Soul Sugar & Black Girls Love Vinyl: A Music-Lover’s Dream in Brazil

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at a local restaurant, just a brief 15-minute transfer from the hotel. The evening promises a delightful set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic Brazilian flavors. Please note that beverages are not included and can be purchased at the venue. Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

Upon arrival, each traveler will receive a specially curated goodie bag at check-in! Inside, you’ll find a mix of music-inspired treats, a perfect way to set the tone for our journey together.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After enjoying breakfast, a quick 30-minute transfer will whisk you away to Corcovado Mountain, an iconic peak located in the heart of the Tijuca Forest National Park. This national park is one of the largest urban forests in the world, renowned for its lush rainforest, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty. Upon arrival at the train station, you'll have access to restrooms before boarding the historic cog train for a scenic 25-minute journey to the summit. The train ride offers glimpses of the park's diverse flora and fauna, adding to the anticipation of reaching the summit. Upon disembarking from the train, a short staircase of about 50 steps will lead you to the base of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, standing at an impressive 98 feet tall with arms outstretched. From the viewing platform around the statue, you'll be mesmerized by panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including its famous beaches, mountains, and urban landscape. The views are especially breathtaking on clear days when the entire city stretches out below like a patchwork of buildings and greenery. You'll have ample time to explore the area around the statue, which includes a small chapel and gift shop. Be sure to capture plenty of photos to commemorate your visit. Afterward, you'll descend by train, and your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to the vibrant Lapa neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and historic architecture.

After finishing your visit to Christ the Redeemer, a brief 35-minute transfer will take you to the vibrant Lapa neighborhood, known for its historic charm and lively atmosphere, considered a cultural hotspot of the city. Upon arrival, you'll have some free time to explore the neighborhood and enjoy lunch at your leisure, with your local guide recommending the best restaurants or street food. Please note that the lunch break is about 45 minutes to maintain the flow of the tour and continue visiting the rest of the highlights. After lunch, you will take a leisurely stroll around Lapa to reach the iconic Selarón Steps, a colorful mosaic staircase created by the artist Jorge Selarón. The steps are a true work of art, with brightly colored tiles from around the world creating a visually stunning effect. The Selarón Steps have become a popular tourist attraction and are a great spot to take photos and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Lapa. Your visit to Lapa concludes with a stop at the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches), a series of 18th-century aqueducts that now serve as a popular meeting spot and landmark in the neighborhood. Afterwards, a 40-minute transfer will take you back to your hotel, giving you the afternoon free to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Rio.

After we finish exploring the Selarón Steps in Lapa, we’re heading over to Centro to check out some nearby record shops! The area boasts incredible spots like Junior Discos, Only Music Records, SatisfactioN Discos, and Lovinyl Records, all within walking distance of each other. Whether you're looking to dig for vinyl or just soak in the local music scene, it’s a great way to dive deeper into the city’s musical culture before we head back to the hotel.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After a day of sun and sand, we’ll head over to Blue Note Rio, located conveniently near Copacabana. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a night of incredible live music, all while soaking in the vibrant energy of Rio.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After enjoying your breakfast, it's time to pack your luggage and check out of the hotel. A private 2-hour vehicle transfer will then take you to Conceição de Jacareí. Upon arrival, there will be a short stop where you'll have the opportunity to use the bathrooms, with an additional fee. Once everyone is ready, you will board a 30-minute public ferry to reach Ilha Grande. The ferry will take you to Abraão village, where you will walk for about 15 minutes to reach your pousada (hotel). Your luggage will be transferred separately by a luggage carrier. Plan to arrive at your hotel around midday.

As we settle into the rhythm of the island, we’ll gather for a laid-back music experience surrounded by nature. Whether it’s sharing our favorite records, discussing the songs that shaped us, or simply vibing to a curated sounds, this will be a time to connect through music in a meaningful way.

Overnight in Abrao, Ilha Grande.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After your breakfast, enjoy a leisurely 15-minute walk to Abraão pier, where a private boat will be waiting to take you on a scenic journey. A 50-minute boat ride will lead you to Pouso Beach, where you'll disembark and begin an easy 30-minute hike along a 0.6-mile trail through the rainforest. The trail features gentle slopes and captivating views, culminating in your arrival at the breathtaking Lopes Mendes Beach. Stretching 1.5 miles, Lopes Mendes Beach boasts fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. At one end, a small creek flows into the ocean, adding to the picturesque scenery. You'll also find a small chapel and a mosaic on a large buoy created by the artist Silvio Cavalheiro. For those seeking more adventure, a 20-minute hike leads to the beautiful and secluded Santo Antonio Beach. While at Lopes Mendes Beach, take in the beauty of the surroundings, perfect for both occasional swimmers and experienced surfers. Please remember to bring water and snacks with you, as there are no kiosks on the beach. Snacks can be purchased in Abraão before the tour or at Pouso Beach where the boat leaves you. The return time depends on the group's interests but is planned for around 2 pm. Please note that the boat has a maximum capacity of 15 travelers. If the group exceeds this number, it will be split into two boats for the journey.

Take some time to wander through Ilha Grande’s charming local shops and connect with the island’s vibrant community. From handcrafted souvenirs to locally made goods, this is a great opportunity to support small businesses and bring home a piece of the island’s culture. Stroll through the village, chat with locals, and soak in the laid-back energy of this beautiful destination.

Overnight in Abrao, Ilha Grande.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After enjoying your breakfast, it's time to pack your luggage and check out of the hotel. A leisurely 15-minute walk will take you to Abraão Pier. Your luggage will be transferred separately by a luggage carrier. Once at the pier, board a 30-minute public ferry to reach Conceição de Jacareí. Upon arrival, there will be a short stop where you'll have the opportunity to use the bathrooms for an additional fee. From there, embark on a 2-hour vehicle drive to Rio de Janeiro. Plan to arrive at your hotel after midday.

Later in the afternoon, a 25-minute transfer will take you to a local restaurant known for hosting Brazilian musician shows. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a delightful meal featuring traditional Brazilian cuisine. Your meal will include one main course, which you can choose from options such as meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes. Additionally, each person will be served a bottle of water and a Caipirinha cocktail, a classic Brazilian drink. Please note that any extra drinks beyond the included ones can be purchased at your own expense. Additionally, the menu options may vary based on the restaurant's availability and preferences.

We’ll dive deeper into the local music scene! We’ll visit nearby record shops like L.O. Matta Discos and more hidden gems. Afterward, we’ll immerse ourselves in the local street music scene, where live performances and impromptu jams are common.

After our farewell dinner, we’ll wrap up our trip with a special takeover DJ set by Soul Sugar Joint at a cool venue, whether it’s a chic rooftop or an intimate lounge in Rio. Let’s create more lasting memories, dance the night away and celebrate an unforgettable experience with great music and even better company.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.