MEETING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Escola Maramar - Maraú Peninsula

Espaço Cultural Alagados - Salvador

Babilônia Tour

By Eddie Vander

Salvador • Rio de Janeiro • Maraú Peninsula

We can never take for granted the intelligence and richness in traditions, history and culture of local communities, especially those living under few resources, where creativity and hard work are, sometimes, the only choice to survive.

As more people are traveling to remote destinations, some local villages have been positively impacted and benefited from tourism. A well-thought-out activity giving visitors the chance to meet local people and experience authentic cultural exchange is the base for respectful and responsible travel we deeply care for.

In this program, you will visit initiatives and support projects that make a difference to the communities they are inserted. In Salvador, get to know the Headquarters of Espaço Cultural dos Alagados, which offers theater, dance, music and tutoring for children and young people of the community and the Luiza Mahin Community School, founded by the women (mothers) of the community itself who missed a local school for their children. Give it a shot preparing one of the most famous and traditional dishes in Bahia, the Moqueca, taught by the best – the locals.

Still in Bahia, the Maraú Peninsula is not only a beach paradise, but also home to Maramar Social Project, which includes the community Kindergarten Escolinha Jardim das Bromélias, the Cultural Center Espaço Harmonia do Saleiro and the Maramar Community School. Meet the locals at the Saleiro community, try a handmade ice cream or chocolate (why not both?!) and spend some time with the students at the school. Find out that through difficulty and isolation, a beautiful project flourished.

Experiences in Rio de Janeiro go beyond the famous beaches, Christ the Redeemer and samba. Join the Babilonia Community tour, learn the real way of life in the favela and get to know environmental and social projects born in the community. From Babilonia Hill, a trail leads to several lookouts with amazing views of Rio´s landscapes. Complete the experience with a lunch at a local traditional bar.

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