Salvador Vacation Packages and Tours

Overview

One of the oldest cities in the Americas, Salvador is located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. The city has been nicknamed Brazil’s “capital of happiness” due to the population’s incredibly easygoing nature to be experienced on a Brazil vacation package.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Salvador in 1500 and in 1549, Tomé de Souza, under Portuguese royal orders, was sent to establish Brazil’s first capital. This initial settlement went on to become Brazil’s most important city for the next three centuries. As a result of sugarcane and tobacco exports as well as cattle ranching and gold and diamonds found in the interior, the city amassed a great deal of wealth. This wealth helped Salvador to become Portugal’s second most influential city outside of Lisbon. 

The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed a decline, however, recent decades have begun to improve with investments in new industries including tourism. 

Today, Salvador is considered one of the birthplaces of Brazilian culture. Descendants of African slaves initially brought to the city in the 16th century have maintained their heritage, celebrating it through music, religion, dance and food. The city is known throughout Brazil for its cuisine and restaurants found in Salvador are regarded as some of the best in the world. Salvador is also known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene and for its Portuguese colonial architecture with many historical monuments dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, all to be enjoyed on Brazilian vacations.