Destinations-Salvador

Salvador da Bahia (generally known as Salvador), is Brazil's most African city. Founded in 1549 it was Brazil's capital until 1763, when Rio took over its political function. The city's economy in the 16th and 17 century was totally based on sugarcane and later tobacco. Sugar and tobacco where shipped out, while slaves and European luxury goods where shipped in. Salvador was Brazil's most important city for 300 years, and the Portuguese Empire's second city, after Lisbon. It was famous for gold-filled churches and beautiful mansions. These days it is known for its many wild festivals and general sensuality and decadence. The city hosts one of the world's biggest and most impressive Carnival celebrations, with live music on huge trucks (trio electrico) moving slowly through the dancing crowds. Like Lisbon, the city center consists of a lower and upper part, connected by electric elevators (85m, 279 ft). In the nineties the old part of the center, the Pelourinho, was completely renovated. In this higher situated part of the city you will find the biggest collection of colonial baroque architecture of Latin America, consisting of decorated churches and houses. It is also a great place for restaurants, with loads of terraces and bars. With such an extraordinary past and such sublime beaches in its surrounding area, Salvador is a perfect place for daytrips.

• ACCESS ROUTES
  Salvador 's airport receives an increasing number of international flights, including various charters from European capitals. There are flights to all Brazilian destinations (most with stopovers in Brazilia or Sao Paulo ). From the bus station, some kilometers out of the center, busses leave for many North eastern destinations, as well as for Brazil 's main cities ( Sao Paulo app. 32 hrs, Rio 26 hrs, Recife 13 hrs).
• ACCOMMODATION
  Salvador covers all varieties of accommodations. The city has roughly three hotel zones: Initially, accommodations were concentrated in Barra, the seaside neighborhood on the edge of the bay, with beaches on both the Atlantic and the Bahia de Todos os Santos . Marked by a lighthouse, an original fortress and some beautiful palm tree beaches have attracted great amounts of visitors to this area. The center is relatively close by; 15 minutes in taxi.
  
  With the renovation of the old center, and the increasing popularity of its nightlife, this part of town has become a popular place to stay. Most accommodation in the center is rather basic and attracts mainly backpackers, there are however some good, stylish hotels in the area. Recently a new Sofitel has been opened in an old colonial monastery.
  
• WHEN TO GO
  During Carnival hotels fill up completely and rates easily triple. Furthermore, Salvador is a popular summer destination among Brazilians. The weather is ideal the whole year round, but expect some more rain in the summer months.
• HOW LONG
  We recommend spending at least two days here to be able to visit the city. Salvador is an ideal location for daytrips to nearby interesting sites, such as the city of Cachoeira, the Island of Itaparica or the beaches up north.