Salvador, Brazil
Salvador is a city in the province of Bahia in Brazil. It was actually the first capital of Brazil and as such it has a long and storied history. If you have the good fortune of being able to visit Salvador you will be able to see some of the finest colonial architecture, particularly in the central area of Pelourinho. The area got its name from the pillories that once stood there. Salvador is the second most popular tourist destination in Brazil and the economy of the city relies heavily on tourist money. This is good because it has meant that the city has taken great strides to ensure that the cultural and architectural integrity of the city is maintained. Salvador is considered by many to be the premier destination in Brazil however, because of the lengths that the city has gone to in order to make tourism thrive there and for the quality of the hotels that are located there.
Salvador is located on the Northeast coast of Brazil. It enjoys white sandy beaches and clean clear waters. It is not all that far from Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo so often longer tours will include these three cities as well as other natural adventures. Salvador has been declared a World Heritage Site for its storied history and architecture.
There is much to do and see in Salvador. There are street parties that offer music, dancing and some of the best food that you will ever taste. The Carnival celebration in Salvador is one of the best in the country. It is not quite as wild as the one in Rio de Janeiro but this would probably suit a lot of people. You still get the spectacle but it is not quite as chaotic as Rio.
Something you might be interested in seeing while you are in Salvador is the Elevador Lacerda. This is the first elevator in Brazil. Since 1873 it has connected the lower part of the city and the upper part of the city. They are actually different in elevation so hence the elevator. Obviously it is not the same as it was in 1873 but nonetheless it is still an interesting piece of history to see.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Salvador, there are many nice hotels, but you may also want to consider a pousada. This is like a bed-and-breakfast and can be a little quainter than your average hotel. The proprietors will usually be able to speak to you in English and they can help you to find what you are looking for in the city from a local’s point of view. While you are there, the museums are a good place to visit to see some of the local history preserved. There are also many parks, shopping malls, bike paths and walking paths that you can enjoy in Salvador. It is a city with a lot to offer, and it has a laid-back, relaxed pace that will surely leave a smile on your face.