Salvador Pelourinho: Private Walking Tour & Lacerda Elevator

Summary

Walk Salvador’s old streets, ride the Lacerda Elevator, hear stories of Pelourinho and Bahia’s layered past

You’ll join a bilingual local guide for a private walking tour through Salvador’s Pelourinho district—riding the historic Lacerda Elevator, exploring Cidade Alta’s colonial streets, visiting Sao Francisco Church and Convent, and hearing real stories behind monuments like Praça da Cruz Caída. Expect sensory surprises and moments that linger long after you’ve left Bahia.

What’s the experience like?

We’d already lost track of time by the moment our guide, Ana, waved us over to the foot of the Lacerda Elevator. It’s this tall, kind of art deco thing that connects Salvador’s lower city to Cidade Alta—locals just call it “Parafuso.” There was a faint smell of fried acarajé drifting from somewhere nearby (honestly, that smell follows you in Salvador). The elevator doors slid open with a tired groan and we squeezed in beside two women balancing baskets on their heads. Ana grinned and told us how this was once the tallest urban elevator in the world. I tried to imagine commuting like this every day—20 seconds up or down, depending on which way you’re headed.

Stepping out into Cidade Alta felt like walking straight into a painting: faded yellow facades, blue tiles chipped at the corners, music leaking from an open window. We paused at Praça da Cruz Caída where Ana pointed out the spot where a cathedral used to stand—demolished for a tram line ages ago. She shrugged like locals do when history gets complicated. Kids were kicking a ball around right next to the Fallen Cross Monument; I liked that nobody seemed too precious about anything here.

The Sao Francisco Church and Convent hit me harder than I expected. Gold everywhere—walls, ceilings, even the air felt heavy with it. Ana said it took 18 years to build (and almost four just to restore), which made me laugh because nothing in my life has ever taken that long. The quiet inside was only broken by our shoes on old stone and someone whispering Ave Maria near the altar. Afterward we wandered through Pelourinho’s cobbled streets—past those 17th-century mansions with peeling paint and bright laundry hanging off balconies—and ended up at one of those spots where Michael Jackson filmed his video. Someone played Olodum rhythms on a drum nearby; my heart kind of thudded along for a second.

I still think about how Salvador feels both worn-in and alive all at once—you know? Like every corner has its own stubborn heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of Salvador Pelourinho

• Discover historic center secrets
• View from Conceição Hydraulic Elevator
• See Rio Branco Palace
• Visit Fallen Cross Monument site
• Explore Terreiro de Jesus square
• Visit Pelourinho Cathedral
• Tour Sao Francisco Church and Convent
• End at Michael Jackson video site

Top questions

How long does the private walking tour of Pelourinho last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours as you cover multiple sites by foot with your guide.

Is hotel pickup included for this Salvador walking tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meeting points are flexible within central Salvador.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is public transportation accessible near Pelourinho?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby in Salvador da Bahia.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide is bilingual; specific languages are not listed but Portuguese is guaranteed.

What are some highlights included in this walking tour?

You’ll visit Cidade Alta, ride the Lacerda Elevator, see Sao Francisco Church and Convent, Praça da Cruz Caída, and stroll through Pelourinho.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking distances and uneven surfaces.

Is lunch included during the Salvador private walking tour?

No lunch is included; food stops may be suggested by your guide along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes guiding from a bilingual local expert as you walk through Salvador’s historic center and Pelourinho neighborhood; entrance to major sites like Sao Francisco Church is covered along with your Lacerda Elevator ride. Flexible meeting points make joining easy whether you’re coming from downtown or nearby neighborhoods.