Salvador: Anthropological City Tour With Lunch in 6 HOURS

Salvador’s Anthropological City Tour with Lunch is a captivating journey into the rich Afro-Brazilian heritage of this vibrant coastal city. Over the course of six hours, visitors will enjoy the historic Pelourinho neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring the well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scenes. From the Afro-Brazilian Museum to the São Joaquim Market, this tour offers a profound understanding of Salvador’s complex history and the resilience of its Afro-Brazilian community. Prepare to be moved and enlightened as you uncover the layers of this fascinating destination.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Tours In Salvador Brazil.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho neighborhood, showcasing well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage.
• Gain insights into the history and legacy of the transatlantic slave trade through the exhibits at the Afro-Brazilian Museum.
• Observe the evolution of former slave communities into vibrant, culturally rich neighborhoods and the resilience of local populations.
• Experience the rich Afro-Brazilian traditions and community at the São Joaquim Market, founded by enslaved Africans.
• Visit the First Candomblé Terreiro, the oldest Yoruba Candomblé religious site in the New World, and the Queen of the Sea House, honoring Afro-Brazilian beliefs.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Historic Pelourinho Neighborhood

The historic Pelourinho neighborhood is the heart of Salvador’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the city’s rich Afro-Brazilian heritage. Visitors can wander through its cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and lively cultural scene.

The neighborhood was once the center of the slave trade and is now a testament to the resilience of the Afro-Brazilian community. Strolling through Pelourinho, travelers can enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors that have been passed down through generations, offering a glimpse into Salvador’s deeply rooted African influences.

Afro-Brazilian Museum Tour

After exploring the historic Pelourinho neighborhood, the tour takes visitors to the Afro-Brazilian Museum. This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Brazil’s African diaspora.

Visitors can learn about the history of the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on Brazilian society. The museum’s collection includes artifacts, art, and interactive exhibits that highlight the enduring influence of Afro-Brazilian traditions. Guests will gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and resilience of the Black community in Salvador.

The museum visit provides valuable insight into the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate the Afro-Brazilian identity and heritage.

Urban Landscape Changes

As the tour progresses, visitors witness the urban landscape changes in former slave communities. They observe how these areas have evolved from marginalized settlements to vibrant, culturally rich neighborhoods.

The tour explores how the residents have reclaimed their heritage, preserving African traditions and transforming the physical environment. Visitors gain insights into the resilience of the local population and their efforts to maintain their cultural identity in the face of urban development.

Through this experience, the tour provides a deeper understanding of the complex socioeconomic and historical forces that have shaped the cityscape of Salvador.

São Joaquim Market Visit

One of the key highlights of the tour is the visit to the São Joaquim Market, an intangible heritage site founded by enslaved Africans. This bustling marketplace offers a glimpse into the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture that has been preserved for centuries.

Visitors can explore the vibrant stalls, filled with a diverse array of produce, spices, and traditional handicrafts. The market serves as a hub for the local community, where generations of Brazilians have come together to exchange goods and maintain their cultural traditions. This stop on the tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the enduring legacy of the enslaved Africans who established this enduring institution.

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Former Slave Port and Market

The tour then takes visitors to the former slave port and market, a sobering reminder of Salvador’s dark history. This site bears witness to the cruel realities of the transatlantic slave trade that once thrived here.

Visitors can:

1. Reflect on the immense suffering endured by enslaved Africans who were bought and sold at this location.
2. Observe the architectural remnants that still stand, serving as a poignant testament to the past.
3. Imagine the bustling activity and inhumane conditions that once characterized this marketplace.
4. Gain a deeper understanding of the systematic oppression and dehumanization that shaped the city’s history.

This stop on the tour underscores the importance of confronting the legacy of slavery and its lasting impact on Salvador’s cultural and social fabric.

First Candomblé Terreiro

After visiting the former slave port and market, the tour then takes visitors to the first Candomblé terreiro of Yoruba origin in the New World. This sacred ritual space is a place of spiritual significance, where the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomblé is practiced. Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of this ancient faith, which has its roots in the West African Yoruba culture.

Key Facts
Established	18th Century
Religious Tradition	Yoruba Candomblé
Significance	First of its kind in the New World
Architecture	Blend of African and Brazilian styles
Rituals	Devotion to Orixás (Yoruba deities)

The tour provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into the enduring legacy of African spiritual practices in Salvador.

Queen of the Sea House

Typically, the tour then takes visitors to the Queen of the Sea house in the Rio Vermelho beachfront community. This important site honors the Afro-Brazilian tradition of Candomblé and its connection to the sea goddess Iemanjá. Visitors can:

1. Observe the vibrant blue and white facade of the house.
2. Learn about the history and significance of the Queen of the Sea rituals performed here.
3. Witness the offerings and tributes left by devotees to Iemanjá.
4. Understand the cultural preservation efforts to maintain this intangible heritage site.

The Queen of the Sea house provides a profound insight into the enduring influence of Afro-Brazilian spirituality within the Salvador community.

Preserved African Traditions

Beyond the Queen of the Sea house, the Salvador tour explores the wealth of African traditions that have been preserved within the city’s maroon communities. Travelers learn about the history of Black people and their struggles to maintain religious practices like Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion with roots in West Africa.

The tour visits the first Candomblé terreiro, or temple, of Yoruba origin in the New World, offering a glimpse into this living tradition. Guests also observe the urban landscape changes in former slave communities, witnessing the resilience of these marginalized groups in the face of adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as the exclusions specifically state "Wheelchair accessibility". Visitors with mobility issues may not be able to fully participate in all aspects of the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund. Customers should check the tour’s terms and conditions for complete details on the cancellation policy.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can be customized to an extent, though core highlights are typically fixed. Travelers can discuss any special interests or requests with the tour operator to see if accommodations can be made within the 6-hour timeframe.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

There are no age restrictions for the tour participants. The tour is open to people of all ages, and it welcomes families with children as well as solo travelers and groups.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

The tour can be booked for a private group. The provider offers customized private tours, which allow visitors to have a more personalized experience and adjust the itinerary to their preferences.

Recap

The Salvador Anthropological City Tour with Lunch provides an immersive exploration of the city’s rich Afro-Brazilian heritage. Visitors will discover the historic Pelourinho neighborhood, visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum, and explore the vibrant São Joaquim Market. The tour also includes a sobering look at the former slave port and the first Candomblé terreiro, offering a profound understanding of Salvador’s complex history and the resilience of its Afro-Brazilian community.

You can check if your dates are available here: