Northeast

Bahia

Soul of Afro-Brazilian culture and carnival

Bahia is the spiritual heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, where the drumbeats of candomblé and the rhythms of axé music fill the air year-round. Salvador, its colonial capital, shelters the Pelourinho — a UNESCO-listed historic center of brightly colored baroque architecture — and hosts one of the world's biggest carnivals, driven by trios elétricos parading through the streets.

Capital

Salvador

Region

Northeast

Estado

Top Highlights

1Pelourinho, Salvador — UNESCO-listed baroque historic center with Afro-Brazilian culture
2Chapada Diamantina — waterfalls, caves, diamond-mining history and superb trekking
3Morro de São Paulo — car-free island paradise with clear warm waters and vibrant nightlife
4Praia do Forte and Tamar Project — sea turtle protection on pristine beaches north of Salvador

Best Time to Visit

December to March for Carnival season; June to September for dry weather in the Chapada.

Traveller's Tip

Salvador's Carnival fills hotel rooms 6+ months in advance — book accommodation as early as possible for February/March visits.

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