At the Afro-Brazilian Museum in Pelourinho, travelers will explore one of Salvador’s most important cultural institutions dedicated to African heritage in Brazil. The museum features a rich collection of artifacts, sculptures, sacred objects, textiles, and historical pieces that highlight the deep influence of African civilizations on Brazilian culture. Visitors will see exhibitions on Candomblé, traditional orixá representations, African art, and the cultural exchange between Brazil and West Africa. The museum offers time to walk through the galleries, observe the iconic wooden panels carved by Carybé, and learn about the history, spirituality, and artistic legacy that shaped Bahia’s identity. This stop provides an essential understanding of Afro-Brazilian roots and the cultural ancestry that defines Salvador.
Kwe Vodun Zo or Ilê Axé Oxumarê – What Travelers Will See and Do (Summary) During this cultural experience, travelers will visit one traditional Afro-Brazilian temple (terreiro) in Salvador: either Kwe Vodun Zo, a historic Jeje Vodun house in the Liberdade area, or Ilê Axé Oxumarê, one of the oldest and most respected Candomblé temples in Bahia, located in Federação. The visit depends on availability and the religious calendar of each community. Guests will explore authorized outdoor and common areas, learn about the history and spiritual lineage of each house, and understand the cultural importance of sacred spaces, plants, architecture, and traditions preserved by these Afro-Brazilian religions. This is a respectful, daytime, educational visit focused on heritage, symbolism, and identity — not a participation in rituals or ceremonies.
At the Dique do Tororó, travelers will enjoy one of Salvador’s most iconic scenic viewpoints. This beautiful lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and features the famous floating sculptures of the Orixás, created by artist Tati Moreno. During the stop, visitors can walk along the lakeside, take photos of the impressive statues representing deities from Afro-Brazilian traditions, and appreciate the panoramic view of the area. It’s a quick but meaningful cultural stop that highlights the connection between Salvador’s landscape and its Afro-Brazilian heritage.
At the Pierre Verger Space of Bahian Photography, travelers will explore exhibitions that celebrate the work of Pierre Verger— the French photographer and researcher who documented Afro-Brazilian culture — along with contemporary photographers from Bahia. Visitors will see powerful images portraying daily life, Candomblé rituals, popular celebrations, and the African heritage of Salvador. The gallery offers time to walk through the exhibits, appreciate the historical and cultural context, and take personal photos. This stop provides a meaningful visual understanding of Bahia’s identity and its deep connection with Africa and Afro-Brazilian traditions.
At the Casa de Iemanjá in Rio Vermelho, travelers will visit one of Salvador’s most symbolic sacred spaces dedicated to Iemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian deity of the sea. This small oceanfront shrine preserves offerings, images, and symbolic objects left by devotees throughout the year. Visitors can explore the exterior area overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, observe the traditional blue-and-white architecture, and learn about the significance of Iemanjá in Candomblé and local culture. The stop offers a peaceful moment to take photos, appreciate the view, and understand the importance of the annual Festa de Iemanjá on February 2nd — one of the city’s most iconic celebrations.
At Casa do Benin, travelers will explore a cultural space that celebrates the historical connection between Salvador and the West African country of Benin. The museum features a rich collection of art, photography, sculptures, masks, textiles, and everyday objects that highlight the shared Afro-Atlantic heritage between the two regions. Visitors can walk through beautifully curated rooms, admire artworks brought by French photographer and ethnographer Pierre Verger, and learn about the cultural, spiritual, and artistic ties that shaped Bahia’s identity. The space also offers opportunities for photos, quiet reflection, and a deeper understanding of the African roots present in Salvador’s traditions.
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People – What Travelers Will See and Do At the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People, located in the heart of Pelourinho, travelers will visit one of Salvador’s most important symbols of Afro-Brazilian resistance and spirituality. Built over nearly 100 years by enslaved and free Black artisans, the church preserves unique architectural details and a powerful historical narrative. Visitors can admire the striking blue façade, explore the interior decorated with religious art, and learn about the Black brotherhood that founded the church and its cultural significance in Salvador’s history. This stop offers a meaningful insight into faith, identity, and the legacy of Afro-Brazilian communities.
Wonderful experience that shows the knowledge of the tour guide. Location admission fees ways paid by your operator. This visit was over six hours, good value for money.
Our tour guide was Vagner and he was very knowledgeable and we had a great tour. He seems to be very well known and even was able to introduce us to a priest at one of the temple sites, which was a really unexpected surprise! The pace of the tour was really nice and we learned a lot about modern day Salvador culture as well.
Our private tour of was an unforgettable highlight of Salvador. Our guide was amazing — engaging, knowledgeable, and she truly brought the history to life with every step. As visitors of African descent, we especially valued the rich cross-cultural exchanges, which made the experience feel deeply personal and meaningful. We would highly recommend this as a number one tour in Salvador — insightful, moving, and not to be missed.
Incredibly enriching experience! Learned so much about the history of Candomblé and Salvador from Manoel. He was excellent at communicating the cultural importance of the different Orishas and Candomblé practices.
Worth it! My guide Vagner was very knowledgeable and helpful when asking questions. He took me to different parts of the city to learn about the African religions, visited the shrines, met a priest, toured a community that was once a favela, Pelourinho and took photos for me. One of the best tours!
Excellent tour of Candomble temples with a helpful guide and beautiful art. Definitely a great day in Salvador
This is a very safe tour. I enjoyed having Vagner as my tour guide. He is very professional and knowledgeable in Candomble practices and history. I'm so glad I booked!
This was a very informative tour about the practice of Candomble in Salvador. Vagner was very knowledgeable and well informed.
I cannot recommend this tour enough! It is a great perspective of the city sights & chance to learn a very crucial part of its history. The dedicated driver included in the tour is a real asset, it allows you to see so much. Vagner my guide was amazing, his knowledge on these topic is huge with many interesting little facts that make the experience that much more enriching! The tour answered many questions I had about Afro-Brasil faith and atrocities which they have been subject to. It has allowed me to comprehend more than I could have seeing these sights on my own, especially being an English speaker and only knowing a little Portuguese. Thank you again to Vagner for teaching me so much, I will never see the world the same again!
This was a wonderful tour that really helped me understand the background, history, and present day practices of the Candomble. Vagner was very knowledgeable and did an amazing job.
We did this tour on the morning of our departure, and Vagner, our tour guide was very conscious about meeting our time line for returning to the hotel for our flight. His explanations of the Fon and Yoruba African traditions and catholicism were comprehensive and gave insight into Afro Brazilian religious culture. Along with visiting a local market and highlighting herbs and clothing used in religious practices and ceremonies we also visited a shrine to water and a shrine within a Favela where candomble is still practiced! This is a great tour for learning more about the African traditions in Brazil, and I would highly recommend it!
Tour guide Vagner was super. He explained slowly and clearly. Driver Antonio was also super. He was the only one awake when all of us were sleeping till he reached our resort back at 11 PM. The Show was magnificent, the best. The dinner was good, though i had my tummy issues. I wish to have more interaction with the Candomble priest or witness a ceremony but all with no luck. We took much time in the market but that delicacy was good. Disappointed not able to see museums, not only the Benin but more African statue displays, although we had eradicated three repeats, still, we were restrained from visiting other places due to time. In short, Vagner may have some time management skill issues to tackle lol
the tour was informative but not enough focused. the agency is very greedy and took advantage of the situation and charged us double price for drop off at the airport however it was very close to the guide's house.
Knowledgeable guide explained the religion in a context that was interesting and understandable. Learning about another religion and its history and relevance today was great.
The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. A very strong command of the English language. Although some of the stops were closed because it was a holiday, the substitutions were just right. My guide and I connected because he integrated his personal experiences.
The guide was excellent...professional, thorough and extremely knowledgeable. We visited Fon and Yoruba shrines...while no ceremony was underway, helped understand the role Candomble has played in Afro-Brazilian life, past and present. Well worth it!
Fantastic experience! We learned a lot about Candomblé religion. Sacrifices and Candomblé rituals are performed in the house where we went with our tourist guide, Nilson. We saw the various shrines and learned about the customs of those who start the religion. Very interesting!
This tour opened up an authentic doorway into the world of Afro-Brazilian culture specifically Candomble. Every location was intentionally chosen to provide direct contact with the culture. We visited municipal site dedicated to the Orishas, an authentic terreiro, a public shrine to Yemeja, the market as well as a museum, and I am sure if it were not raining, we might have seen even more! I was amazed by how my guide went above and beyond to ensure that my desires were met. As a result, I walked away feeling like I had gotten my questions answered and more than I ever imagined. It's not everyday that you have the opportunity to delve into deeper mysteries with an expert tour guide. Don't miss the opportunity to take this tour. You remember it for a lifetime. I know I will!
If the agency propose you another tour because yours is finally deleted, just cancel. I payed 375 reals for the candomble religion mysteries tour which couldn’t take place. Instead of it the agency propose meto participate to a candomble ceremony. Another participant told me she paied 150 reals, I asked a part refund to the agency who refused... a bit dishonest, isn’t it???
Too expensive for what it offers. It's better to go by the tour points.
Simply extraordinary experience! The guided tour with Maria was without a doubt the best thing I did during my stay. I was looking for an authentic way to understand Candomblé and its mysteries, and I found much more than a simple visit: it was a true journey through time and into Afro-Brazilian culture. Maria is an exceptional guide: very well-prepared, passionate, and with a deep knowledge of the history, spirituality, and traditions of Candomblé. She knew how to explain complex concepts with great sensitivity and clarity, making every moment engaging and full of meaning. The organization was also impeccable: everything perfectly planned, with great professionalism and attention to detail. I recommend this experience to anyone who wishes to go beyond traditional tourism and experience an authentic encounter with one of the deepest souls of Brazil. Heartfelt thanks to Maria for an experience I will carry with me forever!
Monica was an amazing guide, with perfect Italian. He accompanied us to many interesting places, allowing us to get to know the Afro-Brazilian culture of Bahia. She carries out her work with heart and passion, and thanks to her we lived an authentic, intense and unforgettable experience.
When it turned out that we had already seen a lot of what the tour would offer, our guide Isaco proved very flexible and we adjusted the tour a bit. We were able to visit the home of the photographer Pierre Verger, which allowed me to step into his life and enjoy the stories, the photos and the Mood of his house where it seems like he can still walk in. Isaco knows a lot about candomblé and partly because of his clear explanations and stories, the visit to the terreiro became extra special. Palpable was the closeness of the community that was busy preparing for a celebration. How special to be able to share their world for a moment and feel how alive candomblé is, even after 150 years of oppression.
Of the 4 planned points, only one was made (the terreiro). The tour started very late, the guide said that it was not worth doing the Liberdade neighborhood, that there is no quilombo there and when we arrived at Pelourinho to do both museums, they were closed. We had to negotiate for an hour to get half the price paid, while we did half the tour. For me, it's a huge lack of professionalism and stealing.
All perfect. Very attentive guide caring about all the details of this attention to passengers to pass all the knowledge. So thank you.
Very interesting tour! Our Guide Monia was great and his English was very good. We could see many different places in Salvador that we would not have visited on our own, and it was fascinating to discover the connections between them through the African-Brazilian heritage.
Great guide, very careful. He introduced us well to this world. We can only recommend it. The driver was also super and very safe, which is a challenge here.
Excelente passeio. O guia Wagner é sensacional. Explicou tudo sobre a religião, sobre os pontos turísticos relacionados e sobre a história de como tudo começou. Os pontos altos foram a feira de São Joaquim e o Terreiro de Oxumaré. Ambos lugares espetaculares. O motorista Fábio também foi sensacional, nos conduzindo no trânsito engarrafado de Salvador. Parabéns à Viator.
Wir fanden die Kirche sehr beeindruckend im Pelhorinho und das Terreiro. Allerdings hätte man einiges auch selbst organisieren können mit ein bisschen Geschick. Mein Mann hätte gerne mehr über die Aufarbeitung der Sklaverei in Brasilien erfahren und wie mit dem Erbe der Kolonialzeit umgegangen wird.
A unique experience in which there is a guided tour of all the most important and significant places of Salvador in relation to the candomblé religion. The Vagner guide is excellent in all explanations, telling a bit of the history of the city and African culture. A unique experience in which we passed by the house of yemanja, along the origas, fair of São Joaquim and at the end we visited a jeje culture terrier. It's very worth it. Experience leaving a bit of the conventional, mandatory for those who want to know a little more of the Afro Brazilian culture.
Excellent cultural tour the guide Marcos Reis very kind and with a vast cultural knowledge. Clear and objective presentations making the tour interesting and very pleasant I loved every detail and discovery It was a special day full of axé.
I congratulate the staff of the agency, since I was able to remove many doubts that were kindly clarified by the guide who accompanied me, I realized that the same had a range of knowledge not only of the religions of African matrices but of many tourist points of Salvador and passed us many tips during the hours of tour.
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