Brazil on a Budget

Salvador Activities

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:00:38 +0000

There are a ton of activities available in Salvador and some great sites see that offer a window into Brazil’s past as well some of its present highlights (though also problems) so here are a few leads to get you started!

Ride the Elevador Lacerda

Hop on the Elevador Lacerda, connecting the Cidade Baixa and the Cidade Alta, for spectacular views of the colonial part of the city at a bargain price: only 10 centavos! Assuming you have any room left in your backpack for a few souvenirs, head across the street to the Mercado Modelo in the Cidade Baixa and pick up a few traditional Bahian souvenirs. From hammocks, to art and everything in between, this place has something for everyone! This is THE tourist activity in Salvador but it is also frequently used be locals of all walks of life. Get a slice of Bahian culture and diversity with a walk from the Mercado to the Pelourinho.

Step back in time in the Pelo

Be transported back in time to colonial Salvador! Wander the streets of the Pelourinho, lined with beautiful colonial buildings and teeming with Afro-Brazilian culture at every turn, from spontaneous rodas de capoeira, to traditionally dressed Bahian women, and mystical Candomblé ceremonies. You never know what you are going to find in the Pelourinho, keep an eye on the street kids and discover hidden restaurants or nightlife buried in the maze of colonial streets.

Dance to the beats of Afro-Brazilian drums in the Pelo

Take in some traditional Afro-Brazilian culture with the concert held every Tuesday night on the steps of the Escada do Carmo in the Pelourinho! You can find everything you need for a great night out around here, the caipirinhas flow and it is not hard to find capoeira to shock and bedazzle you. A great spot that should not be left out of any Brazil travels.

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Salvador Map

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:41:17 +0000

Salvador is easy to get to and easy to leave making it a great hub for Brazilian travel and stop for moving farther up the coast to beach towns like Jericoacoara, Canoa Quebrada, and Praia da Pipa.

Getting to Salvador

There are loads of bus connections to Salvador from just about wherever you might be arriving in Brazil, including daily buses from Aracaju, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Ilhéus, Lençóis, Maceió, Natal, Penedo, Porto Seguro, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Vitória. From the bus station, a taxi to the Cidade Alta or Cidade Baixa is about R$20. Air conditioned minbuses marked ‘Praça da Sé’ leave from Shopping Iguatemi, across from the bus station, and cost about R$2.50. ‘Barra 1’ buses leave from in front of the bus station and go to Barra.

Salvador also has flight connections to most main cities in Brazil and a few international destinations as well. As places go when you travel Brazil, it’s pretty easy to get around. The airport is located quite far out of town (30km). A taxi will run you between R$60 and R$80 (depending on the type of taxi – radio or metered), while air conditioned minibuses head to Praça da Sé via Barra for R$5.

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Salvador Nightlife

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:40:50 +0000

You want Brazilian Music? You got it. Live Brazilian music all day and all night with those Bahia drumbeats pounding out over the city from all kinds of difference places. This is the home of some of the best live music in Brazil so make sure you get out and hear some, though it is hard to miss! People is Salvador know how to love life so hit the dance floor and make some friends!

Escadas do Carmo

Every Tuesday night from 8 to 10pm, live Afro-Brazilian music will have you dancing to the beats that define Salvador, with the spectacular backdrop of the decaying colonial buildings of the Pelo! This is a must, with great music and a view that will blow you away.

Cantina da Lua

This patio bar, located in the heart of the Pelo on the Terreiro de Jesus, is the perfect place to sit back, relax, listen to some good music, and watch the interesting characters of the Pelo! Enjoy a few cool drinks and kickback and watch the day go by while humming a Bahian tune.

Aeroclube Plaza Show

This is THE place to see and be seen in Salvador! A whole entertainment complex of bars, dance clubs and free live music will keep you busy all night long! It’s not super cheap though so bring your wallet, but if you want a dance party, get ready for a repeat visit! This is the biggest clubbing north of Rio de Janeiro!

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Salvador Restaurants

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:40:28 +0000

Salvador has great food, from the Pelourinho to the beach front, and it’s one of the best places in Brazil to eat traditional food. Feijoada is a staple here, as well a many Brazilian seafood dishes. Coming along with that, food in Salvador is often served to be shared, so if you find the portions particularly large or particularly expensive, they may very well have been meant for more than just you! Eating together is a great way to make friends and explore traditional Brazilian cuisine.

A Cubana

Located directly outside the Elevador Lacerda, A Cubana has some of the best ice cream in Salvador and it’s hard NOT to walk past it. It’s not Buenos Aires or Rome, but on a hot Bahia day, this stuff is magic. It’s also close to many Salvador Activities so it’s easy to get to.
Ice cream from R$2.
Outside Elevador Lacerda.

Bahia Café

This little café on Praça da Sé serves up hearty sandwiches big enough for two, as well as good juices and other snacks at great prices for those on a budget! You won’t find much for the same price elsewhere and certainly not of similar quality. Great for a quick lunch.
Sandwiches from R$10.
Praça da Sé.

La Figa

This is some of the best Italian food we’ve ever had – including in Italy! – and the service is some of the best we had in Brazil! Although a little more n the expensive side for true budget backpackers, this place is worth the splurge! The menu is extensive, but we suggest the carbonara, the eggplant rollatini and the calamari with roasted vegetables. If it’s not busy (and assuming you’re polite and nice customers), they often bring a desert tasting plate on the house at the end of the meal! Don’t miss this as a splurge or a special meal, La Figa is WELL worth it, even if it is far from a few Salvador Hostels, and will stand in your Brazilian travel and culinary experiences.
Pastas from R$15.
Just off Rua das Laranjeiras.

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Salvador Pictures

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:39:54 +0000

Salvador has it all from a Brazilian beach to the colonial pelourinho and has a huge variety of visual wonders and you will not run out of amazing things to see! From Salvador’s renown carnival to the Pelourinho these sights make Salvador a great addition to any Brazilian vacation. You will see dancing and music in streets, traditional goods and shops, and meet great people. The city is pressed up against the open Atlantic and the fading colonial buildings look out over a city coast line rivaled only by Rio de Janeiro.

Salvador makes a great addition to any Brazilian trip and it’s a great hub whether you are going North or South to see more when you travel Brazil!

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Salvador Hostels

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:38:57 +0000

Salvador has a wide range of hostels, from colonial buildings in the bustling heart of the Pelourinho to beach side guest houses, there is something for every traveler.

Alpha Hostel

Located in the safer suburb of Barra, and only two blocks from the beach, Alpha Hostel is a great option for those looking to stay outside the Pelourinho. The hostel offers very attractive, clean and comfortable rooms, including dorms and private rooms. Rooms include air conditioning and private ensuite bathroom. Conveniently located to the beach, restaurants, supermarkets and only a 10 minute bus ride to the Pelourinho. Common lounge, garden, and kitchen for guest use.
Breakfast and WiFi included.
Dorms from R$25;doubles from R$80/night.

Book Alpha Hostel – Salvador, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil.

Pousada Ambar

Don’t let the exterior of the building fool you! This lovely little pousada offers great, clean, spacious and well-kept rooms in Barra, at a great price. Located a 5 minute walk from the beach and the bus to Pelourinho (10 minutes). Rooms range from dorms to doubles and quads, and include overhead fan, private ensuite bathroom, CD player, and veranda with table and chairs. Common lounge area with TV for guest use; internet and drinks available although there is a small charge. A great spot that is sure to be remembered in any Brazil vacation.
Delicious, extensive and creative breakfast included.
Dorms from R$30/night, doubles from R$85/night.

Pousada Suites do Pelo

This is one of the best deals in town for backpackers on a budget! Located in the heart of the Pelourinho, this little pousada offers well-kept, simple rooms at a great price! As a result it’s close to many of Salvador’s tourist activities and restaurants. All rooms include ceiling fan, TV, large windows, fridge, and private ensuite bathroom. Kitchen and lounge area for guest use; breakfast included and free WiFi. Restaurant located directly below the pousada offers good cheap meals. It’s definitely not perfect, but it will be more than adequate in a pinch or for the traveler on the cheap. If you go any cheaper, don’t expect anything even close!
Dorms from R$20;doubles from R$50/night.

Book Pousada Suites do Pelo, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil.

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Salvador

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:38:34 +0000

Wandering the streets of the Pelourinho, admiring the decaying colonial architecture, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the 16th and 17th Century! Wander some more, passing rodas de capoeira, listening to thumping African drums, and smelling the wafting odors of aracajé (bean and shrimp fritters), and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a little piece of Africa in Brazil! Here you can find great food, dancing, music, and culture to take your breath away. If you travel Brazil, you should not miss it. It’s not just a vacation spot; it’s a look into Brazil’s sometimes tumultuous past.

Salvador da Bahia is the Afro-Brazilian gem of the Northeast located in Todos os Santos Bay and a favorite of stop in many tourists Brazil vacations. From gorgeous coastline, to nightly capoeira shows and Afro-Brazilian concerts on the streets of the Pelourinho, to mystical Candomblé ceremonies, Salvador offers and enthralling introduction to Brazil’s African and colonial heritage. There’s nowhere else in Brazil, or in the world for that matter, quite like Salvador da Bahia! Not to mention it’s a great place to start travelling your way up Brazil’s coast to places like Praia da Pipa and Canoa Quebrada!

The high cliff that divides the city between Cidade Alta and Cidade Baixa gives the city a majestic feel, with buildings perched along the very edge of the Atlantic ocean and the great Cathedral looking down. Both cities, though particularly the Pelourinho, are renowned for their stunning colonial architecture. The two cities are connected by the famous Elevador Lacerda in which you can travel between the two cities and get a breathtaking view of Brazil’s most lively city. Local’s will tell you its carnival is far superior even to Rio de Janeiro, with a truly authentic feel and participants from all over the world. While the city can be dangerous and you should always be alert, do not be afraid to delve into this Brazilian cultural experience!

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Rio de Janeiro Activities

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:37:50 +0000

There are a ton of activities available in Rio de Janeiro, both physical and relaxing, so here are a few leads to get you started!

Spend an afternoon at Ipanema beach.

Head to the famous Ipanema beach for an afternoon of sun, swimming, and some of the best people watching in the world! Add to that some of the best snacks you’ll have in Brazil, all brought directly to your sun chair….and you have the perfect day! Make sure to try the queijo coalho (cheese grilled on a charcoal grill), mate com limão (iced mate tea with lime-ade), and água de coco (coconut water). The entertainment and the food are cheap and satisfying and make for the perfect afternoon for the backpacker traveling Brazil on a budget!

Hand glide off Pedra Bonita and take in Rio from above.

This splurge in your budget will be one you’ll never forget. Jump from the Pedra Bonita (literally, “beautiful rock”) overlooking the beautiful São Conrado beach and glide for an amazing 15-25 minutes over the tropical forest-covered mountains, white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Rio de Janeiro. Pay the extra for the still photos, but skip the video if you’re on a tight budget.

Ride the Bondihno into Santa Teresa.

Catch the bonde, one of the last remaining streetcars that transported Cariocas all over Rio, and travel into the Bohemian district of Santa Teresa. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as the bonde winds its way up cobblestone streets, past historic mansions towards Largo do Guimarães or Largo das Neves. If you’re feeling particularly brave, ride it for free as the locals do, hanging off the sides!

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Rio de Janeiro Map

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:37:24 +0000

Rio de Janeiro lies on Brazil’s Atlantic coast, facing south. Founded around Guanabara bay, the entrance to which is the iconic Sugar Loaf peak, the city’s coastline now stretches east and west of the bay, with the major tourist destinations of Copacabana and Ipanema located in the Zona Sul.

Getting to Rio de Janeiro

Both getting to and around Rio de Janeiro is quite easy. Most international flights to Brazil arrive either in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. Rio has two airports, Aeroporto Galeão serving international flights and Aeroporto Santos Dumont serving domestic flights. If arriving at Galeão, the cheapest and most efficient way to get into the city is catch the Real bus to Santos Dumont, from where you can catch a cab into the city or to connect to a bus for only a few reais.

The Rodoviária Novo Rio, Rio’s main bus terminal, is located about 2km northwest of Centro, in a very seedy area. If you’re arriving or departing Rio by bus, take a taxi to/from the bus station. Fares to Copacabana or Ipanema are approximately R$30.
http://www.novorio.com.br

The bus system in Rio is excellent, cheap, and frequent. It’s really easy to figure out which bus to take since Rio is long and narrow so buses run primarily in two directions, and the main destinations are all written on the front of the buses. Fares range from R$2.20 for no air conditioning, to R$2.50 for air conditioning, to R$5 for air conditioning and plush coach seats. Although the buses in Rio are generally quite safe, it’s advisable to watch your belongings during peak times when the buses can get quite crowded.

Rio’s Metro system is also excellent, clean, safe and air conditioned! It operates Monday to Saturday, 5am to midnight, and Sundays and holidays 7am to 11pm. The only downside is that it’s not extensive, so you may have to connect to a bus, depending on where you’re headed. The upside though is that you can request an Integracão ticket that connects to Metro buses, free of charge. Fare is R$2.30.

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Rio de Janeiro Nightlife

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:37:03 +0000

Rio de Janeiro nightlife is some of the best you’ll find in South America, if not the world! From funky lounges to pumping samba clubs to historic samba schools, this city has something for everyone.

Rio Scenarium

Lapa is THE place to go for nightlife and this club is one of the best kept secrets in Rio! This unique and beautiful place is decorated entirely with antiques, all for sale. The top two floors overlook the first-floor stage with dancers and the music varies from jazz to samba, and more. Dance the night away with the beautiful people of Rio!
Rua do Lavradio 20, Lapa
www.rioscenarium.com.br

Estrela do Lapa

Old meets new at this samba club, set in a beautifully restored 19th century mansion. This is one of Lapa’s newest additions and has a variety of music, including blues and hip-hop. And in Lapa, the party nearly always spills out onto the streets lined with capirinha vendors, so you may not even need to make it into the club to get a taste of what Rio’s nightlife has to offer!
Av Mem de Sá, Lapa

Salgueiro Samba School

If you can’t make it to Rio for Carnaval, this is the perfect way to get a taste of it of out season! Samba schools start preparing for Carnaval in September and open their practices to the public in one big rehearsal/party every Saturday night. Salgueiro and Mangueira are the most commonly visited, but both are located in favelas, so make sure to take a taxi. This is some of the most authentic nightlife you’ll get….but don’t plan to be home early because the party only gets going after about 3am!

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