By Akeem Tolson
1. Salvador de Bahia, Brazil: The Heartbeat of the Diaspora
Often called the “Blackest city outside of Africa,” Salvador is where the soul of the continent lives on in the Americas. Brazil holds the largest population of Afro-descendants outside Africa, a direct result of the fact that roughly ten times more enslaved Africans were brought to Brazil than to the United States.
Located near the equator, Salvador stays tropical year round. It is a city of faith and festivals, where the smell of palm oil, dendê, fills the air and the sound of drums is never far away.
What Black travelers are doing in Salvador in 2026:
- Mastering the Rhythms: Taking Samba de Roda classes or percussion workshops in Pelourinho.
- Ancestral Flavors: Eating acarajé, black eyed pea fritters, from the Baianas de Acarajé on street corners.
- Spiritual Immersion: Visiting a Candomblé terreiro to learn about the Orixás and the syncretism that preserved African faith.
- The Art of Resistance: Learning Capoeira at Mestre Bimba’s world renowned school.
- Quilombo Day Trips: Visiting nearby Maroon communities to understand the history of freedom and land sovereignty.
- Beaches with a View: Sunbathing at Porto da Barra or taking a boat to the serene Ilha de Maré.
2. Cali, Colombia: The Pacific’s Best Kept Secret
Cali is a hidden gem no more. It is now a primary destination for the Whycation trend of 2026, where travelers seek deep cultural connection. As Colombia’s third largest city, it holds the country’s largest Afro-descendant population, many with roots along the nearby Pacific coast.
While Cartagena is often seen as the face of Colombia, Cali is its soul. It is warm, tree lined, and carries the charm of a small town despite its size.
What Black travelers are doing in Cali in 2026:
- Salsa and Beyond: Taking lessons in Salsa Caleña, while also exploring Pacific rhythms like Currulao and Mapalé.
- Machete Fencing: Watching or learning Esgrima de Machete y Bordón, a traditional Afro-Colombian martial art.
- Petronio Álvarez Vibe: If visiting in August, attending the Petronio Álvarez Festival, the largest Afro cultural event in Latin America.
- Coffee and Culture: Enjoying high altitude coffee at local Black owned cafes in San Antonio.
- The Hike: Climbing Tres Cruces for the best view of the city valley.
- Pacific Day Trips: Taking the brujitas, motorcycle powered carts, to the Afro village of San Cipriano.
3. Cartagena, Colombia: The Afro Caribbean Anchor
Cartagena is the undisputed heavy hitter of South American tourism. Its colorful colonial streets and Caribbean breeze make it a visual masterpiece. While it is famous for nightlife and island hopping, for the Black traveler, it is the gateway to some of the most important history in the Western Hemisphere.
What Black travelers are doing in Cartagena in 2026:
- Pilgrimage to San Basilio de Palenque: Visiting the first free town in the Americas, a UNESCO protected site where the language and traditions remain deeply rooted in Africa.
- The Flying Dress Experience: Capturing iconic photos against the vibrant walls of Getsemaní or the Old City.
- Black History Tours: Taking specialized walking tours that highlight the Inquisition’s impact and the resilience of the Afro Colombian people.
- Island Escapes: Heading to the Rosario Islands or the beach clubs of Tierra Bomba for a melanin friendly soft life day.
- Totumo Mud Volcano: Taking a dip in the medicinal mud baths just outside the city.
- Getsemaní Nights: Dancing the night away in the historic Black neighborhood that has become the city’s cultural pulse.
