Salvador city tour: Lacerda Elevator & Bonfim Church

Four stops, one morning, no planning required

A half-day city tour in Salvador covering the Lacerda Elevator, Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, Tororó Dike and Mercado Modelo, with a Portuguese-speaking guide and hotel pickup included. The tour runs four hours and includes time for prayer and ribbon rituals at the church, plus shopping at the market at the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half-day city tour in Salvador

• Ride Lacerda Elevator
• Panoramic tour of Salvador
• Visit Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim
• Admire sculptures at Dique do Tororó
• Shop at Mercado Modelo

The Experience

The tour starts with the Lacerda Elevator, the first urban elevator in the world, which connects Salvador's High City to Low City. From there, the guide takes you through a panoramic route passing iconic points including Largo de Roma, where the Monument of Santa Dulce dos Pobres stands alongside the Social Works of Sister Dulce. The route is built to show you the city's layout and history without requiring you to navigate it yourself.

At the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, a pilgrimage site since the 18th century, you'll have time to make prayers and participate in the ritual of the colorful ribbons—symbols of faith woven into the church's tradition. The guide explains the significance as you move through, so the ritual makes sense even if you're encountering it for the first time. This is where the tour slows down and lets you absorb the place rather than just pass through it.

The Tororó Dike comes next, where you'll see the impressive sculptures of the Orixás created by artist Tati Moreno, and catch views of the Arena Fonte Nova. The tour ends at Mercado Modelo, one of Salvador's oldest and most traditional shopping areas, giving you time to browse crafts, souvenirs and local goods before heading back to your hotel. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so the only thing you arrange is showing up ready to go.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• a Portuguese-speaking guide for the full four hours.
• access to all four stops (Lacerda Elevator, Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, Tororó Dike and Mercado Modelo).
• time for the ribbon ritual at the church and browsing at the market.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Luck Receptivo Salvador

Is this one for you?The guide speaks Portuguese, so this tour works best if you're comfortable following commentary in that language or traveling with someone who is. The fixed four-hour schedule and included pickup mean the day is arranged for you—no transport decisions, no timing to coordinate.

Traveler reviews

4.73★★★★★★★★★★

74 verified traveler reviews

5 ★63

4 ★7

3 ★1

2 ★1

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the Lacerda Elevator and why is it on this tour?

The Lacerda Elevator was the first urban elevator in the world and connects Salvador's High City to Low City. It's an engineering landmark and the tour opens with it to show you how the city is structured vertically.

Can I participate in the ribbon ritual at Nosso Senhor do Bonfim if I'm not religious?

The Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim welcomes visitors of all backgrounds. The colorful ribbon ritual is part of the site's cultural tradition, and the guide explains its significance; participation is your choice.

What will I see at the Tororó Dike?

At the Tororó Dike you'll see the Orixá sculptures created by artist Tati Moreno and views of the Arena Fonte Nova. The sculptures represent figures from Afro-Brazilian spiritual tradition and are a major public art installation in Salvador.

Is there time to shop at Mercado Modelo, or is it just a quick stop?

Mercado Modelo is the final stop on the tour, so you'll have time to browse the market's stalls. It's one of Salvador's oldest shopping areas, with crafts, souvenirs and local goods.

Does the tour include meals or entrance fees to the attractions?

The tour includes hotel pickup, the guide and access to all the sites. Entrance tickets to any optional attractions and meals are not included, so budget separately if you want to eat or pay for any ticketed experiences.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks Portuguese predominantly. If you're not fluent in Portuguese, you'll want to confirm your comfort level with the guide before booking, as translation services are not mentioned as part of the tour.