(83 Reviews)
98% Recommended

Rey Alton

Bellaire, TX
Travel Lifestyle Specialist

The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience.  But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than ...
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Salvador da Bahia Travel Agent Expert

Salvador da Bahia is one of Brazil's most vibrant and culturally rich cities, located on the northeastern coast of the country. Known as the birthplace of Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador is famous for its colorful colonial architecture, lively music, rich history, and energetic festivals. As the first capital of Brazil, Salvador is a city steeped in tradition, blending African, Portuguese, and indigenous influences. The city is also renowned for its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Brazil's cultural heart. 


 


Top 5 Places to Visit in Salvador da Bahia:



  • Pelourinho (Historic Center) – A UNESCO World Heritage site, Pelourinho is the heart of Salvador’s colonial past. With its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and vibrant cultural scene, it’s a must-visit for history lovers and those wanting to immerse themselves in Salvador’s African heritage. 

  • Elevador Lacerda (Lacerda Elevator) – This historic elevator connects the lower city (Cidade Baixa) to the upper city (Cidade Alta). It offers stunning panoramic views of the city, the Bay of All Saints, and the bustling port area. It’s an iconic Salvador landmark. 

  • Igreja de São Francisco (Church of St. Francis) – Known for its ornate baroque architecture, the Igreja de São Francisco is one of the most stunning churches in Salvador. Its interior is decorated with intricate gold-leaf carvings and beautiful azulejos (ceramic tiles), making it a must-see historical and religious site. 

  • Mercado Modelo (Model Market) – Located near the port, Mercado Modelo is a bustling market that offers an authentic taste of Salvador. You can find local crafts, traditional foods, and souvenirs, along with lively music performances and street vendors. 

  • Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse) – This historic lighthouse is one of Salvador’s most famous landmarks. Situated at the entrance of the Bay of All Saints, it offers stunning views of the ocean and the city. It's also home to the Nautical Museum, where visitors can learn about Salvador’s maritime history. 


 


10 Things to Do in Salvador da Bahia:



  • Wander Through Pelourinho – Explore the historic streets of Salvador’s colonial heart, Pelourinho, where you can admire colorful buildings, visit historical churches, and experience the city's vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.

  • Take a Ride on the Elevador Lacerda – Enjoy a ride on this historic elevator that connects the lower and upper cities. The elevator offers great views of the bay and a unique way to navigate the steep terrain of Salvador. 

  • Visit the Igreja de São Francisco – Marvel at the stunning baroque architecture and the gold-leaf details inside this church, which is one of Salvador's most magnificent colonial landmarks. 

  • Explore the Mercado Modelo – Spend time browsing the Mercado Modelo, a lively market filled with local handicrafts, traditional foods like acarajé (fried dough filled with shrimp), and vibrant cultural performances. 

  • Climb the Farol da Barra – Visit the Barra Lighthouse, one of Salvador’s most iconic landmarks, and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and the city from the top. You can also explore the Nautical Museum to learn about the city’s seafaring history. 

  • Relax at Porto da Barra Beach – One of Salvador's most popular beaches, Porto da Barra offers calm waters ideal for swimming. It’s also an excellent spot to watch the sunset and enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the view. 

  • Experience a Candomblé Ceremony – Salvador is the center of Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, and experiencing a Candomblé ceremony can give you a deeper understanding of the city's African roots. Candomblé is a vibrant and spiritual religion with music, dance, and rituals honoring African deities. 

  • Visit the Museu de Arte da Bahia (Bahia Art Museum) – This museum houses a vast collection of Brazilian and international art, including works from the colonial period and modern masterpieces. It's a great place to explore Salvador's artistic heritage. 

  • Enjoy a Carnival Block Party – Salvador is known for having one of the biggest and most vibrant Carnival celebrations in the world. If you visit during Carnival season, be sure to join one of the street parties (blocos) to experience the music, dancing, and festive atmosphere firsthand. 

  • Take a Boat Tour to Ilha de Itaparica – Escape the city and take a boat tour to Ilha de Itaparica, an island in the Bay of All Saints. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a day of swimming, relaxing, and enjoying local seafood. 


Salvador da Bahia offers a fascinating combination of history, culture, music, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring its colonial architecture, enjoying its vibrant beaches, or immersing yourself in Afro-Brazilian traditions, Salvador will undoubtedly provide an unforgettable experience.   

My Reviews

72 of 116 people found this review helpful
Another fabulous trip!
Rey has booked several domestic and international trips for me over the years. Each time the experience was fantastic. Rey is not only a knowledgeable and experienced travel agent, he is patient with groups and always provides stellar customer service. The resorts are always fabulous and his recommendations on what to do when we arrive at our destinations make my vacations more enjoyable. I’ve counted on Rey to book fabulous vacations for over 10 years and he always delivers the best. I’ve always enjoyed the individual attention and care Rey provides his clients. He understands the apprehension that comes along with trying new places and is thorough and accommodating as a result. He’s also great at making suggestions on future vacations and I’ve never been disappointed when I follow his suggestions. Rey will remain my travel confidante for many years to come. He’s the best, hands down!
By  TC  from  San Antonio, Texas
Traveled to  Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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72 of 121 people found this review helpful
Travel Expert
We have worked with Rey for many years and have always enjoyed the experience. Most of our travel has been river cruises in Europe but last year we did a trip to South Africa. Rey is very thoughtful, thorough and responsive.
By  Randy  from  Houston
Traveled to  Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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63 of 109 people found this review helpful
Destination Wedding Planner
Love working w/ Rey! Very knowledgable and detailed!! Definitely recommend to any and everyone traveling abroad.
By  Destination Wedding Planner - Elite Eventz   from  Houston, Texas
Traveled to  Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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63 of 112 people found this review helpful
July 4th Fun!!!
Rey and the Almeda Travel family have been so good to my family in assisting us in all of our travel needs/goals from beginning to return. Rey has shown nothing but the utmost professionalism, patience,guidance, and quality service that is so difficult to find these days. We have trusted Almeda Travel for the last 5-6 years for our vacations and will continue to do so, I also strongly recommend if you’re looking for an agent/team that is knowledgeable and consumer responsive go with Almeda Travel!
By  Lady on the Go  from  Beaumont, Texas
Traveled to  Washington D.C. ~ District of Columbia ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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56 of 100 people found this review helpful
Anniversary Trip
I have the opportunity to book travel with Rey at Alameda Travel several times over the past 5-8years. He is very informative and knowledgeable about different places to travel and the hospitality service companies in those areas. I have been very pleased with every interactions and trip we have been on.
By  Chris Cooper  from  Humble, Texas
Traveled to  Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Salvador da Bahia
  • Brazil
  • South America

Travel Specialist:

  • Honeymoons
  • Couples & Romance
  • Adventure
  • Beach Vacations
  • Nature

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTIE
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2013
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2011
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2009

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