Salvador da Bahia is the oldest colonial capital in Brazil, and is known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, early colonial architecture, and 30 miles of coastline beaches including the gorgeous Porto da Barra Beach. Also, notable for its African influenced cuisine, fabulous music, and a Carnival celebration that is considered the largest street party on the planet, when 2,000,000 people pour into town for this massive spectacle. "Bahia" is the third largest city in Brazil, and the heart of the African and Portuguese fusion that has been so influential in the art, music and cuisine that has become synonomous with Brazilian culture. This merging of influences has produced a profusion of creative innovations such as Capoeira, a combination of dance and martial arts; Samba de roda, and afoxe, which blend of African rhythms with traditional Brazilian music that has influenced many of the Carnaval groups; A cuisine that is renowned throughout Brazil for it's inique use of spices and unusual blending of flavors, and some of the most colorful and affordable crafts available anywhere in South America. It has also given us many of Brazil's most influential musicians and songwirters including the iconic Gilberto Gil, Cataeno Veloso, and many more. Salvador da Bahia is one of Brazil's most colorful destinations and it's narrow streets, and steep hills that separate the upper city from the lower city, give it a unique charm. Accommodationshere feature elegant clolonial mansions, contemporary luxury, and small boutiques located within the historical districts, and scattered along the shore. Browse our featured itineraries and see how Salvador Bahia can be combined with any of Brazil's other incredible destinations. The length of your stay in each city, the selection of hotels, transportation options, and activities can all be custonmized to your opersonal preferences. Salvador is known as "Brazil's Capital of Happiness", Find out why.

Salvador da Bahia is the oldest colonial capital in Brazil, and is known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, early colonial architecture, and 30 miles of coastline beaches including the gorgeous Porto da Barra Beach.

Once the capital of the Minas Gerais state, Ouro Preto was focal point of Brazil's 18th century gold rush. Founded towards the end of the 17th century Ouro Preto is considered a masterpiece of baroque colonial architecture, and along with the fine examples of Brazil's early contemporary buildings in nearby Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto makes a great destination for enthusiasts and students of history and architecture. Visiting Ouro Preto's beautiful churches, museums, and deactivated gold mines is an enjoyable and enlightening way to gain an understanding of Brazil's past. Our recommended hotels, mostly in the historic district, are convenient to many of the cities most interesting and beautiful sites, and our flexible itineraries can include Ouro Preto with other great Brazilian destinations.

Once the capital of the Minas Gerais state, Ouro Preto was focal point of Brazil's 18th century gold rush.

One of the best preserved Portuguese colonial, and early imperial cities remaining in Brazil. Paraty is the perfect place to experience Brazil as it once was, in an extremely alluring environment. Located in in the Rio de Janeiro state, Paraty has an unusual combination of geographical conditions with a gorgeous coastline bordered by lush green rainforest, and mountains, waterfalls and excellent preserves and National Parks just beyond, including the Serra da Bocaina National Park, and the Serra do Mar State Park and nearby village of Trinidade with its exotic beaches and indigenous communities. Once an important link in both the gold and coffee trades, today Paraty's revenues are primarily from the tourists that have discovered its charming ambiance, and fabulous location. Renowned for its cobblestoned streets and well preserved 18th and 19th century architecture the accommodations here combine the seductive appeal of this lovely town with access to its placid bay, nearby beaches and excellent nature parks and preserves. Just 3 ½ hours from Rio by private car, Paraty can be a convenient and extremely relaxing addition to your Brazilian vacation, and our flexible itineraries make it possible to combine Paraty with other great destinations and customize the time spent in each, your choice of hotel, transfer options, and planned activities.

One of the best preserved Portuguese colonial, and early imperial cities remaining in Brazil.