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What to see and do in Bahia

The state of Bahia embodies the essence of Brazil: fine sand beaches, warm water, myths, history, and abundant and captivating nature.

Founded in 1549, Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, remaining so until 1763. To many, it is still the heart and soul of the country due to its natural and cultural riches. The old city encourages travelers to experience its past through the streets of the Pelourinho, discover the extraordinary diversity of the waters of Bay of All Saints, and explore the exuberant beauty of the charming towns that dot the Bahia coast: Cachoeira, with its mixture of colonial buildings and candomblé temples; Morro de São Paulo, perfect for enjoying a day at the beach in the natural pools made by its coral reefs; and Imbassaí, a spectacular nature reserve with endless ecotourism activities. 

History tour of Salvador de Bahia

salvador de bahia

Salvador de Bahia is marked by its Portuguese and African roots. They can be seen in its colonial houses, the tiles of its churches, its vibrant rhythms and candomblé. This mestizo essence is visible on every corner of the Pelourinho neighborhood, the historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. On its labyrinth-like cobblestone streets loom majestic colonial buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, baroque convents, like São Francisco, and rococo-style churches like Nosso Senhor do Bomfim. Down the spectacular Elevador Lacerda, a striking elevator from 1873 with art deco colors, you reach Bay of All Saints, where you can enjoy the spectacular views of the San Marcelo fort. Other activities include visiting the Museu de Arte da Bahia, taking a stroll through the Mercado Modelo, or watching the sunset from the beautiful Farol da Barra. 

Excursion to Cachoeira

cachoeira

Sixty kilometers from Salvador de Bahia, hidden deep in the Recôncavo region, at the mouth of the Paraguazú River, is this charming colonial city dating back to the 16th century. Its streets, lined with historical buildings, go down to the river, where modern Brazil meets old Brazil, with a rush of people of all ages, cultures and religions. 

The Convento do Carmo houses one of the most important religious art museums in the country. In the sacristy you can see mestizo sculptures of Christ (with slanted eyes and a mustache) that symbolize the Brazilian ideal of universal union. The most curious may wish to also visit a candomblé temple, a religion that dates back to when the Catholic church prohibited the rituals of the African slaves, who had to find a way to join their Gods with the Catholic ones to keep practicing their beliefs. 

Boat trip to Morro de Sao Paulo

Morro de Sao Paulo is a lovely little town surrounded by idyllic tropical beaches and exuberant vegetation. You can only get there by plane or boat, so we recommend the second option as it makes for a relaxing day traveling down the Brazilian coast (the trip lasts about two hours in the open sea). Swim in the small natural pools formed by the coral reefs when the tide is low, and taste a refreshing mojito from the street vendors in this traffic-free paradise. The places of interest you can visit include the Fortaleza de Tapirandú, built to fend off Dutch invasions in the era of colonization, and the Fonte Grande, which supplied fresh water to the first settlers and African slaves. 

morro sao paulo

Whale watching in Bay of All Saints

In the first few months of the year, between December and April, large gray whales and humpback whales come near the coast in their annual migration from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm Brazilian bays, where they mate and give birth to their young. It is a spectacle you shouldn’t miss! At your hotel you can find out how to set up this unforgettable experience that will allow you get close to these majestic and curious beings by boat. They tend to emerge from the water to look at tourists more closely. 

whale watching bahia

River trip through the Reserva Natural Sapiranga

Ecotourism and adventure tourism lovers must visit the spectacular Reserva Natural de Sapiranga. This dense area of the Atlantic Forest is located in Mata de São João, just two kilometers from Praia do Forte. It is a true ecological sanctuary where adults and children alike can enjoy the abundant local flora and fauna, including orchids, bromeliads, anteaters, sloths and porcupines. You can also rent a kayak and travel down the three rivers that cross the reserve, finishing up with a refreshing dip in one of its waterfalls. There are also zip lines and a great number of paths to take on a bicycle or in a buggy. 

reserva natural sapiranga

Diving, scuba diving and other water sports

The warm, clear waters of Salvador de Bahia are exceptional for water sports. The most daring can submerge themselves on its coast to discover the spectacular coral reefs and explore the underwater remains of old shipwrecks. If you prefer something more relaxed, there’s nothing like renting snorkel glasses to discover the underwater flora and fauna of the rich Bahia coastline. Ask your hotel team which trusted agencies offer these kinds of experiences in Salvador de Bahia. 

water activities bahia

Excursion to the town of Imbassai

Between Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauipe, just 83 kilometers from Bahia, is this charming fishing village with gorgeous beaches and abundant nature. Located in the middle of a nature reserve, its roads cross dunes, swamps, lakes and the impressive Imbassai river, which joins the Atlantic Ocean among rows of exotic coconut palms. Beyond its narrow streets packed with artisan stores and charming restaurants with the essence of Bahia, one of the main tourist attractions is Projeto Tamar, which protects sea turtles and other species in danger of extinction on the coasts of Brazil. 

imbassai town