The cobbled Portuguese-style streets of Salvador are scented with African cuisine and alive with local ceremonial folk lore. It is a strangely diverse cultural melting pot, and, as a result, it is an exciting and unique city.
Salvador - What to Do
Salvador is the capital of the Bahia province and is a mystical city full of small winding alleys, brightly coloured painted buildings and market stalls selling local produce and folkloric art to the tourists that visit the colonial quarter of the city.
Apart from spending time exploring the cobbled streets of the historic quarter, you can try your feet at capoeira, the local martial art turned dance brought to the region by West Africans in the 16th century.
It is good fun to watch a local religious ceremony performed by the African Yoruba tribe; they usually involve lots of noise and chanting as they reconnect with gods.
Salvador - Where to Stay
Villa Bahia and Casa Amarelindo are the best centrally-located hotels, each bursting with local charm. There are a couple of large international-style business hotels closer to the airport.
Salvador - Our Opinion
Salvador has a very distinct feel, unlike other places in Brazil that have been heavily influenced by European colonisation. A couple of nights here is more than enough; we would only advise visiting if you are also going to other areas in the north, as it is a long journey just to visit Salvador.
Salvador - Top Tip
We can arrange a walking tour, and a cooking class with a local chef. Due to the proximity to the ocean there is normally a seafood element to the food that you learn to cook.
