3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian
Description
We will meet at 2pm in front of the Cathedral Basilica of San Salvador and begin a walking tour to learn about the influence and legacy of African culture in Salvador da Bahia. First, we will go to Terreiro de Jesus, where we will learn about the history of the colonization of this area of Brazil through the actions of the Jesuit Missions and Portuguese colonization. We will also meet some African celebrities who have worked in Salvador de Bahia throughout history.
Tour Options
Itinerary
First, we will go to Terreiro de Jesus, where we will learn about the history of the colonization of this area of Brazil through the actions of the Jesuit Missions and Portuguese colonization.
The House has a collection made up of around 200 pieces originating from the Gulf of Benin, collected by French photographer Pierre Verger throughout his trips to Africa, to study the ebbs and flows between Africa and Bahia. It also has pieces related to Afro-diasporic culture, donated by artists and institutions.
We will visit the Olodum School, an Afro-descendant cultural and educational center where we will analyze the importance of Carnival in the city.
San Francisco Cruise. Here we will tell about the birth, in the 19th century, of a male organization whose objective was to help the black community of Salvador in the fight for its liberation. We will also learn about another fundamental part of African culture, such as samba and capoeira dances. The rhythms are sure to make you want to move your feet!
The African influence in Brazil appears in the language, food, music, behavior and religious manifestations. The Casa de Angola cultural center, located in one of the colonial mansions, built in the 18th century, was founded on November 5, 1999 with the aim of keeping alive and consolidating cultural ties between Brazil and the African country.
There you come into contact with works that talk about black identity; of Africa as the continent from which all humanity originated; the issue of trafficking in people who were enslaved; of black resistance, quilombos and revolts. You also learn about contributions to cuisine, religion and popular festivals, as well as sports and music, which is an exuberant array of samba, semba, maracatu and others.
The objective of this association is to worship the Virgin of the Rosary, through faithful observance of the rules of its commitment. The Venerable Third Order of the Rosary of Our Lady at the Gates of Mount Carmel – Brotherhood of Black Men is, first and foremost, a Roman Catholic apostolic brotherhood with an African slant. It has maintained, with dignity and renewal, throughout its more than three centuries, its characteristics as an African territory in the diaspora.
The Conceição Hydraulic Elevator – which has been on an electrical system for some time – and in the past popularly called “Parafuso”, was the first urban elevator in the world. When it opened in 1873, it was also the tallest, at 63 meters. It connects Bairro do Comércio to Cidade Alta, in a journey of approximately 20 seconds. That's when there's no queue. So, on party days in that area, be prepared because the elevator is used as everyday public transport by those who live in the city.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(36)
Facundo was our Spanish-speaking guide and he was excellent. We enjoyed listening to him talk about the history of the place and all the fun facts about Bahia. He is very fond of the city. He also gave us excellent recommendations for restaurants and museums. And during the tour, he was always willing to take photos of us. I would definitely choose him as a guide again.
Spectacular tour, takes you into Bahian history and culture in an express way. The guide that accompanied us, Maria, was a luxury! He not only explained every detail and answered all the questions with a lot of kindness and knowledge, but also recommended and advised us on other excursions, typical cuisine and walks. She was very attentive all the time, willing to help us, take a picture or wait if we wanted to buy something. It was certainly the best way to get to know the historic center of Salvador and its surroundings. Recommended 100%!
Insightful, knowledgable, passionate, energetic and very entertaining. This is a must to truly appreciate the historic significance and diversity of Salvador… the birth place of Brazil!
We did the Tour by foot Salvador and the experience was excellent. Facundo gave us a lot of historical information that helps us understand the structure of the city, as well as the evolution of it and its current identity. In addition to explaining in detail each point of the tour, he shared a lot of useful tips to enjoy Salvador beyond the tour: from little-known home restaurants to activities and places to visit that are off the historic center and off our radar as tourists. You can see his knowledge and passion for the city, after more than 16 years in it, which helps a lot to make the tour super interesting. I highly recommend doing the tour right when arriving in Salvador, because it helps to get your bearings, discover authentic corners and make the most of the rest of the trip!
The tour of the historic center of Salvador was very enriching. Carlos is a very knowledgeable and experienced guide, with a deep knowledge of Bavarian history and culture, in addition to giving great tips for the rest of the trip
The guide, Facundo, very pleasant and expeditious. Salvador de Bahia and its historic center deserve to be toured in this way. Super recommended!
We did the free tour with the guide Iara Caroline on 26/10/25 and we liked it very much. From the beginning it was passed to the group as would the tuor. The guide gave us tips on places to get to know the history of Salvador, places to eat, how to negotiate with the local merchants before accepting the services offered. Iara always very friendly, asked and showed a lot of understanding about the city. The tour is not done in many hours, but it is enough time to absorb information, know places and not get so tired or boring for the tourist, in addition to giving the same the independence to later walk better through historical places, which are countless. We recommend the tour, very well worth it.
Maria was a great tour guide, very friendly and knowledgable! I loved learning about the history of Salvador! Definitely recommend this!
Very good tour to start the Salvador de bahia tour. We toured Pelourinho on foot and it is a fairly quiet hike. Give very good tips Grateful
Carlos is an excellent guide. It answers all the questions asked, and in addition to reporting the basics, it richly describes countless details of the points visited, in addition to facts occurring centuries ago. Very attentive and kind.
