Have any of you heard of and/or done business with this agency? I'm currently working on making arrangements for a trip to Salvador and Morro de Sao Paulo during my upcoming trip to Rio and want to make sure not to get involved with any agencies that aren't reputable. I'd definitely appreciate any information that you could provide me about this and other agencies that arrange affordable air and hotel/pousada packages.

Never heard of the agency, but what the hell do you need one for? Go to the Gol kiosk at the airport and get a ticket to Salvador, or (if it's not too late) buy a ticket all the way to Salvador from wherever you are coming from.. i.e, if you are travelling JFK-GIG, instead do JFK-SSA with a "layover" in GRU (since your JFK-GIG flight will probably go thru GRU anyhow) and hop over to Rio. Look around thse boards for the details, you'll probably wind up flying CMB-SDU to Rio anyhow.

As for SSA and MSP, their are TONS of pousadas and hotels... especially if you are going in the next two months (low season). If you are staying in the Pelourinho district (very touristy but nice architecture), I like Pousada Solar do Carmo on Rua Direita do Santo Antonio (about US$80 a night, pricey but good beds)... but there are lots of others up and down the same street. Make a reservation at one via phone (everyone speaks English) and then go there by cab and walk around. On the other han,d if you want to stay at the beach, pick any one of the big beach hotels.. but I like Barra better, there are several little pousadas there. I've stayed at Pousada Azul, they're average, but I'd go again, why not? Again, use the internet to figure it out, they all advertise and yo can find traveller's reviews. Poke around here on CH and you'll find tips on a "visitor-friendly" hotels, but most of them are as long as you are discreet.

On to MSP, may I ask why you want to go there? It's yet another one of Brasil's beuatiful beach towns that got completely ruined by tourism. Moreso because it's over-run with Euro-trash, Morro is now "the Ibiza of Brasil". If that's you're thing, go for it! But take it for what it is... Otherwise, if you are lookign for unspoiled beach towns, may I suggest Boipeba? If you are looking for fantastic beaches, then Itacare. If you are looking for "action" stay in SSA and hang out at Barra on teh weekdays, go to Praia do Forte on a weekend. If you are looking for pure partying, again, stay in SSA (although the beach parties in MSP can be fun - just prepare yourself for seeing tons of Slovenians on holiday, usually with their bf's).

Enjoy Bahia!

BS