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Mystical, Exotic and Radiant

Welcome to Bahia

The State of Bahia is located in eastern Brazil, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean along the state's 932 kilometers of coastline, two bays, more than 100 islands and innumerable coves and river deltas.

The climate is mild, with an average annual temperature of 27ºC. The sun shines almost year-round, which livens the spirit and darkens the skin of a hospitable and friendly people who favor colored clothes, believe in some african gods and make life a never-ending festival.

Experience Salvador

The beauty of Bahia leaves visitors breathless. Salvador, the first capital of Brazil, is the place to start. Forty kilometers of beaches with warm, clear waters are dotted with coconut groves and the ever-present thatched-roof beach huts serving, seafood, tropical drinks and ice-cold beer. Coral reefs and sunken ships in waters with good visibility make Salvador perfect for diving enthusiasts.

Salvador's Colonial City is the largest collection of Baroque architecture in Latin America. The Pelourinho or Pelô, as the old city is locally known, is an incredible center for leisure activities both day and night, with its bars, restaurants and shops selling everything from crafts to precious stones, and happy and carefree people who sing and dance to the rhythms of the purest Afro-Brazilian music.

The scent of dendê palm oil fills the streets of the Pelô, and is manifested in the delicacies of the Bahian women in traditional white dress, or "Baianas", who sell acarajé and abará, symbols of Bahia's unique cuisine.

Despite its deep historical roots, Salvador always has new things to offer. The Tororó Dike, completely restored, is an amazing park for leisure and reflection, with its luminous fountains surrounding statues of African gods known as orixás who protect the Land of Happiness.

Pituaçu Park brings together in one space the exuberance of coastal rainforest vegetation and the wonder of works of art by Bahian artists. Abaeté Lagoon Park, famed for its legends and as the inspiration for many well known Bahian songs, offers an incredibly beautiful landscape of white dunes, emerald lagoons and a blue sea, which is perfect for a stroll or a refreshment at one of the park's well equipped bars and restaurants.

Morro de Sao Paulo

The "Morro" is located on Tinhare Island, in the region of the Dende Coast, accessible from Salvador. Right upon arrival the "Morro" fascinates and entices its visitors. The first impression is that of a postcard: the mooring bridge of the maritime terminal, the "Portalo"- the ancient portal - the ruins of the ancient fortress, the Mother Church and the lighthouse compose a landscape framed by the native forest and by the dazzling blue of the sky and of the sea.

Diving, swimming, horseback riding, taking a bath in salt water pools or in fresh water springs, is part of an irresistible program. From the belvedere you behold the principal postcard of the "Morro": the sequence of small bays of the beaches, which form natural pools of such limpid waters, which make it possible to see submersed corals. The beaches don't have names and are identified by numbers.

Towards the third beach is the "Saudade" island. The place remembers a tropical garden - right in the style of Burle Marx - in the middle of the sea.

Vila (Village)

The Vila is the reference point for everyone on the island. The majority of pousadas, restaurants, shops and travel agencies are located here. It is where everyone goes, mainly at night, in order to see and be seen. A short walk through the Vila is a must.

First Beach

The first summer houses were built on this beach. Today most of them have become inns, although some traditional vacationers still keep their houses for seasonal use during vacations and holidays.

At the height of the summer, you'll find innumerable boats anchored off this beach because of the increasing number of "locals". Having the best waves in winter, it is also preferred by surfers.

Second Beach

This is perhaps the most famous beach of the island. At low tide, the second beach is being transformed into an aquarium, and even without the help of equipment, you can admire the richness of the under aquatic fauna. The area of the barracks is delimited with coconut palms and ornamental plants, which lend them a special charm. And it is here too, that at night the "luaus" (music under the moonlight) take place. Anyone who visits the island ends up enjoying the nightlife here at least once. Well known especially among young people, parties go on invariably until the sun rises. It is undoubtedly the most festive beach, where everybody goes to see and to be seen.

Third Beach

From the third beach we distinguish the "Caita" island, a small formation, decorated by a single coconut palm. There are also many coral pools on this beach.

The underwater view offers coral and fish of all colors and shapes. It's possible to rent all necessary equipment, from a mask and snorkel to a full set of diving equipment. Group boat trips can be arranged as well. An interesting option is to paddle your way to the island by cayak.

The rest of the coast is called fourth beach, until the "Boipeba" island, an extension of 20 km. of unspoiled nature.

Aditional Tours

• Visit all the historical monuments, especially the panoramic view at the Lighthouse and the Fort ruins.

• Go to Fort Beach at low tides to see the natural pools. Dive into the transparent waters of Morro de São Paulo, especially Third and Fourth Beach.

• Take a walk to Gamboa village, at low tide, passing by Ponta da Pedra beach.

Porto Seguro

On the southern coast of the state of Bahia, Porto Seguro is an important historical landmark, being the place where Brazil was discovered. Together with Trancoso, Arraial d'Ajuda and Santa Cruz Cabrália, it forms the Rectangle of Discovery.

Bahians says that by car, bus, ship or plane, all the ways lead to Porto Seguro, the starting point for those who want to experience "live and in full color" the birthplace of Brazil, or for those who want to practice sports, try some good food, learn the "lambaeróbica" or simply relax, forget the day-to-day routine, sit back and think about nothing except the beautiful seascapes, blue skies and the sun that shines throughout the year. It is an ecological paradise that offers a mix of history, culture, art and natural wonders. There are 90km of beaches protected by coral reefs, rivers, streams, coconut groves and the lush "Mata Atlântica".

Travel agencies organize tours that can last from 3 hours to more than one day. Schooners leave daily to Recife de Fora, coral reefs that at low tide form pools with crystal-clear waters. Other popular options are an excursion up the Buranhém River or trips to Coroa Alta, Trancoso and Caraíva.

This is a city that never sleeps! During the day the leisure options go from beaches to trekking in the forest; at night, the tourist can have fun at the "Passarela do álcool", a street where cocktails made with fruits and vodka are sold in colorful kiosks. The nightlife goes on at the coast with reggae music, partys and live music restaurants and beach huts by the sea. Sometimes, those huts have presentations of national and even international singers and bands.

The commerce in Porto Seguro works in strange hours. Some shopping malls and handicraft stores are opened until midnight. The city offers excellent cuisine. It can satisfy either those who want to get a taste of more sophisticated dishes or those who are looking for a good and cheap meal.

Arraial D'Ajuda

Arraial D'Ajuda, the largest "international" town in the municipality of Porto Seguro, lies on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in southern Bahia. This tropical paradise was first discovered by hippies in the early 1970s, a post-Woodstock generation that traveled the world and found in Arraial an alternative way of living with new values.

From high atop the cliff on which Arraial is located, there is a panoramic view of the Discovery Coast, and the town's unique charm brings together people from all over the world, especially the international jet set, who have adopted Arraial as a home away from home.

People dress very informally and it's considered completely normal to go shopping in a bikini or even go out to a nightclub in swimwear. Lunch feels a lot like dinner, and just when you think the town is settling down for the night, the festivities are just beginning with luaus on the beach and dancing until the early hours of the morning.