Bahia beaches: Arraial d'Ajuda, Trancoso, Espelho & Caraiva
"chic resorts, deserted beaches and a hidden island"
North-East
Porto Seguro is where Brazil was first discovered and it is appropriate that this is the Hidden Pousada trip most well travelled, by Brasilian tourists at least : students partying all night in Arraial d'Ajuda and Trancoso; beautiful people chilling out in luxury on Espelho beach and independent travellers discovering history, glorious beaches, and one of the only accessible indigenous reserves in Brazil.
Bahian pousadas are known as some of the very best in Brazil and the ones here provide something for everyone- from those who like budget comfort and don't mind the odd resident frog in their room, to those who prefer the extra pampering of a boutique type hotel.
Brazil is very democratic: all beaches are free and of free access and there are thousands of miles of them. Whether you prefer deserted places or beachbar resorts, on this trip the soft golden sand stretches out endlessly in front of you..
Trip Airport(s):
Porto Seguro
Note: Google map markers are merely an indication of the mid point of the trip and in some regions existing roads have not yet been mapped.
Next steps?
Click boxes to select pousadas where you want to stay
Add arrival & departure dates, and check dates do not overlap
Calculate approximate cost, confirm details and proceed to BOOK NOW!
Notes:
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All pousadas can organise airport and onward transfers if required
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At any time click pousada picture for more details, or ask Alison
ARRAIAL D’AJUDA
Igreja d”Ajuda
Mucugê & Pitinga beaches
TRANCOSO
Quadrado square with pastel coloured houses
16th century church of St John at the end of Quadrado
ESPELHO
Espelho and Curuipe beaches
Off-shore reefs
CARAIVA
Beaches between Espelho and Caraiva
barra Velha Indigenous Reserve
ARRAIAL D’AJUDA
Side trip to historical Porto Seguro
Nightlife in Rua Mucugê
TRANCOSO
Window shop in upmarket boutiques
Buy home-made natural jewellery
Eat fish in Barraca do Jonas, Praia dos Coqueiros
ESPELHO
Chill out and eat well
CARAIVA
Boat down the Caraiva river
Buggy over to Corumbau
Hang out in Pousada da Lagoa bar
The airport given for this trip is Porto Seguro, but the google map provided may not help much from this point as there appear to be no roads at all. Fortunately this is not true. Hire a car at the airport and head south . Take the short ferry(balsa) ride over the river and you will be on the main road to Arraial d’Ajuda, only a few hundred metres from the Pousada Beijamar.
From Ajuda it is only an easy drive down the coast to Trancoso, Espelho and Caraiva. (Drop the car in the mainland carpark and get the boat over the river)
What should be pointed out, however is that the conditions of roads in this region is appalling- and they become impassable in normal vehicles when it rains , particularly between Caraiva and Espelho If there is any sign of rain it would be much better to organize transport by 4x4s via the pousada.
A couple of last points:
-ATMs are very few and far between and and in many places they do not accept credit cards!
-Don't make the mistake of thinking that because this is Bahia it is easy to start your trip in Salvador. Porto Seguro is actually nearly 500 miles to the south!
There are a few historical sights on this trip, but this is effectively a beach and boat ride sort of trip.
The other thing to note is that Porto Seguro, Ajuda and Trancoso have been discovered by mass market travel operators- at least in high season.
If you want to experience the region at its best avoid high season and holiday weekends, and also June- August when it rains most.
Alternatively join in, or take earplugs, or spend the whole trip cut off in Caraiva!
Annual Temperature
and Rainfall
Brazilian National Holidays
12/10/2010
N. S. Aparecida Day
02/11/2010
All Hallows Day
15/11/2010
Proclamation of the Republic
25/12/2010
Christmas
01/01/2011
New Year's Day
5/03/2011
Carnival- (start date of 5 day celebrations)
21/04/2011
Tiradentes Day
24/04/2011
Easter Day
Price Guide
Prices below are low season rates for two people in brazilian reais (R$). Standard double room, with
en-suite shower room, breakfast included.
