Salvador

Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia, is the old colonial capital of Brazil. It is located on the peninsula that separates the bahia (bay) from the Atlantic Ocean. It was founded in 1549 by the Portuguese, who populated it with thousands of slaves who were brought to work in the sugarcane plantations.

Salvador is divided into an lower and upper section, where Pelourinho, the old colonial part of the city, resides. There's an elevator called Lacerda, which goes from one level to the other and gives you a great view of the city.

Salvador is also one of the main attraction cities, along with Rio de Janeiro, in Carnival time. It is also considered quite dangerous in this time of year.

Pelourinho is considered the tourist epicenter of Salvador, for it's big pedestrian area, with cobblestone streets, many churches, and brightly-painted buildings. It is also very well guarded by police night and day. Other interesting neighborhoods to visit are: Barra, Rio Vermelho and Carmo.

Salvador also has the best beaches in Brazil and the best hotel resorts. But small B&Bs (pousadas) are also available throughout the city, for those with a smaller budget.