Day 1: Land in Cotonou, Jump In

Fly into Cotonou, Benin’s sweaty, bustling port city. We’ll scoop you up from the airport and drop you at a colorful guesthouse with creaky fans and mosquito nets. Afternoon’s for meeting your guide—a local who’s tight with voodoo priests and knows the lore inside out. Over spicy pepper soup and yam, they’ll hit you with a story about Legba, the trickster god who guards crossroads. Wander Cotonou’s chaotic streets, maybe spot a voodoo shrine already. Crash early; tomorrow’s intense.
Note: Cotonou’s loud. Earplugs are your friend.

Day 2: Ouidah, Voodoo’s Ground Zero

Head to Ouidah, the spiritual capital of voodoo, about an hour’s drive. First stop: the Temple of Pythons, where snakes slither around like they own the place—locals say they’re sacred to Dangbe, a serpent god. Your guide explains how voodoo’s not just spells; it’s a whole way of life. Then walk the “Door of No Return,” a beach memorial tied to the slave trade, heavy with spiritual weight. Afternoon’s a visit to a fetish market—think skulls, feathers, and charms for every need. Night’s back in Ouidah, with a tale about a deity who punishes liars.

Day 3: Ceremonies and Sacred Groves

Today’s the real deal. Morning’s a voodoo ceremony in a village near Ouidah—drums pounding, dancers spinning, and priests chanting to call spirits like Mami Wata, the water goddess. You can watch or join (no pressure, but it’s wild). Your guide breaks down what’s happening, like how offerings keep the gods happy. Afternoon’s a trek to a sacred forest, where trees are said to house spirits. The vibe’s eerie, and your guide shares a creepy story about a ghost who guards the grove. Sleep in a simple lodge, drums echoing in your dreams.
Pro tip: Bring a small gift (candy or coins) for the priests. It’s respectful.

Day 4: Porto-Novo and Back

Drive to Porto-Novo, Benin’s capital, for a last dose of voodoo culture. Visit a voodoo market—less intense than Ouidah’s but still packed with weird stuff like dried chameleons. Stop at a shrine where locals pray to Egungun, spirits of the dead who dance in wild costumes. Your guide tells a final tale about a king who became a god after death. Back in Cotonou by noon, with time to grab a carved mask or beads as a souvenir. You’re at the airport by afternoon, but voodoo’s rhythm sticks with you like a heartbeat.