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
Retreat Planner and Host

Mustafa Briggs
Special Guest

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.

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.

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
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Frequently Asked Questions

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.























