets, experience the island beaches, enjoy the nightlife in neighborhoods like Rio Vermelho, and share meals with local musicians. The music and dance instruction provides skills and context, but the real magic happens experiencing Salvador's living culture alongside locals.
Absolutely! Our master instructors teach all skill levels. The small group size (max 12) ensures personal attention for beginners while also challenging those with experience. You'll start with fundamentals and progress at your own pace.
No. Rodolfo "Meu Velho" provides Portuguese/English interpretation and Peter accompanies all experiences. You'll understand the cultural context and communicate smoothly with instructors and communities.
Cancel within 14 days of booking for 100% refund. After that: 75% refund for cancellations 30+ days before departure, 50% for 15-29 days before. We know this is a significant investment and want you to book with confidence.
Salvador has areas to avoid like any major city, but you're never alone on this program. Peter accompanies all activities, provides 24/7 support, and your accommodation has dedicated staff for security. You'll learn which areas are safe for independent exploration and always have local guidance.
You can pay in full or use our 3-installment plan at no extra cost:
Reserve your spot today or schedule a call with Peter to learn more
Your Cultural Experience Director
Typical response time: Within 24 hours
What we'll discuss:
No pressure, just information. We want you to make the best decision for your cultural journey.
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