It was the first journey for Mandy outside of Europe. We flew across Lisboa to Salvador with Air Tap and arrived in the evening. From the airport we took a Taxi to our AirBnB apartment and were very happy to live in a safe accommodation. Luca was in Brazil 5 times before and knows that safety is a very important topic in Brazil. We decided to take no hotel because it was carnival time and hotels were much more expensive.
The famous Elevator and old town
On our first day we wanted to see and learn more about the city. We took an Uber to a position nearby the harbor which is a very great place. Mandy and me took the famous Elevador Lacerda which connects the harbor with the old town of Salvador. When we reached the top we had an amazing view on the harbor and parts of the city. We strolled through the beautiful historic part of the city. There were so many small shops and Mandy bought two sundresses. We noticed some carnival arrangements and was so excited for our carnival experiences.
Carnival spectacular on a VIP terrace
We bought tickets for a VIP terrace called „Camarote Harem“ which were very expensive but it was worth it. Everyone got the same shirt to enter this stand. There was a small buffet and some fast food which was included in the price as well as all drinks. From there we had a great view on the Av. Oceânica. This is the famous street where the carnival procession took place. They went through the whole city but this was one of the best places to see many wagons. It was an awesome atmosphere on the terrace, especially when a wagon came. There were great singers on it and all the people around danced and sang. We were very happy to be on the area above all this people around the wagons because this would have been to much for us.
Relaxing days in Rio Vermelho
After this great experience we moved to another place called Chapada Diamantina, we have also written one blogpost about it. Later we came back to Salvador and had some relaxing days in the Mercure Hotel in Rio Vermelho with one of the best Infinity pools we have ever seen. The view on the ocean was amazing. We had also a small beach next to the hotel but the waves were a bit too dangerous to swim there. We walked a bit through Rio Vermelho, which is a small but lovely part of Salvador.
Things you should have done in Salvador at Carnival
- take a walk through the old town
- use the Elevador Lacerda
- one evening on a VIP terrace to see the wagons
- do a relaxing day at the beach or pool