Salvador

Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia, sits on a peninsula between the Bay of All Saints and the Atlantic Ocean. Pelourinho, the historic centre and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a steep hillside neighbourhood of colonial churches, cobblestoned squares, and brightly painted buildings. The Lacerda Elevator, a public lift connecting the upper and lower city, is a local landmark and costs almost nothing to ride. Afro-Brazilian culture is strong here. Capoeira circles form in the plazas, and the sound of drums often carries through the streets. The food reflects that mix: acarajé (fried bean cakes stuffed with shrimp paste) is sold from stands all over the city, and moqueca baiana, a coconut milk and seafood stew, is the signature dish. The Mercado Modelo near the port sells woodcarvings, lace, and musical instruments. Taxis are cheap but agree on a price first. Portuguese is the language, and the Brazilian real is the currency.