Excursion Botanical gardens and african roots tour at Salvador

Follow a trail of ethnobotany to explore the African roots of Salvador on today's enriching half-day excursion. Salvador and its people of African descent have kept many traditions passing on orally throughout generations. Those traditions gather the rich African mythology brought from nations by various ethnic groups.

On this tour, discover the close relationship between botany, Bahia cuisine and cults of candomblé - one of the main African religions practiced in Brazil. Understand how African people have maintained their ancestral beliefs to the current day in the way they interact reverently with their environment. See the ways that the plant resources meet this people's cultural and physical needs, and most of all, that the African religious leaders are essentially ecologists that embody a deep respect for the natural environment.

Depart the pier and make your first stop nearby at the open market. Get an introduction to the botanical culture used for Bahia cuisine, learn about Afro liturgies, and also the medicinal resources used among indigenous, African and European cultures in Brazil. The Sao Joaquim Market is an extremely lively maze, overflowing with rich culture, vivid colors and a wide array of merchandise. The market is also a deep dive into the rich culture of Brazil, so close to the everyday reality of life in Salvador.

Next, continue to a local Candomblé terreiro, where the local leader shares about the important references of those lands where they still grow the sacred plants. This stop is also the delightful opportunity to taste one of the most popular food of the orixás, the acarajé.

Transfer 25 minutes to your last stop, the Salvador Botanical Garden. The garden is located in a regenerating area of Atlantic forest, with a great portion dedicated to preserving vegetation considered sacred in the African rituals. This splendid garden is dedicated to the Yorubá mythology that is the main root of Bahia culture and is so present in daily life. Take a walk passing by the Orixá, divinities of nature, and learn how they keep the concept of preservation and the understanding of the purpose to keep those forces alive for the wellbeing of local community.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Salvador, market tour, Candomblé talk, acarajé tasting, Botanical Garden

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, approximately 200 metres (218 yards) in total. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility; however please note that there are approximately 12 steps at the church. This tour does not involve a visit to the Upper City. We recommend wearing lightweight clothing, walking shoes and sun protection as the climate is usually hot and humid.