Where to Go


- IN SALVADOR-

Around Tour -
Go to ALL of the Museums!! - around here and in Pelourinho

Don't miss the African Ballet!!!

Bars/Night Life -

• Pelourinho - Geronimo, local singer (live music 8-10pm), Tuesday Night
• African Bar - in Palourinho, Tuesday /Friday / Saturday
• Boomerang - in Rio Vermelho, Friday and Saturday night (dressier than most bars, each floor plays different kinds of music, you pay cover for what floor you want to be on - cover = R$ 10-R$15 (reais).
• Bohemia Bar - next to Shopping Barra mall, Tuesday before 9pm no cover - cover = R$ 12, live music and dance music later on in the night.

-WEEKENDS GETAWAY-

Morro de São Paulo island - So much fun!!!

Lençois - more hiking, nature -ish (6h overnight bus ride)

Island tour - Day Tour of: Ilha dos Frades & Ilha Ponta de Areia - 9am to 5pm - R$ 35 for the trip but bring extra for the luch buffet

Link to Salvador's official Tourism site (in English)

http://www.emtursa.ba.gov.br/index_anim.asp?idLinguagem=2

1 WEEK INSIGHT ABROAD – What we did

Beach – 15 min walk
Mall – 10 min away
Shopping Barra - a traditional modern mall

Here is a list of what we did for our one week stay.

SAT
- explore neighborhood
- walk to the beach
- after dinner: live jazz music at Modern Art Museum (MAM) R$ 4

SUN
- Island Tour: Take taxi to Turistic Terminal - Great! R$ 35

* Lunch is extra but you can bring fruits, snacks + sandwiches from home to hide you over.

MON
- Orientation Day
- Walking tour in the nighborhood

TUE
- after city tour walk to beach – watch sunset
- after dinner: music in Pelourinho Square
- go at 7.30 and start with the music that is just past the blue church that they feel you not to go past, it is just past the left

WED
- Shopping in Mercado Modelo – Great souvenir shop!!

FRI
- dinner in Pelourinho Square
- show in Pelourinho Square

Insight Group
May 3, 2008

Must Do: Salvador

Balé Folclorico *Teatro Miguel santana (Pelourinho) R$ 25,00/ person
Begins @ 8:00PM arrive 20min early to buy the ticket
*Read program before the show begins

*TUESDAY night @ pelourinho with OLODUM
*Marrom Marfim/ "Chocolate Bar" (Pelourinho)
- order "chocolate quente (hot chocolate) for R$ 5,00
Samba and Forró in the back

*Mercado Modelo
-Basement down small spiral staircase (this is where they kept the slaves before they were sold on the main floor.
-Habeus Corpus bar & dancing (Pelourinho)

* Sorrounding:

-DAY TRIPS-

Praia do Forte- Turtle reserve (R$8,00 with student ID R$ 4,00)
Praia do Flamengo - Beautiful beach take the big yellow bus from the stop by McDonalds
Cachoeira - Museums, Cool churches, cigar factory, old convent converted into a pousada and restaurant.

-WEEKENDS-

Morro de São Paulo- 2hrs by boat (Take Dramamine)
Relaxing beaches, good restaurants, music, cute shops boat leaves friday @ 2PM R$ 50,00 each way Cash only!

Lençois- 6-7 hoursovcernight bus ride (beautiful town)
Avoid offroad trips as much as possible. cash only!

Ilha de Itaparica- 1 hour by boat R$ 3,00/person tour of town recommeended Zimbo Tropical for your personal jungle paradise.

-NEARBY WALKS-

Dessert - McDonald's, Frio Gostoso, Doces Sonhos, Açai Natural.

Beauty Salon- Across the street, behind the bank

Casual Dresses for cheap - on the way to Pelourinho on the right down Sete de Setembro Av.

Megan Taylor (12weeks)

Soccer Game

Bahia Team!!! A lot of fum. Wear Bahia colors/Jersey to fit in, crazy fans and cheering, etc. I would recommend.

Olodum Drums

Always on tuesdaysnights are most fun. Walk around, different bars and restaurants, some fun places to dance. try Africa and Chocolate Bars. Also Habeas Corpus. You would try to go one of their concerts (see the newspaper) great music!!!!!

Ajay 4wks in Salvador

FUN WEEKEND TRIPS

LENÇOIS - If you like the outdoors you MUST GO HERE ! Beautiful, Fun, Chill place!

* The restaurants are supnsingly better than Salvador, the people in the village are so sweet and helpful, VERY SAFE PLACE.
* 6hrs away, take a bus from Rodoviaria (bus station) Real Expresso tickets cost about R$ 83,00 (round trip).
* Must stay at Pousada dos Duendes, run by a young Belgium couple. They set you up with tours, pick up from the bus station, everything.
* We did the kayaking tours and walking through caves, we also climbed a mountain and summited in time for the sunset. Beautiful!
* Eat at Artistas da Masas, home made pasta, Italian owner, pasta was amazing, Also Burritos and tacos was great Mexican.
* Check out the Artist's market in town.

PRAIA DO FORTE - Fun day trip with turtles

* Take a bus from Rodoviaria, Linha Verde takes you there. 1 1/2 hours away tickets cost R$ 9,00 one way.
* Turtle Santuary is realy cool!! with student ID it's R$ 4,00. Cool beaches right next door.
* Bring shopping cash, really cute town with tons of shops.
* Eat ice-cream at the 60 flavours place - it was great!!
* Get back to Salvador with one of the white vans, they leave every 1/2 hour - 1 hour. Can take you straight back to the CCS house on request.

CACHOEIRA

* Another great day trip, also leave from Rodoviaria. Take Santana lines, about R$ 26,00 round trip.
* Lots of churches museums (check lonely planet)
* Eat at the convent that is now a pousada and restaurant, food is good but huge portion so share.
* Cross the bridge to São Felix and chech out Dannemann Cigar Factory, really cool they show you each step of cigar making.
* In Mid-August check out the "Festival of Good Death" 3 day event with Candomblé etc...

MORRO DE SÃO PAULO

* great if you like cute towns and sunbathing! really beautiful.
* 2hrs away by boat, leaves from behind Mercado Modelo, R$ 100,00 round trip.

GO TO THE BEACHES IN SALVADOR

BARRA - closest, beautiful water, lots of vendors and capoeira in the evenings (get fried cheese)
FAROL DA BARRA - lighthouse (to the left of it) quiter less vendors, beautiful sea glass on the shore.
FLAMENGO - R$ 2,00 bus ride, beautiful hip place with tons of bars and restaurants. Take big bright yellow bus, stops at MC Donalds bus stop every 1/2 hour says "Flamengo" at top.

RESTAURANTS (NEARBY)

LA FIGA - amazing Italian food, owner is very sweet and service and atmosphere were great. Not too pricey and you can share dishes. In pelourinho (Rua Santa Isabel, I think).

MARIA MATA MOURO - If you afford a bit pricier dinner this place is wonderful! Great, great food, beautiful place and gorgeous dishes. Most get dessert! Try to sit out back. Apps R4 20,00 +, Entrees R$ 35,00. In Pelourinho near São Francisco Church.

DONA CHIKA-KA - This place is rated in Lonely planet and the food is really good. It's a lovely place where you can share meals (Bahian Cousine)

Shiro - right on Rua da Graça, beautiful place great sushi can get rolls (8-12pc) starting at R$ 12,00

BARRAVENTO - Over rated, try to avoid it. Food is not too bad but not worth the high price. (near beach, roof looks like sails of a boat)

Enjoy

Daniel and Ashia

Morro de São Paulo

A really nice place to spend a weekend. the Island has 4 beaches which get progressivelçy gueeter as you move away from the port! There are no cars on the island but you can walk to beach 4 in 15 minutes. The roads goes from the ferry through a shopping area at the beach 1, on to beach 2 (party beach) and to beaches 3 and 4 which are much gueeter and very pretty.

There are loads of places to eat and a hotel/pousada on the beach2 has an outdoor "stage" where you can stand and watch demontrations of Capoeira and Samba. There is also a zipline that runs into the sea - well worth the climb, if only for the view.

The catamaran leaves from the ferry terminal in lower city (cidade baixa), behind the Mercado Modelo at 2pm on friday. It is around 2 1/2 hours, depending on the weather and cost R$ 50 each way (march '07) it's best to buy your tickets a day or two before you leave, your pousada will sell your return ticket and reserve your place by phone. The boat was late both ways whaen we went, so if you are flying home Sunday night get a morning boat back.

We stayed at the Pousada Albatroz on beach 3, which was simple, clean with aircondition and friendly. it is run by two Italians who speak English and rooms off the balcony are best. The rooms accomodate 2-4 people and they work on a rate of R$ 80 per room per night, including breackfast. They also have a computer with internet access, which is avaliable for guests to use at no charge.

You can also horse riding on beach 4 (sorry , Idon't know how much this cost) A lot of restaurants take credit cards, though the smaller pousadas usually work in cash. I didn't see any ATM's, so make sure you have plenty of cash.

Angela (20-04-07)

Lençois

Weel worth a weekend visit! A very pretty village in the Chapada Diamatina National Park. The area has mountains, caves, waterfalls and pools and a very pretty river near through the village.

The overnight bus leaves from the rodoviaria at 11:30pm and is air-conditioned with reclining seats, on board toilet and free water. You arrive in Lençois at about 5:30am and if you have booked a pousada most of them will let you have the room immediately for a few hours sleep, they will just charge you for beackfast.

We stayed at Pousada Cantos das Aguas (Song of the waters), which is right next to the river. We couldn't fault it, great service, great food, nice rooms, lovely pool. We paid around U$$ 50 per night (each), but there are lots of cheaper places (march '07).

The Hotel fixed us up with a private English speaking guide, Rogerio Oliverio (R$ 80) and car (R$ 140) for full day. He was excellent. Alternatively, when you get off the bus there are always tour guides waiting who will show you to your hotel so that they can give you their business card.

By car in a day you can visit the mountains, tour a cave and hide along the river to swim in one of the pools under a waterfal. There are also a number of walking tours routes.

The return bus leaves from the same place you are dropped off at 11:30pm, so you get two really days there. The fare was R$ 54 each way, but we booked through the travel agency in the Hotel Tropical da Bahia at Campo Grande and they add about R$ 10 each way as a fee. Not sure where else you colud get a ticket, except the Rodoviaria (bus station), which is quite a distance - suggest you chech with CCS staff.

Taxi to/from the Rodoviaria is around R$ 22 each way, and at these times of night/morning routes only about 20 minutes. We were home by 6am, so if you can sleep on the bus you caould go to work on Monday.

Angela 20-04-07

SOME CULTURAL WEBSITES ABOUT

SALVADOR - BAHIA - BRAZIL.


www.fundacaojorgeamado.com.br

www.pierreverger.org/br

www.capoeiramestrebimba.com.br

www.ficabahia.com.br

www.ceao.ufba.br

www.bahia.com.br

www.emtursa.ba.gov.br

www.salvadortur.com.br

www.bahiacultural.com.br

www.fundacaocultural.ba.gov.br

www.turismo.gov.br

www.brasil.gov.br

www.braziltour.com

www.carnaval.salvador.ba.gov.br

www.bahia-online.net

www.guialencois.com

www.morrodesaopaulo.com.br

www.praiadoforte.org.br

www.bahia.com.br

www.guialencois.com

Stop and think about this view!!!!!

The diversity of lakes and rivers are incredible!!!!

One of the various waterfalls at the park

LENÇOIS

This is the BEST weekend trip I did over 8 weeks.

The bus journey is horrible, but worth every minute!

When you arrive in Lençois at about 6 am, you will be rounded immediately by tour guides. We went with CIRTUR and although our guide couldn´t speak English, we manage to communicate and he was great fun and he locked after we really well.
The leaflet shows the many wonderful places there are to see. The hiking can be challenging, but that´s what makes it so worthwhile.
Lençois itself is beautiful and peaceful. Take band aid, sun cream, water(although the mountain spring water is safe to drink), swimming costume and your camera. The scenery is shinning!
Enjoy the experience – it´s different to all the others weekend trips and highly recommended.

Beth
CCS Volunteers
Nov./2004

· Lençois is a fantastic trip – definitely one not to miss! It’s a LONG WAY – but it is so worth it
The bus there takes about 6/7 hours. Wrap up warm because it is freezing! The journey back is worse – the roads are very bumps!
When you arrive it will be 5:30 am. You will be tired and grumpy but will be bombarded by tour guides. We just picked the most persistant one! He was from zen tours and turned out to be very good!
We checked into a Pousada – can´t remember the name – get to the main square an turn right. Its at the end of the road on the right. I think it was called Bom fortune or something it meant “Good luck”. It had a pool, but is perfect for those on a budget.

The tour guides will advise you what to do.

On Saturday we did 2 separate treks. Really excellent stuff to see.

On Sunday we did an all day excursion where a bus drives you to several locations, you get out at each stop and then walk around.
Don´t forget your camera – the scenes are fantastic!

Helen
CCS Volunteers
Nov./2004


Lençois:

- Do it. It is breathtaking and beautiful.
- Zen tours is good and gives competitive prices.
- You may be able to find the same types of tours from your Pousada at a better price or just in smaller groups. We did it this way and it was great!
- Don’t take too much stuff – you can wear the same thing hiking every day.
- Don´t forget your swim suit. There are some awesome places to go swimming – all natural and clear.
- About an hour away from town(walking) there is this lake with rocks and boulders surrounding it. Don’t let the walk put you off, it is worth the pain. This place is amazing.
- The cave is cool
- The mountain is rewarding if you climb it
- Don’t be apprehensive, just go for it
FOOD : Restaurant delicious is a very cheap.
Italian restaurants are also cool.

POUSADA: Pousada Rita

GETTING THERE: - Book a few days before as the bus gets full..
- Go to the mall at the money change place and buy tickets there. There is a nightbus(11:30pm) or a day one(7:00am). The bus is freezing so layer up.
-

If you only have one weekend and like the nature, do this.
Oh and book the ticket home quite soon after you arrive.

RAKHEE
CCS volunteer
30/08/2004


- LENÇOIS AND CHAPADA DIAMANTINA

A place of diverse natural beauty – but you either hike 2-4 hs trip to visit nearby waterfalls and swimming holes, or sign up with one of 6 or 7 tour agencies to do day-long Excursions(passeos) to remote areas. However, in tourist season some trips fill up fast – when it rains heavily, as it does in Dec. and Jan., trips are cancelled
I still enjoyed the town and nearly walks but missed a chance to go to Marimbos – 2 hs boat trip and visit to a waterfall which gives a “highs massage”.
Spending a little more $ can mean a lot Vis a Vis Pousadas. Pousada dos Duendes is cheap – room with Varanda and hammock – but too Spartan.
Casa da Gelia and Pousada Kaiamba which are both very nice. For a big splurge.
Tour of Andaira is interesting, treks nearby nice and cheap Pousada and rest - PEDEN- but transport for there to Lençois can be difficult – we waited 4hrs! for a bus which had no schedule except it will come between 2 and 6 = come at 6! Same would be time from MUCUGE If you have the $, better to stay in LENÇOIS and make bag trips to the MUCUGE/ANDAIRA area.

LEN TOURS and MARIMBUS TOURS are good you might even call ahead to arrange, i.e. sign up for a tour.

CAMPING at a beautiful park – like place which is sort of a Pousada(nice and rooms) restaurants complex “CAMPING LUMIAR”


BACKPACKING AT CHAPADA DIAMANTINA:

If you enjoy backpacking there´s an awesome three-day trip you should definitely do! Kristin and I left Thursday night from the Bus Station planning on going to Lençois, but there were no tickets left so we went to a town that was close and caught a bus to Lençois from there. The Zen tour guide picked us up at 5am and we started backpacking by ten. It’s about twenty-three miles over hills and through valleys. We even went to the 2nd largest waterfall in the world – on the 3rd day we hiked up it!The food was sensational and at night we slept in caves.

CCS volunteer


LENÇOIS

There are so many amazing natural sites to see in Lençois and the surrounding areas. The small town resembles a tiny version of Pelorinho with many small shops and cafés and lots of music in the evenings with most of the population being tourists from various countries, cheap pousadas are everywhere and there are many opportunities to get great deals on tours of the natural exibits. There are beautiful waterfalls, be serve to bring your camera also many beautiful caves, Poço Azul is particularly very gorgeous. There is a smaller cave about 2 hours from Lençois where you can swim in the clean waters. Very Beautiful! Try not to let the tourism aspect discourage you, the beauty and the atmosphere are totally worth the trip. Be sure to bring goos shoes for climbing rocks..

Kristin
CCS volunteer


LENÇOIS

This place was absolutely beautiful. If you’re the kind of person who likes nature, this is the place for you. There are many different treks, car tours, canoeing, horseback riding, etc. The bus ride is 6 hrs long and it is a little cold so it´s good idea to bring a small blanket or an extra coat.

Things you might want to bring:
Ø Sunscreen
Ø Backpack
Ø Normal walking shoes(for trekking)
Ø Water
Ø Swimsuit

The buses are very easy t travel on. When you first get to Lençois, there will be agents waiting who usually speak English. They will take you to a pousada that is cheap and confortable. They can also get you set up with 2 days, 3 days, 5 days and 15 days treks.

In the town of Lençois, there are ATMs, grocery stores, internet cafes and many restaurants, pousadas and shopping places.If you are planning the trip over a holiday, it is best to reserve a room before you leave. Also when buying your bus tickets you should go to Shopping Barra and on the 1st floor, by the food court, there is a travel agent who will sell you tickets. It´s a good idea to get round trip tickets. The bus leaves at 7am and 7:30pm

Cost:
Bus Tickets – R$ 35(1 way)
Pousada – R$ 20 – 100 (per night)
Day treks – R$ 25 – 35 (per person)
Car Tours – R$ 50 – 60 (per person)
Restaurants – R$ 10 – 50 (per person, per meal)

There are some very good restaurants in Lençois including Cozinha Aberta. Don’t be fooled by the sign that says ‘Slow food’ because that’s what makes it amazing.

Night Life:

There are a coupke bars in Lençois and one dance club. Usually things don’t start happening until around 11 – 11:30pm.

HAVE FUN!

ENJOY!

Sarah R.
CCS Volunteer
10/05/2006

LINHA VERDE

BEACH TRIP FARTHER AWAY

To see a more Brazilian beach scene in a small town , go north of Praia do forte follow the Coconut Route – can take the same buses on Linha Verde – North. The furthest on this route is CONDE (inland) and SITIO DO CONDE (about 3 ½). I continued even further by taxi via a road made of sand to the ting town of SIRIBINHA.
In PRAIA/SITIO DO CONDE, there are a number of hostels and restaurants. This one POUSADA TROPICAL looked best.
One sort of beach has a small board walk and blaring music but by walking in either direction you can find quiet stretches.
SIRIBINHA is for those who wants to do nothing but relax – swim, fishing is very big, read, sleep etc. There are small bars which, along with several restaurants, seemed to close early. This isn´t a place for nightlife but you will meet Brazilians(most seemed middle age) on vacation lots of local children and be fort of Village life – a big chance.
The Pousadas are very basic – small room with double bed, a fan, a ting bathroom, unless you get a “CASA” instead of a “QUARTO”, which is better for 2 or more people. Liked the owners and food at Pousada SOL DE VERÃO.

JUDITH
CCS volunteer
2006