Best of Bahia

Trip Highlights

While all of Brazil is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and sensations, it is in the tropical state of Bahia where the nation’s special identity is in full bloom. Often referred to as the “New Orleans of Brazil”, Bahia is home to the historic intersection of African and colonial legacies. Music, cuisine, history: it’s all on vibrant display here, particularly in Brazil’s original capital and entrypoint to the region, Salvador da Bahia.

Highlighted in 2019 by both The New York Times and National Geographic as one of the year’s must-see cities, Salvador is where you will experience the Afro-Brazilian melting pot firsthand. Immerse yourself in capoeira and drumming lessons, discover the signifcance of the candomble religion or learn to cook mouth- watering Bahian cuisine. From there you’ll head inland into the extraordinary national park of Chapada Diamantina, literally the “Diamond Plateau”. Spend your days hiking Brazil’s most stunning peaks and snorkeling with fish through sapphire-blue cave grottos. Complete your Bahian experience with a visit to Trancoso, a once-sleepy fishing village that has evolved into a thriving bohemian beach town complete with charming shops and restaurants matched only by the town’s picturesque beaches.

Hotels described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival into Salvador da Bahia, the country's first capital and its cultural epicenter, you will be privately transferred from the airport to your hotel in Salvador. After check-in and a morning of rest, get ready for a walking tour with your private guide. Get to know the city's most famous and historical neighborhood, Pelourinho, the largest assemblage of colonial buildings in Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling the cobbled stone streets of the colonial district, flanked by houses in pastel shades, we will visit the exuberant São Francisco Church, the most ornate Baroque church in Brazil, and on a larger scale, the nearby imposing Cathedral where we will see the progression of the tropical Baroque from its first tendencies to the refinement of the Rococo. We will continue to the Municipal Square towering above the Lower City offering wonderful views of the of the All Saints Bay.

Overnight at Hotel Fasano Salvador (no meals)

Candomblé, an Afro-American religion brought to Brazil by the enslaved in the early 19th century, remains mysterious and misunderstood by many, but is key to understanding this influence that underpins Salvador’s unique African identity. Its role in the struggle against the blight of slavery cannot be overstated. This morning, we will visit a traditional candomblé terreiro or house of worship, established at the turn of the 20th century, which maintains the traditional religious and social values. The terreiro is also home to a small museum which traces the history of the terreiro, as well as an artisanal weaving centre reviving the tradition of ritual woven cloth. We will then head to a local restaurant for a delicious Bahian cuisine.

After lunch, you will learn about Brazil's most fascinating Afro-Brazilian martial art, Capoeira, that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. It was brought by enslaved Africans to Brazil at the beginning of the 16th century. We will visit a traditional Capoeira School where you will have the chance to meet Capoeira group leaders to learn about the sport, its history and philosophy. You can even try the instruments and the basic fight movements.

After resting at the hotel, it is time to head out to the intimate theatre of Miguel Santana to witness a stunning performance based on African traditions that have come to heavily influence the current Bahian culture. We will see the sacred dances of the Candomblé, puxada de rede, a song by a fishermanin honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea and maculelê. Following the show, you'll walk over to one of Salvador's most renowned restaurants, Uaua, for a Bahia’s most local cuisine.

Overnight at Hotel Fasano (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Early in the morning you will leave the city behind to explore the farm hinterland on the western side of the All Saints Bay. This is the land of sugar cane plantations, peaceful colonial towns and busy country markets - a full day into rural life in Brazil. Heading west, we will stop in the country market town of Santo Amaro and continue to the rolling hills of Cachoeira, the jewel of the Bahian hinterland nestled deep in the valley of the Paraguaçu River. After lunch, we will take a walking tour of the town, with a chance to visit local wood workshops. We will also visit the Danemann Cultural Center where world class cigars are expertly rolled. This tour is truly a journey back in time to the Brazil of yesterday.

After a late afternoon of relaxing, head out for a night in town to Rio Vermelho neighborhood. Rio Vermelho, referred to by Bahians as the “bairro boemio”, or the bohemian quarter, embraces the city’s bon vivants with open arms, and in many cases, open doors until the wee small hours of the morning. It is here that Bahians head to for a night out. The neighborhood has a myriad of bars, restaurants and botecos (tapas-like bars), all key to the district’s charm. Music completes the bairro’s attractions with a number of bars providing the best local live music in its many forms, traditional and contemporary. The first stop will be to savor the acarajé and a cool drink. Then move on to a busy boteco to taste some of the local delicacies and finally pop in to catch one of the music performances.

Overnight at Hotel Fasano (Breakfast)

You will be privately transferred to Salvador da Bahia airport for your departing flight to Lencois Airport. Once you arrive, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Begin to familiarize yourself with this beautiful surrounding as you explore the town at your leisure.

Overnight at Canto das Agues (Breakfast)

Once famous for diamond exploration in the 19th century, Chapada Diamantina is not as famous as other regions in Brazil, such as the coast, but it is by no means any less impressive. The park boasts a variety of ecosystems, flora, canyons, waterfalls, natural pools, rivers and caves.

Characterized by table mountains, semi-deserts, canyons, gorges and ravines, this national park is home to some of the most beautiful caves in the world. The caves are filled with crystal clear and vivid blue natural waters, and impressive cave formations invite for great snorkeling and diving. Throughout the tour, frequent stops will be made to visit the different caves for swimming and snorkeling (equipment provided). We will visit Lapa Doce, Pratinha and Gruta Azul. We will then finalize the day by climbing to the top of the Pai Ignacio Mountain, a flat-topped mountain for impressive panoramic views of the national park.

Overnight at Canto das Agues (Breakfast)

This morning we will do several guided hikes within the Chapada Diamantina National park, including the Serrano (‘Mountaineer’), Cachoeirinha (‘Little Waterfall’), Primavera (‘Spring’) and Cataratas Paraíso (‘Paradise Waterfalls’). In the evening, we will walk to the Ribeirão do Meio River.

Overnight at Canto das Agues (Breakfast)

Early in the day, we will depart to Lencois Airport for the departing flight to Porto Seguro Airport, which will lead the way to the bohemian beach town of Trancoso. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy your day at leisure at the world-class beach or simply enjoy the amenities of the hotel.

UXUA’s villas date back to 500 years, and have been beautifully restored by the designer Wilbert Das in collaboration with local artists using traditional techniques and reclaimed materials. Each villa, or casa, has a story, each with a legend and family history. With Bahia's rich culinary heritage mixing African, native American, and Portuguese influences, it is no surprise that the food scene here is dynamic, and we celebrate every aspect from the most innovative restaurant to the goodness of home cooking and simple, traditional street food. The Almescar Spa and Quadrado Restaurant found on site both provide 5-star service, making this the perfect ending to your holiday.

Overnight at UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa (Breakfast)

Enjoy your day at leisure.

(Breakfast)

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Porto Seguro Airport for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

• 8 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• Additional meals as specified

• Private scheduled guided touring as specified

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)

• All entrance fees as mentioned on tour

• Traveller Made ® Member Agency benefits at UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa:

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check out (subject to availability)

  • Relaxing 60 min massage at UXUA Vida Spa (1 per guest per stay)

  • 1 Capoeira class with teachers from Capoeira School Sul da Bahia

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• The state of Bahia is an all year round destination, but there is a higher chance for rain between April and June.

• December to March is high season and music festivals or nightlife is at its highpoint during these months, making it a great time to witness the joy and musical side of Salvador.

• Consider an extension to Rio de Janeiro to round out your Brazilian cultural experience, or perhaps head to the Pantanal or Amazon for a submersion into the country’s profound nature. Ask your Travel Designer for more details.