Brazil, a vibrant blend of culture and adventure, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable summer getaway. As Latin America's largest country, it spans nearly half of South America and remains Portugal's sole colonial legacy in the Americas.
The historic center of Salvador de Bahia, an urban gem in Bahia's capital, was founded in 1549 by Portuguese settlers and served as the continent's first slave market. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its colonial monuments, it encompasses the iconic Pelourinho district and neighboring areas, boasting architectural treasures from the 17th to 19th centuries. This is an ideal spot for cultural travelers and backpackers exploring Brazil.
The Terreiro de Jesus, one of the historic center's main squares, sits opposite the Basilica Cathedral. Jesuits established the first church here, later rebuilding it into Brazil's most significant 17th-century house of worship. In 1933, it became Salvador Cathedral, renowned for its Mannerist facade and opulent interior with gilded wooden altarpieces. The square also features other colonial masterpieces like the Convent of Saint Francis and the Church of the Third Order of Saint Dominic—must-sees on any Brazilian itinerary.
Beyond Terreiro de Jesus, the Archiepiscopal Palace stands as one of Salvador's most captivating landmarks, essential for any Brazil trip. Built in the early 18th century in Praça da Sé, it exemplifies colonial civil architecture. Designated cultural heritage by IPHAN in 1938, its three-level facade features a limestone pedra lioz portal adorned with the coat of arms of Archbishop Dom Sebastião Monteiro da Vide (1701-1722). Iron-grilled windows overlook a central patio, and it houses the Cruz Caída near the old cathedral site.
Nestled 75 meters below the upper town, Salvador's lower town connects via the towering 72-meter Lacerda elevator. Home to the business district, port, commerce, and beaches, it's a bustling hub. Visitors flock to the nearby Mercado Modelo by the port and Bay of All Saints. Constructed in 1860 and opened in 1912, this neoclassical market originally supplied grains, livestock, produce, cigars, and cachaça. Today, it's a vibrant showcase for local crafts. Don't miss the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, one of Brazil's premier pilgrimage sites, built from 1745 and famed for its grandeur.
Cap off your Brazilian odyssey with a visit to Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, one of the nation's most iconic structures. This 28-meter soapstone statue with outstretched arms—among the world's largest depictions of Jesus—perches sentinel-like atop Corcovado hill. Crafted by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, sculptors Paul Landowski and Gheorghe Leonida, with structural input from Albert Caquot, it draws crowds for weddings and baptisms. At its base, a chapel honors Nossa Senhora Aparecida.
