Salvador Insight Brazil Volunteer Program (6N)

Travel to Salvador, Bahia, Brazil and experience its culture and heritage with this 7Day / 6 Night Insight Brazil Volunteer Travel Package that includes Volunteer Programs, accommodations, transportation, tours and much more.

Destinations Visited

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Salvador is the third largest city in Brazil and is becoming the most visited travel destination in Brazil. Salvador is also called 'Africa in exile' because of the strong African presence in its culture and people, which can be seen in the religion, music, dance, and cuisine. Salvador is also one of the most famous historical cities in Brazil and the Pelourinho, the historic district, will make you travel back to the early years when colonialism and slavery were still alive. The beautiful colonial architecture of this part of the city is witness to this citys rich past. The Pelourinho is considered a national treasure, and is also protected by UNESCO as a Historical Heritage Site. In the Pelourinho you will find that the bohemian life is derived from the many artists' ateliers, antique and handicrafts stores, theaters and museums. Here you will also discover an exciting array of restaurants with splendid regional dishes, cafes, bars, and local music.

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Salvador, Bahia.
You are greeted by our staff driver and will transfer directly to the Home-Base located in the Ondina section of Salvador. Upon arrival at the Home-Base you will be welcomed by staff members who will be your hosts for the next six days. After you get settled in to the Home-Base they will provide you with an in depth orientation into Salvador, Bahian Culture, the Home-Base and Program.

Free Time Recommendations
- Visit the beach in Ondina only two blocks from the Home.
- Visit the beach in Barra, Salvador's most popular beach.

Day 2

Pestalozzi Orphanage / Tour of Pelourinho (Old Salvador)
On this first morning together you will arrive in the local community and will meet the local children in the orphanage or school. Your interaction with them will be the highlight of their day. Your week long project will include working side-by-side with the children in a needed capacity. Past participants have helped paint an orphanage; help school children paint an orphanage; or plant a garden. We will pick you up at the orphanage and return you back to the Home where you will be treated to a traditional Bahian lunch prepared by local chefs.

In the afternoon you will participate in a special guided program through Salvador to help familiarize you with the layout of Salvador. The highlight of your afternoon will be a visit to the charming neighborhood of Pelourinho. Here you will experience the mystique of Bahia while walking down colonial cobblestone streets meeting local artisans, and musicians. Upon your return to the Home-Base you will be treated to a light Bahian dinner. In the evening you will have the opportunity to take advantage of the local nightlife in Salvador as recommended by our staff.

Day 3

Pestalozzi Orphanage / Brazilian Music Demonstration
After breakfast, you will arrive at the Pestalozzi Orphanage to continue your project. Afterwards you will return to the Home-Base for a traditional Bahian lunch. After lunch you will have free time to explore Salvador on your own. Whether you would like to go shopping, exploring, or just for a walk, the staff will be happy to offer you many recommendations.

For dinner, we will be joined by a leading musicologist who will talk to us about different types of Brazilian music and play songs representing the different genres. He will explain the social and cultural context in which these musical forms developed.

Optional
After dinner, participants will have the option to participate in one of the most exciting happenings in all of Salvador, the rehearsal of the group Olodum. This renowned afro-Brazilian percussion group is a cultural icon in Bahia. It's a must see!

Day 4

Pestalozzi Orphanage / Capoeira Demonstration
After breakfast, you will arrive at the Pestalozzi Orphanage to continue your project. Afterwards you will return to the Home base for a traditional Bahian lunch.

In the afternoon we will sit on the beach and learn about the martial art that combines music and dance. This was originally brought to Brazil by slaves from Africa. Today, Capoeira is performed in a roda, or circle of people, and accompanied by traditional instruments including the Berimbau. You'll be invited to learn a few Capoeira moves and even beat the drum if you like.

For the remainder of the day we encourage you to take advantage of free-time to explore the city of Salvador and your new found relationships.

Day 5

Pestalozzi Orphanage / Candomble Religious Ceremony
After breakfast, you will arrive at the Pestalozzi Orphanage to continue your project. Afterwards you will return to the Home-Base for a traditional Bahian lunch. After lunch you will have free time to explore Salvador on your own. Whether you would like to go shopping, exploring, or just for a walk, the staff will be happy to offer you many recommendations. After dinner we will escort you to an evening of Candomble. Founded in the roots of Afro-Brazilian tradition, this unique display of drumming and dance often places dancers into a trance.

Day 6

Pestalozzi Orphanage / Learn Traditional Bahian Cooking
After breakfast, you will arrive at the Pestalozzi Orphanage to say farewell to your new friends. Afterwards you will return to the Home base for a traditional Bahian lunch and then be given the afternoon to continue your exploring and to take advantage of the all the exciting things to do in Salvador. Prior to dinner we will have a special cooking class where you will learn about and learn to cook Acaraje, an Afro-Brazilian food that has meaning in Candomble rituals and is traditionally prepared by Bahians - women in flowing white dresses who prepare the food.

Day 7

Depart Salvador
We will transfer you to the airport in Salvador to continue your journey or return to the United States.

SPECIAL NOTES:The itinerary above is an example of a previous program.
Insight Brazil Volunteer Package duration is 7 days and 6 nights. Each trip typically starts on a Sunday and ends on the following Saturday. There are fixed program dates for 2006. Please contact us for more information.