The Brazilian region of Bahía has been populated by western man since a French ship shipwrecked in 1510. The captain of the ship was Diogo Álvares Corrêa. He was a hidalgo rescued by native people, who later facilitate the access of other European vessels to the thick jungle.
26 years after that shipwreck, Álvares helped
the entry of an envoy of the King of Portugal who natives end up quartered and
turned into food because of his arrogance and mistreatment.
The message was clear. You had to arrive peacefully like Diogo Álvares Corrêa did it. Thus, Tome de Sousa, the first governor-general of Brazil, appeared on that vast land in 1549, with a royal order: to found a city-fortress called San Salvador.
Immediately, the settlement became an oceanic
port for the sugar industry and the slave trade. It became the first colonial
capital of Brazil. But, its commercial importance increased so much century
after century that it was always the object of power disputes.
Today, there is so much history mixed with the
beauty of the region, that the soteropolitanos (name of those born in Salvador)
have learned that nothing can get as much benefit as tourism.
But, which are those places that you have to
visit to really know this jewel of history, culture, and beauty? We will answer
the question and we will talk about interesting tours that show everything.
Praia do Forte and
Praia de Guarajuba
These are two of the most beautiful beaches in
Brazil. The idea is to join the day tour including both for relaxation and the
pleasure of being face to face with the beauty of these beaches.
The tour starts at the hotels of those who
decide to take it. People are picked up very early to indulge in an
unforgettable experience. The fixed course is the northern coast of Bahia,
where there are several of the most sought-after beaches by tourists in the
world.
This leads to the beach of Guarajuba, which is
famous for the landscape and tranquility. The next stop is Praia do Forte,
where the color, the restaurants, the handicrafts and the famous ice cream of
typical fruits should be the priority.
Schooner tour of the
tropical islands
This is an unforgettable tour of the largest
and most beautiful bay in Brazil: the Bay of All Saints.
It goes through the calm waters in which
submerging are an unprecedented joy for any tourist. In this adventure, food is
part of the show.
Panoramic tour of
Salvador
This tour leads to some of the fascinating
points of the city. It starts in the Farol da Barra and arrives at the High City
through the Corredor de la Victoria. It is the most modern part of the city;
so, there, will be contemplated the great buildings, shopping centers, streets
and busy avenues.
But, there is more. Then, the tour follows the
traditional circuit of Salvador's Carnival until you reach the most emblematic
point: the Pelourinho. This place is an architectural complex and cultural
center par excellence.
The same tour leads to the Mirador del Elevador
Lacerda, where you can see the Upper City and the Lower City with its colors
and diversities.
Then, it continues to the Igreja do Bonfim,
which is one of the most important churches in Brazil. There, the festival
"Lavagem do Bonfim" is celebrated, a symbol of the Bahian syncretism.
Historic City Tour
Regarding colonial times, Salvador de Bahía is
one of the most important historical centers of Latin America. This tour
dedicated specifically to its origin and transformation is really worth it.
Like the panoramic tour, this includes places
of interest that show the origin of the entire nation; but delves deeper into
the rich history of the region.
After detailing the colossal buildings of Pelourinho, the tour takes you to the Lacerda Elevator and ends with the unforgettable option of visiting the Jorge Amado Museum.
Pelourinho at Night
The culture continues with the arrival of the night, but much better. A perfect gastronomy, music, live shows, and tropical drinks are mixed.
Here, you can experience tropical rhythms, miscegenation, and flavors up close. It is a tour of theaters, museums, galleries and other cultural places that do not sleep.
In addition, the tour offers a typical food dinner and a folkloric show represented by natives.
Salvador de Bahía does not sleep because his story continues. For years it has been known as the "Black Rome" for being the place where there are supposed to be more people from Africa outside of that continent. But, the centuries have turned it into one of the mixed and cosmopolitan capitals.