The birthplace of samba and capoeira, Bahia is the country's pulsing epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture. So while everyone is flocking to Rio and its famed Copacabana Beach to soak up the sun, head north to Bahia to soak up a warm, vibrant culture.

Bahia is the sixth richest Brazilian state. Bahia is said to have the greatest and most African influence, in terms of culture and customs, in all of Brazil. Some of these influences are the martial art of capoeira and African-derived dance and music such as samba, afox, and ax.