Brazil Custom Group Vacation Package – Salvador and Praia do Forte Carnaval (8 Nights)

This is a Sample Salvador and Praia do Forte Carnaval Travel Itinerary that we have created for customers in the past.

Day by Day Itinerary

This is a Sample Vacation Package that we have created for customers in the past.

Day 1 – Salvador
Upon arrival, a guide will be waiting for you with your name on a sign. A private transfer to your hotel will follow. SALVADOR: Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia, was the first major port and the capital of colonial Brazil for almost two centuries. The city lies between green tropical hills and broad beaches along the Bay of All Saints. It was built on two levels with administration buildings and residences constructed on the hills, with forts, docks, and warehouses on the beaches. To this day the city is still divided into upper and lower cities. Many of the city’s baroque churches, private homes, squares, and even the hand-chipped paving bricks have been preserved as part of Brazil’s historic patrimony. In Salvador, more than anywhere else in the country, the African influence in the makeup of Brazilian culture is readily visible. This can be seen from the spicy dishes still called by their African names (caruru, vatapa, acaraje), to the ceremonies of candomblé which honor both African deities and Catholic holidays, to the capoeira schools where a unique African form of ritualistic fighting is taught. Salvador is not only one of Brazil’s oldest cities, but one if its most gay-friendly as well. One of Salvador’s most popular and touristic neighborhoods is Barra; which is home to a variety of gay bars, saunas, hotels, and the most popular attended gay beach in the city. The annual Carnaval of Salvador attracts millions people and is one the most popular events in Brazil and worldwide for LGBT tourism, as everyone flocks to the streets for the 6-day long party. Wednesday is also officially the first day of Carnaval in Salvador. The opening of Carnaval begins with the presentation of the “blocos” and dozens of bands playing wind and percussion instruments for a preview of the party while parading along one the main Carnaval circuits. As tradition, the bands depart from the Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse) at 7:00pm and parade along Avenida Oceanica until 2:00am.

Day 2 – Salvador
On this tour we will explore the lower part of the city, including the quiet waters of Itapagipe Bay where the first holiday residences were built. It also includes a visit to the famous Bonfim Church (closed on Mondays) and the Modelo Market (closed on Sundays and holidays at afternoon) where we will find several craftsmen selling local works. The Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Church of our Lord of Bonfim) inaugurated in 1754 is one of the most popular in Brazil and certainly the most representative of blended religion constructed in the country. Dedicated to Jesus Christ, the Bonfin church is also the place for the cult of Oxalá, supreme divinity of candomblé. We will continue the excursion with a stop at the Monte Serrat Fort. This military construction fort from 1587 combines medieval and colonial architecture and provides a panoramic view of “All Saints Bay”. Crossing the suburbs that surround the bay, we arrive at the heart of the inner-city. At the end of the trip we will take a stroll down Porto da Barra, one of main tourist points of the city and an LGBT hot spot.

The Salvador Carnival is by far the biggest street party in the world. Every year, around 2 million people participate in the Salvador Carnival Parades. During six consecutive days, from about 5pm to 5am, dozens of Bands make a parade along the streets, playing on big trucks (called Trios). The largest street carnival on Earth is held in Salvador Bahia, the `Land of Happiness` and gateway to the tropical northeast coast of Brazil. The Barra-Ondina circuit is the most popular route where the trios start at the the Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse) and go until the adjoining neighborhood for a few kilometers.

There are 3 main ways to enjoy Carnaval as outlined below: Bloco – You can dance on the streets inside a safety area surrounding the Trio, protected by bodyguards and thus isolated from the crowd. To be accepted it is necessary to buy a t-shirt (called Abadá), that identifies you as a member of that Trio/Bloco Camarote – You can watch the Carnaval from the Camarote, a balcony located along the avenues above the streets. They offer drinks, food, music, a dancing environment, and more depending on the specific camarote. Pipoca – You can simply dance on the streets with the crowd for free called “Pipoca” (popcorn), which is a funny way to describe how the crowd looks from a distance. Bloco dos Masquerados – The bloco dos Masquerados is one of the oldest LGBT blocos of the Salvador Carnival. Access is free and the tradition is to wear costumes and masks. The bloco is in the Barra/Ondina Circuit concentrated at the Farol da Barra and many famous people have participated in the bloco in the past. The list for who will lead in 2017 has still not yet been released. The first night you will have the opportunity to enjoy the the Bloco dos Mascaradas and afterwards the camarote of Licia Fabio. The Bloco dos Mascarados is one of the oldest LGBT blocos of the Salvador Carnival.  Access is free and the tradition is to wear costumes and masks. The bloco is in the Barra/Ondina Circuit concentrated at the Farol da Barra and many famous people have participated in the bloco in the past. The Licia Fabio camarote is situated at the Monte Pascoal Hotel in Barra and will feature an open bar and themed costume party.

Day 3 – Salvador
On Friday night, you will enjoy the Bloco Cha Rosa, headlined by Alinne Rosa. The Bloco Cha Rosa is a bloco commanded by singer Alinne Rosa, a popular Brazilian singer and active member of the LGBT community. She has participated and gained a lot of attention in the Cha de Alice, an annual party in various cities throughout Brazil that is widely attended by the Gay public. Alinne Rosa will head the Cha Rosa bloco, one of the most popular blocos for the gay community at the Salvador Carnaval.

Day 4 – Salvador
A full day Schooner tour departing from Maritime Terminal in Salvador.

9:00 – 11:30 -During the tour, you will pass by some the most stunning points of Salvador including the São Marcelo Fort, the Bonfim Church, and Tainheiros Cove. You will have the opportunity to stop at Ilha de Maré to take pictures and enjoy the stunning views of this tropical island. Next we will head towards Ilha dos Frades following the coast of Ilha de Maré. We will reach the beach of Loreto with its charming colonial church that overlooks the island of Bom Jesus.

11:30 – 12:30- You will have the opportunity to swim at Loreto Beach on Ilha das Frades and also enjoy the relaxing natural pools. Don’t be shy about showing some skin, as men in Brazil are accustomed to wearing a sunga, known as a Brazilian speedo.

12:30 – 14:30 – You will return to the Schooner Resort boat that will anchor at the Loreto Cove, one of the most protected places in the bay with an array of tropical vegetation. Here there will be served an exclusive buffet lunch prepared by the Chef.

14:30 – 16:30 –After lunch, we will continue the tour navigating around Ilha dos Frades and passing by other islands, sand banks, and the Nossa Senhor Point of Guadalupe with its beaches of crystalline waters before arriving back in Salvador.

17:00 – Arrival back at the Maritime Terminal in Salvador, in time to enjoy the nighttime Carnaval festivities.

Rio Vermelho – In the evening, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Salvador for a night out in the city! First you will tour the neighborhood of Rio Vermelho, which is considered one of the most vibrant and cultural bohemian neighborhoods in Salvador. A neighborhood filled with artists and lots of bars, Rio Vermelho contains the main gay nightclub of Salvador; San Sebastian. The pre-game can be done in Largo de Santana, where Dinha is located. It is one of the most famous spots and arguably the best in Bahia to enjoy Acarajé, a typical snack food which is similar to a shrimp falafel. Chupito is also one of the more trendy bars in the area, where a variety of drinks and shots are served. The bar is located between Largo de Santana and the San Sebastian night club.

San Sebastian Club in Rio Vermelho – After some fun and drinks, you will be then transferred to the San Sebastian Night Club in Rio Vermelho. The San Sebastian Club is a gay electronic nightclub that unites the good taste and high quality of Salvador, something that all its visitors deserve. Big names and artists of the international electronic scene are played throughout the club that has one of the best and most up to date sound systems. The building consists of 2 floors is full of bars, camarotes, and an ample area for dancing. Things can for sure get hot, (or as Brazilians say esquenta!), during your night out at one of the most frequented gay clubs in Salvador.

Day 5 – Praia do Forte
At the specified time, your driver will pick you up from your hotel for a transfer to your next destination, Praia do Forte. Upon arrival, check-in to hotel and some free time in the afternoon. PRAIA DO FORTE: Praia do Forte is a charming beach town with a good variety of accommodation, restaurants, boutiques, an hour North of Salvador da Bahia. Praia do Forte is located along the coast road called Linha Verde (Green Line) because of the many coconut groves along the route. The village takes its name from the castle built in 1556 by a Portuguese settler called Gárcia D’Ávila. The fortified castle was to be the headquarters of his massive farm – the first farm in Brazil. He brought the first heads of cattle to Brazil and introduced the ‘slash and burn’ technique of deforestation as he cleared the virgin Atlantic forest for pasture land. In a less destructive manner, he was also responsible for the introduction of coconut and mango trees to Brazil. The ecological destruction of centuries gone by has given way to what is now one of the most ecologically sound resort destinations in Brazil, pioneered by the TAMAR PROJECT, set up in 1980 to preserve and protect the sea turtles that traditionally lay their eggs on the beaches. The project is a shining success story and is one of the most respected preservation projects in Brazil, if not the world. Praia do Forte is now the headquarters of the extensive national turtle preservation project with an excellent visitor’s center relating the 20 year history of the project. Near the village there is a small pantanal, a wet land area that is host to some of the most abundant bird life in Bahia. Most exciting though is the increasing sightings in recent years of the majestic humpback whales that have begun to return to their traditional nesting grounds after many years absent from the area. Trips to observe these wonderful animals are available in months from July to November every year. Bar Souza In the evening, a transfer to Bar Souza which is one of the most well-known bars in Praia do Forte. There is a stage, live music, and dance area for guests to enjoy some of the nightlife in this beach paradise.

Day 6 – Praia do Forte
You will be able to visit the Projeto Tamar, a center for research and the preservation of Marine Turtles. With videos, photos, and talks, visitors have the opportunity to see how these creatures live and reproduce as well as how they are preserved. After we visit the Projeto TAMAR, we will visit the Garcia D ‘Avila Castle which is one of the highlights in the area. This old stone castle is an early example of Portuguese military architecture and ten generations of the Garcia D’Avila family have lived there. The Castle highlights the history of colonization in Brazil and after the extinction of the regimes, the house became abandoned and turned into great ruins. After the tours, you will a rest of the afternoon and evening as free time to explore the surrounding beaches.

Day 7 – Praia do Forte
Trip to Mangue Seco You will be picked up from your hotel for full day discovery of Mangue Seco. Mangue Seco is a beach village that borders the states of Bahia and Sergipe and is infamous for its amazing beaches, dunes, and mangroves. First, we will make a trip up the Brazilian coast and take in the scenery and beautiful landscapes. Upon arriving at the river bank, you will cross by ferry and be picked up in Buggy’s to tour the dunes and the breathtaking views of the ocean. There will also be opportunities for lounging in the hammocks or for swimming in the warm shallow waters. At the end of the day, a transfer back to Praia do Forte.

Day 8 – Praia do Forte
On this last day, you will get your departures from Praia do Forte to the Salvador airport. We thank you for choosing us and we hope to see you again soon!

Contact us for a Custom Salvador and Praia do Forte Carnival Vacation Package created just for you..

Salvador Gay (LGBT) Friendly Hotel Options

• 5 star – Aram Yami Hotel
• 5 star – Pestana Convento do Carmo
• 5 star – Deville Prime Salvador 
• 4 star – Casa do Amarelindo
• 4 star – Villa Bahia Hotel
• 4 star – Grand Hotel Stella Maris Resort
• 3 star – Bahia Cafe Hotel
• 3 star – Pousada Papaya Verde
• 3 star – Pousada Estrela do Mar

Praia do Forte Gay (LGBT) Friendly Hotel Options

• 5 star – Tivoli Praia do Forte Eco Resort
• 4 star – Hotel Eco Atlantico
• 3 star – Porto Zarpa Hotel

Salvador Tour Options

• Private Airport transfers
• Full Day Salvador City Tour featuring Pelourinho
• Bahia Folkloric Ballet show
• Folkloric Dinner Show in a UNESCO World Heritage sea front Fort
• A typical Bahian lunch
• Mercado Modelo and other historical sites
• 4-Wheeler tour through Atlantic Forest with a river stop
• Canoe trip down the pristine Imbassai River
• Typical Bahian lunch at a fisherman village
• Complementary stress release massage

Praia do Forte Tour Options

• Buggy Tours along the North and South Beaches
• Ziplining with a Canoe Tour and Hike
• Sea Turtle Projeto TAMAR
• Day Trip to Beach village of Mangue Seco
• Jeep Tour to the D’Avila Castle and Sapiranga Reserve
• Jeep Tour to the D’Avila  Castle and Beaches
• Canoeing down the Imbassai River
• Snorkeling in Natural pools
• Scuba-diving
• Parasailing
• Banana Boat Tour
• Coastal and Deep-Sea Fishing
• Canoe Tour on Timeantube Lake
• Whale Watching