Salvador’s best tours center on its unique mix of African and Portuguese heritage. Walking tours through the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho district are a must, where expert guides explain the stories behind the district’s baroque churches and pastel-colored buildings. I’m particularly impressed by the cultural tours featuring authentic Candomblé ceremonies – they offer a genuine look at the city’s spiritual traditions without feeling touristy.
For outdoor enthusiasts, day trips to surrounding beaches and the magnificent Chapada Diamantina National Park provide a perfect escape from the city. The guided museum tours are excellent, especially those covering religious art and local history.
My favorite tours combine visits to local communities with hands-on cooking demonstrations – you’ll learn to make traditional Bahian dishes while supporting neighborhood initiatives.
Let’s explore the top tours that showcase the best of Salvador’s culture and natural beauty.
Key Points
- Immersive cultural and historical tours of Pelourinho and Salvador, showcasing the city’s vibrant architecture, music, and Afro-Brazilian heritage.
- Guided Afro-Brazilian spiritual and community experiences, including Candomblé temple visits and explorations of local neighborhoods.
- Scenic boat tours to nearby islands, coupled with opportunities to savor Salvador’s culinary delights, such as the iconic acarajé.
- Nature-focused adventures in the stunning Chapada Diamantina National Park, featuring hikes and exploration of waterfalls and landscapes.
- Comprehensive museum and art tours highlighting Salvador’s rich cultural and artistic legacy, with a focus on the influence of African cultures.
The BEST Salvador, Brazil Tours and Things to Do
With its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty, Salvador, Brazil offers a wealth of activities and tours for visitors to explore. From guided city tours showcasing the colonial architecture and Afro-Brazilian heritage to excursions to the nearby beaches and islands, there’s something for every traveler.
One of the most popular tours is a walking tour of the historic Pelourinho neighborhood, known for its colorful buildings, lively plazas, and traditional music and dance performances.
Visitors can also take a ferry across the Bay of All Saints to the picturesque island of Itaparica, where they can relax on the beach, explore quaint fishing villages, and sample local cuisine.
For nature lovers, guided hikes in the lush Chapada Diamantina National Park offer stunning views of towering cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, and cascading waterfalls.
And for those seeking culture, tours of Candomblé temples provide insight into the Afro-Brazilian religious practices that have shaped Salvador’s unique identity.
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Salvador: 4-Hour Museums Guided Tour
Visitors seeking a deep dive into Salvador’s rich cultural heritage can join a 4-hour guided tour that explores the city’s top museums.
The tour begins at the Afro-Brazilian Museum, where guests explore the history and significance of African influences in Brazilian culture. Next, they visit the São Francisco Church and Convent, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exquisite Portuguese colonial architecture and intricate gold-plated interiors.
The tour then moves to the Abelardo Rodrigues Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts. Participants also explore the Solar do Unhão, a 17th-century manor house that now houses the Museum of Modern Art.
Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the city’s history and cultural traditions to life. This comprehensive tour offers travelers an immersive and educational glimpse into Salvador’s diverse artistic and architectural heritage.
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Historic City Tour in Salvador
Travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Salvador’s captivating history and vibrant culture can embark on the Historic City Tour, which offers a 4-hour exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks. Priced from €17.18 per person, the tour departs from centrally located hotels, providing complimentary pickup and drop-off for added convenience.
Visitors will witness the Barra Lighthouse, Cidade Alta, and panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints, seeing Salvador’s diverse heritage. Highlights include the Municipal Square, Rio Branco Palace, and the impressive Lacerda Elevator, as well as the Terreiro de Jesus and the Cathedral Basilica of the Savior.
The tour culminates at the UNESCO-listed Largo do Pelourinho, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere celebrated by acclaimed author Jorge Amado. Offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, the Historic City Tour promises an enriching experience, with knowledgeable guides sharing insights into Salvador’s history and culture.
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Candomblé Ceremony Tour
One of the most immersive tours in Salvador offers visitors a rare glimpse into the spiritual practices of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion.
This guided tour takes participants to a Candomblé temple, where they’ll witness a live ceremony and learn about the religion’s rich history and traditions. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the rituals, including drumming, dancing, and the invocation of orixás, the deities of the Candomblé pantheon.
The tour provides insight into the syncretic nature of Candomblé, which blends elements of West African religions, Catholicism, and indigenous Brazilian beliefs. Throughout the experience, the guide offers context and explanations, ensuring visitors develop a deeper understanding of this integral part of Salvador’s cultural heritage.
Whether you’re interested in spiritual practices, culture, or simply experiencing something unique, the Candomblé Ceremony Tour is a must-do activity during your time in Salvador.
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Salvador: 4-Hour Candomblé Mysteries Tour
Unraveling the mysteries of Candomblé, this immersive 4-hour tour in Salvador takes visitors on a captivating journey into the heart of Afro-Brazilian spirituality.
Priced at Kč 2,527 per person, the small-group experience is limited to 6 participants and offered in multiple languages. Pickup from your hotel lobby is included, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour begins at the Afro-Brazilian Museum, delving into the history of enslaved Africans and their cultural impact.
Next, you’ll visit the Pierre Verger Gallery, which documents the story of slavery through literature and photography.
The highlight is an optional experience at a Candomblé terreiro, where you can consult the sacred oracle.
Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable local guide provides insights into Afro-Brazilian traditions and history.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 from 32 reviews, this tour offers a unique and immersive look into Salvador’s vibrant Candomblé culture.
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Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador
Exploring Salvador’s rich Afro-Brazilian heritage, the 6-hour Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour offers an immersive cultural experience. Priced at $123 per person, this tour takes visitors on a journey through Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian roots, including visits to the São Joaquim Fair, the sacred altar of Yemayá, and the Tororó Dike.
Highlights include tasting the local culinary specialty, acarajé, and unwinding at a seaside favela with panoramic views and lunch. Guided by a multilingual expert fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French, the tour provides an intellectual exploration of Afro-Brazilian heritage.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 and exceptional reviews praising the guide’s knowledge and passion, this tour is a must-do for those interested in Salvador’s vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and photography restrictions apply in the favela communities.
Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations can be made without upfront payment.
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Salvador: Half-Day Saramandaia Favela Tour
The Salvador: Half-Day Saramandaia Favela Tour provides visitors a 3-hour immersive experience in one of Salvador’s largest and most impoverished communities.
Priced at $79.15 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and complimentary cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Spoken in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, the tour accommodates a maximum of 6 people.
Saramandaia, a majority black low-income neighborhood, is characterized by poverty and high violence. However, a local community project founded in 2003 aims to combat social exclusion through arts and sports.
Visitors can interact with students and community members, experiencing the transformative power of these initiatives. A portion of the tour fee contributes as a donation to the project.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Operating only on Saturdays due to community support limitations, the tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and kind guides.
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Salvador De Bahia African Culture Tour
Though Salvador de Bahia is renowned for its vibrant culture, the African roots that have deeply influenced this dynamic city are sometimes overlooked.
The Salvador de Bahia African Culture Tour aims to change that by immersing visitors in the rich heritage of Afro-Brazilian traditions. Priced at €50.35 per person and lasting 3 hours, this engaging tour takes participants to key locations like Terreiro de Jesus and the Escola do Olodum, where they’ll learn about the city’s complex history of colonization, African celebrities, and the enduring legacies of samba and capoeira.
Led by knowledgeable and patient guides, the tour encourages participant engagement, earning a 5/5 rating from previous customers.
With an overall 4.5/5 score based on 26 reviews, the experience provides excellent value for money and consistently earns praise for its respectful handling of sensitive topics.
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Salvador Historic Walking Tour – Pelourinho
Immersing visitors in the rich history and architectural wonders of Salvador’s iconic Pelourinho neighborhood, the Salvador Historic Walking Tour offers an enlightening exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the 2.5-hour tour takes small groups of up to 10 participants on a captivating journey through the colonial-era streets, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Rio Branco Palace and the Lacerda Elevator.
Explore the 17th and 18th-century mansions that characterize the Pelourinho area, and venture to Praça da Cruz Caída for breathtaking ocean views.
Discover the baroque splendor of the São Francisco church at Largo do Pelourinho, and learn about the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage and its recognition in Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us” music video.
With flexible scheduling, free cancellation, and the option to book with no upfront payment, this immersive walking tour promises an engaging and enriching experience for travelers seeking to uncover Salvador’s storied past.
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Salvador by Night: Pelourinho & Old Town Tour
When the sun sets over Salvador, the city transforms into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration. The “Salvador by Night: Pelourinho & Old Town Tour” offers travelers a chance to experience this electric atmosphere.
Priced at $79.15 per person, the 4-hour tour takes visitors through the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho district, marveling at its Baroque architecture. Guests will also participate in the “Tuesdays blessings” event, preserving Bahia’s musical heritage, and attend a Catholic Mass with African religious elements at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Blacks.
The tour’s small group size, limited to 6 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience. Guided in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, the tour includes hotel pickup and the opportunity to savor African-European heritage dishes.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 6 reviews, this night tour in Salvador promises an immersive cultural journey for adventurous travelers.
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Salvador: Anthropological City Tour With Lunch in 6 HOURS
Travelers seeking to delve deeper into Salvador’s cultural heritage can embark on the “Salvador: Anthropological City Tour with Lunch” – a comprehensive 6-hour exploration of the city’s African roots.
This small-group tour, limited to 4 participants, takes guests on a journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pelourinho and the Afro-Brazilian Museum, showcasing the history of black people.
Guests will observe the urban landscape changes in enslaved descendant communities and visit the old port and slave market, as well as the first Candomblé terreiro of Yoruba origin in the New World.
Lunch in a black community with a family that has over 50 years of tradition offers an authentic cultural experience, featuring the traditional feijoada dish.
With high ratings for both the guide and transportation, this tour provides exceptional value for money, allowing travelers to enjoy Salvador’s rich anthropological heritage.
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Salvador: City Highlights Private Tour
For those seeking a comprehensive introduction to Salvador, the “Salvador: City Highlights Private Tour” offers an immersive experience. Priced at €75.52 per person, this private tour lasts between 4 to 8 hours and is available in multiple languages. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Depending on the selected itinerary, travelers can explore the city’s highlights, such as the Baía de Todos os Santos, Dique do Tororó, Ribeira beaches, Senhor do Bonfim Church, Mercado Modelo, Santo Antonio da Barra Fortress, Brazilian Independence monument, and the UNESCO Historic Center.
Guests can also visit the Jesuit Basilica Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assis. For a more comprehensive experience, the tour can be combined with a Bahian snack or a traditional regional lunch.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 178 reviews, the tour has received praise for its knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and efficient organization.
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Salvador: African Heritage & Acarajé Tasting 4-Hour Tour
The “Salvador: African Heritage & Acarajé Tasting 4-Hour Tour” provides an immersive glimpse into Salvador’s rich Afro-Brazilian culture and history. Priced at $105.53 per person, this 4-hour guided tour takes visitors through the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho district, exploring the African Bahian atmosphere and local customs.
The tour covers the lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade, visiting key historical sites like the Fort, Barra Lighthouse, and Afro Museum of Benin.
Participants can expect a small group experience, with a maximum of 6 people, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide. The tour includes private transportation, entrance tickets, and a bottle of water.
Reviewers have consistently praised the tour, with an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 32 reviews. Guides like Mônia receive special commendation for their friendliness and extensive knowledge of Afro-Brazilian culture.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Salvador’s African heritage and savor the flavors of the acarajé, a beloved Bahian delicacy.
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Salvador: Full-Day Boat Tour of Frades and Itaparica Islands
While the “Salvador: African Heritage & Acarajé Tasting 4-Hour Tour” explores the city’s Afro-Brazilian history, the “Salvador: Full-Day Boat Tour of Frades and Itaparica Islands” offers a chance to escape the bustling streets and discover the natural beauty surrounding Salvador.
This full-day excursion takes visitors on a scenic boat ride to the charming islands of Frades and Itaparica, where they can relax on the beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a delicious local lunch.
The tour starts with a boat ride across the bay, providing stunning views of Salvador’s coastline and the historic city center.
Once on the islands, travelers have the opportunity to explore quaint fishing villages, visit local markets, and learn about the islands’ rich history and culture.
Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, try some fresh seafood, or simply take in the breathtaking natural scenery, this full-day tour is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Salvador’s surrounding islands.
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Sum Up
Salvador, Brazil offers a diverse range of tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From guided museum tours to Candomblé ceremonies and island boat trips, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in learning about Salvador’s African heritage or simply taking in the stunning coastal landscapes, these tours provide an engaging and immersive experience.