Expan Experience: Salvador de Bahia, the trendiest destination in 2025

Why is everyone talking about Salvador de Bahia ? What is it about this gem in Northeast Brazil that has captured the hearts of travelers from all over, especially from Chile ? The 'Capital of Joy' is the trendiest travel destination of 2025 for dozens of reasons. The most important: the guarantee of a vacation you'll never forget .

Rodrigo Acosta , Supervisor of the Latin America area of Expan Tours , tells us in this new edition of Expan Experience the details of his last trip to Salvador, where he visited the city's trendiest hotels , toured cultural essentials such as Pelourinho and was amazed by the beautiful beaches of the vibrant capital of Bahia.

A destination that's generating a lot of buzz

Recently, the Partiu Bahia Experience , coordinated by the Salvador de Bahia Tourism Department and hosted by Infinitas Travel , allowed tour operators from Chile , Argentina, and Uruguay to experience the destination 's attractions firsthand. The experience was perfect for rediscovering a city that has evolved considerably in terms of hotels, services, and activities over the past 20 years.

" Salvador de Bahia has positioned itself as one of the preferred destinations for Chileans in South America , second only to Rio de Janeiro . Air connectivity has been a key factor in this growth, with airlines like Sky and LATAM offering direct and connecting flights . It's a destination that will be making headlines this year ."

Top-tier hotels in Salvador

The hotel infrastructure in Salvador has seen significant progress, offering a wide range of high-quality services . For Chilean tourists , the ability to enter with just their national identity card and without a visa is a considerable advantage .

" Furthermore, the combination of accommodations in Salvador and all-inclusive hotels in areas such as Praia do Forte , Guarajuba and Imbassaí is a very attractive option ."

During the visit , several luxury hotels were toured, including the prestigious Hotel Fasano , Fera Palace and Vila Galé , as well as establishments in beach areas such as the Catussaba Resort .

The all-inclusive hotels in Salvador and its surroundings are comparable to those in other areas of northeastern Brazil , such as Porto de Galinhas or Maragogi . International chains like Iberostar have established top-tier resorts , such as the Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte and Iberostar Waves Bahia .

" One of the accommodations that surprised me most during my visit was the Vila Galé Mares , located in Guarajuba . After a recent renovation, the hotel offers luxury services and a special promotion: two children under 12 stay free in a double room, making it an ideal option for families ."

Things to do in Salvador: Culture + beaches

The activities also included tours of iconic locations such as Pelourinho , the city 's most famous historic district , where participants experienced authentic aspects of local culture . In addition, the group enjoyed the vibrant nightlife in the bohemian Rio Vermelho neighborhood.

" One of the highlights was the tour to the Island of the Friars (Ilha dos Frades) , which can be done by private yacht or shared boat . This natural paradise offers almost virgin beaches and the best of the exquisite Bahian cuisine ."

The tour continued to the most exclusive coastal destinations . In the village of Praia do Forte , an area with numerous shops , the group visited the renowned Tamar Project , dedicated to the protection of sea turtles . Hotels like the Tivoli Ecoresort actively collaborate with this initiative, contributing to the conservation of the ecosystem .

" We also took an exciting quad bike tour , after receiving an essential lesson on how to drive, which took the group through the Atlantic Forest, passing dunes, beaches and narrow roads , very entertaining. The journey culminated with an expedition to a waterfall and a peaceful canoe trip on a hidden lake ."

One of Salvador 's most striking features is the beauty of its beaches . Praia Porto da Barra , with its turquoise waters and calm sea , is considered one of the best. Additionally, in the area of beachfront hotels like the Gran Stella Maris and the Catussaba Resort , you can find beaches with stronger waves , but equally appealing .

Why is everyone talking about Salvador?

For tourists seeking a blend of history and relaxation , Salvador offers options both in the city center and on its nearby beaches . Distances are relatively short: the journey from the airport to the city center takes approximately 30 minutes, while reaching Praia do Forte, Guarajuba , or Imbassaí takes about an hour and a half from the heart of Bahia's capital .

" Salvador de Bahia is on track to become the second most popular destination for Chileans , after Rio de Janeiro . According to figures from the local Tourism Department, visitor growth from 2023 to 2024 has been almost 70% , which will further boost the promotion of the destination in Chile ."

One of the myths surrounding Salvador has been concerns about safety , especially in tourist areas like Pelourinho . However, the reality is that there is currently a strong police presence , ensuring a safe experience for visitors.

" The great advantage of going to Salvador is the direct flights . It's a plus . We're talking about a flight of approximately 5 hours . Comparing it to a trip to the Caribbean, for example, connecting through Panama and heading to the Dominican Republic, we're talking about a significant difference in travel time . In the case of Salvador de Bahia, you only need a 5-hour flight and a 1 hour and 30-minute drive to reach the all-inclusive hotels ."

Tips and recommendations

" For those planning to visit this destination, it is recommended to bring light clothing, sandals and guayabera shirts, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent , especially if you are going on excursions in the jungle or on the beach ."

The exchange rate is also favorable: currently, 1 dollar is equivalent to approximately 6 reais , making prices in Brazil more affordable compared to Chile . Furthermore, getting around the city is easy and safe with Uber .

With its idyllic beaches , world-class hotel infrastructure , and growing air connectivity , Salvador de Bahia is projected to be one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers in 2025. The opportunity to combine its rich history and culture with relaxation in all-inclusive hotels makes the Capital of Joy an unbeatable choice for your next trip .

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