Brazil Tours

Soul of Brazil Tour 2026

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America

August 15 to 24, 2026 (9 Nights)

Retreat Price: $3,450

Early birds save $400!

All prices are in United States Dollars (USD). A $500 deposit is required to hold your reservation.

Brazil Tours Team

Wafa Aouchiche

Wafa Aouchiche

Retreat Planner and Host

Mustafa Briggs

Mustafa Briggs

Special Guest

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Retreat Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Brazil —an experience where history, adventure, and vibrant culture collide. This uniquely curated itinerary will transport you through the fascinating, often untold story of Islam and resistance in Brazil, blending thought-provoking historical exploration with the pure joy of Brazil’s world-famous samba, the energy of capoeira, and the flavors of unforgettable cuisine. With surprises at every turn, each day is carefully crafted, an experience rather than an excursion.

We’re thrilled to announce that Mustafa Briggs, a renowned scholar and captivating storyteller, will be leading us through this journey. Known for his extensive research on Black history & Islam, Mustafa has inspired audiences worldwide with his deep knowledge, passion, and approachable teaching style. This is your chance to learn firsthand from one of the most exciting voices in contemporary Islamic thought.

Ready for an adventure like no other? Embrace the thrill of discovery, connect with fellow trailblazers, and experience Brazil as you never imagined possible. Join us for an unforgettable retreat insh’Allah!

Who is Mustafa Briggs?

Join us on this remarkable trip to Brazil, where you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to travel alongside Mustafa Briggs, a celebrated writer, lecturer, and educator renowned for his profound exploration of Black History in Islam. Mustafa’s acclaimed “Beyond Bilal” series reveals the deep-rooted connections between Islam and Black history, highlighting the contributions of Black figures within the Islamic narrative.

Throughout this journey, Mustafa will enhance our experience with his extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling, bringing to life the rich tapestry of Brazil’s  heritage. Whether exploring ancient markets, marveling at stunning palaces, or embracing the warmth of South American hospitality, his insights will deepen our understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the places we visit.

Travel with an open heart and spirit ready for adventure, as Mustafa Briggs guides us through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant cultures of Brazil.

Brazil Vacation

Soul of Brazil Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals & Introductions

Welcome to Rio! Bismillah! Welcome to the beautiful city of Rio! Our hotel is located in the famous Copacabana beach strip where you can enjoy the beautiful beach and find plenty of shops and restaurants/cafes.

Airport pick up is no included since our guests will be arriving at various times. We can connect you with a transport company and help you organize your pick up and drop off.

Upon arrival at the hotel you will meet the Burgundy Roots team and enjoy a refreshing drink. Check in begins at 3:00 PM. Once you check in, you will have 2 hours of downtime and we will all meet again for the opening remarks and welcome dinner.

Day 2: Little Africa Tour

After breakfast, we will hop on our bus and make our way downtown for a tour of Little Africa. We will learn about Afro-Brazilian history and culture. We’ll explore downtown with our guides and enjoy beautiful artwork and graffiti. We’ll make a stop for coffee and refreshment and resume again. The tour will be 2-3 hours. Bring an umbrella for the rain/sun and comfortable shoes.

After the tour, we will go for lunch and return back to the hotel for some downtime.

We will resume again in the evening (8:00 PM) for class with Sidi Mustafa. Please be sure to have dinner before 8:00 PM so that you can make it to class on time.

Day 3: Christ the Redeemer

After breakfast we will drive up the hills to visit the beautiful Christ the Redeemer statue. We will make stops and enjoy various view points of the city.

Christ the Redeemer, a towering statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has a rich history that began with a proposal in the mid-1850s. While initially rejected, the idea resurfaced in the early 20th century, fueled by concerns about secularism and a desire to celebrate Brazil’s independence. Construction began in 1922 and culminated with the statue’s inauguration in 1931.

After the visit, we’ll head back to the hotel and give you a few hours to explore and relax. Our team will be on the ground and recommend a variety of restaurants and things to do.

We will meet again at 8:00 PM for class with Sidi Mustafa.

Day 4: Beach Day

After breakfast, we’ll begin the day with a session with Sidi Mustafa and give you all a free day to explore Rio. You can enjoy the rooftop pool at our hotel or a walk on the beach and explore some of our favourite restaurants. We highly recommend a massage, followed by painting on the beach, a walk around Ipanema and a great meal. (Can you tell we’re into food?)

If you’re into adventure, you can sign up for a helicopter tour of Rio. You can also sign up for a hike, cooking class or a bike tour of Rio with a local. The options are endless! This will be a great opportunity to get to know other attendees and spend quality time with them.

Day 5: Jumua

After breakfast, we will meet at 10:00 AM for class with Sidi Mustafa and get ready to head to the mosque forJumua prayer. We will attend the Friday prayer and spend time with the Muslim community. You will be able to ask some of the brothers and sisters about their experience as Muslims in Brazil.

After a bit of down time (and a post Jumua nap) and weather permitting we will make our way to Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy a breathtaking view of Rio before sunset. (Please note that this will take place if the sky is clear and visibility is good).

You’ll be free to enjoy your evening after sunset.

Day 6: Escadaria & sunset coast along Rio’s coast

After breakfast, we’ll explore more of Rio. We’ll head to the Escadaria, a landmark public stairway adorned by artist Jorge Selarón with colorful & hand-painted tiles. The art scene in Rio is flourishing and interesting. We will learn about various artists and their contribution to Brazilian culture.

Afterwards, we’ll head out to lunch and prepare for sunset coast along Rio’s coast (Please note that the boat ride is optional. Costs range $60-$80)

Class with Sidi Mustafa at 8:00 PM insh’Allah

Day 7: Capoeira

After breakfast, we will begin. the day with class with Sidi Mustafa.

Afterwards, We will enjoy a session on Capeira. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music, originating among enslaved Africans in Brazil. It evolved from a need for self-defense and resistance against oppression, often disguised as a dance to avoid detection. Today, it’s a globally recognized art form with distinct styles and cultural significance.

Day 8: A free day to relax, shop & explore

Enjoy the day and explore the city! Shop, walk, join a running club or enjoy a lazy beach day. The choice is yours! If you’re feeling adventurous, we are happy to organize a Favela visit for those who are interested (Costs: $30-$40)

Favelas, in general, are informal settlements characterized by dense populations and often lack of basic infrastructure. Their history is intertwined with urban growth, social inequalities, and government policies in Brazil. Rocinha has become a site of interest for tourists seeking to understand the complexities of favela life and experience the vibrant culture of the community. While it’s important to acknowledge the challenges, tours can offer valuable insights into the lives and history of Rocinha’s residents.

Day 9: Hike

We’ll begin our with some movement, a short 40 minute hike to enjoy a view of Rio one last time. We’ll head back to the hotel to give you all some time for last minute shopping. We will connect again for an early dinner and closing remarks/final class with Sidi Mustafa at 5:00 PM.

Day 10: Departure

We’re sad to see you go and pray that you enjoyed every minute of our time together! May Allah keep you safe.

brazil south america

What’s Included on the Soul of Brazil Tour?

Included:

  • Accommodations – Shared accomodations (2 people per room) 9 nights/10 days
  • Daily breakfast
  • 2 meals
  • Islam in Brazil – 6 lectures about the history of Islam in Brazil with Mustafa Briggs
  • All excursions – Sugar loaf mountain, Christ the Redeemer statue, Little Africa Tour
  • Personal photographer – Take back some lovely memories
  • Transportation – Excludes airport pick up/drop off. All guests will be arriving and leaving at different times. We will connect you with a private transport company
  • Curated itinerary – A unique and one of a kind itinerary where everyday is an experience rather than an excursion
  • Tour guides – Knowledgeable guides and hosts

Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips $70 USD – Tipping is very important to us. We ask that all guests contribute to tipping everyone that makes our trip possible (Hotel/restaurant staff, drivers, caretakers etc)
  • Airport shuttles
  • Remaining mealsBudget roughly $300 for remaining meals

Soul of Brazil Tour Photo Gallery

Embark on a visual journey through the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Brazil with our curated photo gallery. Discover the beauty of this enchanting country one image at a time. Click a photo to start the slideshow.

A Few Words From Our Travelers

Read reviews from our travelers who have experienced the community tourism we offer; we proudly feature only feedback from real guests.

This was my second trip with Burgundy Roots! Egypt has been on my list for a lifetime now, and I’m so grateful that I was able to do it with Wafa and team. I loved being able to learn and experience the country through their lens and their lived experiences of being a local. It really adds a layer of connection to the culture that you can’t experience any other way. They were super accommodating and did their best to help anyone that needed extra support in any way. They’re also great at hosting all ages; I brought my parents along with me on this trip and they really enjoyed it too. I would even send my parents on trips in the future with Burgundy Roots where I don’t accompany them and feel at ease knowing that they’ll have a good time. From a practical perspective, everything was very well planned and thoughtfully curated to give us a good variety of activities and outings. It was not a go-go-go schedule, where you felt like you’re just rushing through your trip, and it wasn’t slow either. The other guests on the trip also made the whole experience so much richer. I made friendships and connections that I will cherish for years to come. The team makes a point to ensure that all the guests fit the vibe of the trip and have a proper understanding of what to expect; so everyone’s on the same page when you’re there and it makes such a difference. If you’re unsure or on the fence about group travel, I would recommend trying it out with Burgundy Roots; it’s not your mainstream 20-somethings group trip, the vibe is much more mature and grounded, in a soulful way. Being an introvert, I am very sensitive to the company I keep and honouring my energy levels, and both in my Jamaica trip and in Egypt, I felt at ease with the group and enjoyed the collective energy. Plus, the schedule had enough time each day for downtime and rest as needed. There were optional evening activities, where you could choose to join or not depending on how you’re feeling. I found it well balanced and flexible for everyone to do what’s best for them. Just a fantastic experience overall! Love and gratitude to the team, can’t wait to spend time with them again soon in another beautiful corner of the world, Insha’Allah!

Ismat I. on Dec 26, 2023
Yalla Roots: Egypt Road Trip 2023

Thank you to the amazing team for making this trip feel like home. The team was so attentive to us and informative, awesome women that love their country, culture and gave us a great understanding of it. Everything was organized perfectly, everyday felt like a gift as all we’ve experienced brought me so much. Wafa really has something for bringing likeminded people together and going around a part of this earth with them was fulfilling. Egypt, the trip, the group and the people brought me so much peace and laughter. It filled my stomach, my eyes and my heart. The food was one of a kind, I’ve never had this much amazingly tasty food in my life. Literally a food trip. The sun, the colors and the vibes of Cairo. The vastness, the waters, the warmth of Siwa and the history it carries. The never ending discovery of dishes for my tastebuds to enjoy. Booking this trip after years of wanting to do it was the best decision. To the friends I made along the way, I love you habibtis y’all are the chillest, smartest and funniest women I’ve met.

Julia J. on Dec 04, 2023
Yalla Roots: Egypt Road Trip 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Your reservation will be confirmed once all necessary paperwork is complete and your deposit has been received.
The package includes shared accommodations (9 nights/10 days), daily breakfast, two meals, guided excursions (Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Little Africa Tour, Escadaria Selarón), six lectures with Mustafa Briggs, knowledgeable guides, and a personal photographer.
The itinerary features Rio highlights such as Copacabana, Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Escadaria Selarón, Little Africa, Jumua prayer at a local mosque, a Capoeira session, a coastal sunset, and free days for beach time, shopping, hiking, or exploring favelas.
Yes, there is an early bird discount of $400 if you book by the specified date.
A vibrant 10-day journey combining history, culture, and adventure. You’ll explore Afro-Brazilian heritage, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, connect with the local Muslim community, and experience Brazil’s samba spirit, capoeira energy, and warm hospitality.
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Discover the magic of Rio de Janeiro!

Experience the vibrant spirit of Brazil. From the iconic Christ the Redeemer to lively samba rhythms and golden beaches, immerse yourself in a city full of energy and culture. Join us for an unforgettable Rio adventure.

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