A tour of Salvador de Bahia, the vibrant african culture of Brazil

A Brazilian destination with spectacular historical treasures

On the guided tours you will go on during your stay, you will discover the most important monuments of the first capital of Brazil.

The first excursion will be dedicated to the Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Cidade Alta,” the original Baroque style colonial town is magnificent with its cobbled streets lined with superb polychrome houses in pastel colours, its wide paved squares (Praça da Sé, Praça Tome de Souza …) and its magnificent and imposing religious buildings decorated with gold.

Strolling with your guide in these charming narrow streets full of history, you will discover many examples of Afro-Brazilian culture. Numerous craft shops, percussion or capoeira schools, painters, sculptors and other artists – a whole  other world will be displayed before you, proof of the exceptional cultural vitality of this place.

During the second visit, you will continue exploring the city down to the waterfront and to the port. It is connected to the historical district by a unique public elevator, the Elevador Lacerda, dating from the end of the 19th century and offering a breathtaking panoramic view over the bay. Notably the Mercado Modelo, a large building erected on the waterfront in which many craftsmen and souvenir sellers ply their trades, an ideal place for some shopping.

Further North along the Itapagipe peninsula, you will visit the “Sacred Hill”, which houses the Nosso Senhor de Bonfim church . This high place of worship is one of the most important Catholic sites in the country. It is easily recognized with its thousands of fitas, famous lucky ribbons dedicated to the local saint. With their myriad of colours, they make wonderful gifts to take home!

Other visits include the Dique do Tororó, a lake on which stand imposing  statues of the principal saints of Candomblé. You can also admire the architecture of the famous Forte de Monte Serrat, as well as the first lighthouse of the Americas in Barraun.

The vibrant lifestyle and breathtaking landscapes of Salvador

Salvador is a metropolis on a human scale. It adapts to your rhythm and your desires, due to the vast array of activities, sites and things to do.

Looking for a place to relax ? This town has tens of kms of beautiful beaches, with long stretches of sand or small rocky coves. At the southern end of town, the Barra beach in the more chic quarter has warm waters, bright sun umbrellas and a beautiful old lighthouse. At Itapuã, you can enjoy the beach in the shade of the coconut trees for a lazy afternoon eating “acarajé”, delicious shrimp donuts sold by the Bahians dressed in their traditional costumes.

If you like art and nature, rendez-vous in the Pituaçu park to wander, run or bike round this preserved ecosystem decorated with 800 modern sculptures. An even more exotic excursion will take you to the Itaparica island, famous for its superb coral reefs and fishing villages. It’s easy to get to, just take a regular boat crossing from the lower end of town.

If you enjoy good food, you will love the famous Bahian cuisine with its regional specialties such as Acarajé, Moqueca de Peixe, and Bobo de camarão. Why not try a good caipirinha, the national cocktail made with cachaça and lemon juice; to be drunk while dancing to the sounds of the local bands!

If you are lucky, you might see Olodum play, they invented the now famous batucada, a percussion parade with an unusual and enchanting rhythm. It takes place two Tuesdays per month during the local winter (European summer) in the Pelourinho quarter. In this same quarter you can attend a mass at 6pm every evening accompanied by a batuque at the Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Pretos church.

Carnival in Salvador de Bahia – the biggest street party in the world!

Carnaval takes place in February each year and is an experienced unmatched anywhere else in the world.

More than a million people come from all over Brazil, and the world, to participate in undoubtedly one of the most exciting festivals on the planet.
For one week, the whole population is on the streets to “pular” (dance and jump) night and day to axé, the local carnival music. Huge trucks rigged with amplifiers and a dance stage allow groups to perform live in the streets. These “Trios electricos“, parade in the town followed by a huge crowd dancing and moving to the feverish music played by locals and famous musicians. When the party is at its peak, it is sometimes difficult to escape the crowd, so the only choice is to dance along and enjoy the fun !
However, remember two things: if you want to come to Salvador de Bahia at carnival time you need to book 6 months in advance. Also, hotel prices rocket at this time and can be twice or even five times the normal price with a minimum booking of 3 nights.