Excursion Discover the culture of salvador de bahia tour at Salvador

We will explore Salvador learning about its contrasts and cultural influences as the most African-based population outside of Africa.

We start our ride towards Barra lighthouse, passing via the Montanha Hill enjoying a great view of All Saints Bay; continuing passing by Campo Grande and Vitoria neighbourhoods. Making a stop near the lighthouse for a short time and photos. Continuing towards Tororó pond, where we will see the Orixás sculptures on the water, beautifully representing the forces of nature in the Afro-Brazilian mythology.

We pass by the Fonte Nova soccer stadium, then, to the Lower City to visit the neighbourhood surrounded by the quiet waters of the bay at Itapagipe peninsula, where the first holiday residences were built. At a certain point of the shoreline, we stop at the most popular ice cream parlor town, since 1936! After, we go to Bonfim hill, where the site of intense religion devotion is located - one of the most well known pilgrimage in Brazil and deeply syncretized with the Candomble afro religion. Take some pictures by its metal grid filled with colourful ribbons that are tied by faithful and tourists from all over the world, and visit the church.

We will explore the sites related to the colonial and Afro-Brazilian history, by visiting Pelourinho, named a world heritage site by UNESCO. We get off at the Municipal Square, by the Rio Branco Palace, one of the oldest palaces in Brazil. Time for photos and proceed on our walk to visit the Cross monument and the Baianas Memorial - a gallery that is part of the great work of black women preserving the cultural origins of Candomblé.

Then, we continue passing by Sé Square, reaching Terreiro de Jesus square, visit the Saint Francis church - with its gold leafed interior and Jacaranda wood furniture, with its grandiose design that took decades to be finished and it's representation of colonial period in Brazil. Enjoy some free time for shopping. Moving on along the narrow and cobbled streets towards Pelourinho Largo, a site where enslaved Africans used to be punished in ancient times, and today it is the city post card for one of the most representative images of Salvador. Take some pictures before walking to our local restaurant for a typical lunch. After, a short walk will take us to the Sá Square, where we make a stop by the Cross Monument, for a grand finale with a cultural percussion play and dance folkloric show.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Salvador, Barra lighthouse, Orixás sculptures, Bonfim Hill, Pelourhino (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Baianas Memorial, folkloric dance and music performance

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, approximately 200 metres (218 yards) in total. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility; however please note that there are approximately 12 steps at the church. This tour does not involve a visit to the Upper City. We recommend wearing lightweight clothing, walking shoes and sun protection as the climate is usually hot and humid.