BahiaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Brazil's First Capital

Salvador, officially São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, was founded in 1549 by Portuguese settlers under Tomé de Sousa, Brazil's first governor-general. It was established on a triangular peninsula separating the Bay of All Saints from the Atlantic Ocean. This location made it the first capital of Portuguese America. It became a port for the sugar cane industry and, from 1558, the first slave market in the New World.

Colonial Power and Decline

For over two centuries, until 1763, Salvador served as the political, economic, and cultural center of colonial Brazil. The city was divided into an Upper Town (Cidade Alta), an administrative and residential area on an 85-meter-high escarpment, and a Lower Town (Cidade Baixa) at sea level. The Lacerda Elevator, first established in 1873, connects these two parts. The construction of churches and residences, particularly in the 17th century, showed the wealth of landowners. With the transfer of the colonial administration to Rio de Janeiro in 1763, Salvador's importance decreased. The city experienced a period of decline, especially in its historic center, as economic activities shifted. A restoration process began in the early 1990s, revitalizing areas like Pelourinho. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

• —Praça Tomé de Sousa — This square marks the site chosen by Brazil's first governor-general for the city's foundation in 1549. It offers views of the Bay of All Saints and contains the Palácio Rio Branco.
• —Palácio Rio Branco — One of Brazil's oldest palaces, its construction began in 1549 as the center of Portuguese administration. The current neoclassical appearance dates to a 1919 reconstruction after a 1912 bombardment. Its history is linked to Bahia's governance.
• —Largo do Pelourinho — This public square is the center of Salvador's Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is surrounded by colonial buildings. The square hosts capoeira performances and street food vendors.
• —Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos — This Baroque church, completed in 1796, was built by and for enslaved and freed Afro-Brazilians who were often denied access to other churches.
• —Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado — This foundation is dedicated to the Bahian writer Jorge Amado. It preserves his literary legacy and promotes Bahian culture. It provides information about his life and works and hosts cultural events.
• —Mercado Modelo — This market is in the old Customs House building from 1861. Inaugurated in 1912, it offers Bahian handicrafts, souvenirs, and local products. It has over 250 shops and views of the Bay of All Saints.

Salvador has warm to hot temperatures year-round. The dry season, from September to February, has lower humidity, clear skies, and temperatures averaging 28-31°C (82-88°F). December and January are popular due to pre-Carnival festivities. Carnival, usually in February or March, is the city's largest event, drawing crowds and increasing accommodation prices. The rainy season, from March to August, sees more precipitation, heavy from April to June. Outdoor activities can be affected. Hotel prices tend to decrease then. August is the coolest month, with average lows around 22°C (72°F). For general outdoor activities, late June to late September is suitable, with a peak in early August. Avoid Carnival if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.

Salvador Bahia Airport (SSA) is 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the city center. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available. In the historic center, especially Pelourinho, walking is the best way to explore the stone streets. The Lacerda Elevator connects the Upper and Lower Towns. Parking can be difficult in the older, narrower streets; parking lots are available on the periphery. Public buses serve the wider city. For tourist areas, walking or ride-shares are often more convenient. The Mercado Modelo operates daily; visit during daylight hours. Haggling over prices is common for handcrafted items.